tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90956882566434549872024-03-14T20:48:59.277+02:00Living life breathlessly“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.comBlogger1264125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-11532658777993553662023-11-12T10:32:00.000+02:002023-11-12T10:32:46.069+02:00Kruger national Park Pics April 2023<p>So I see I never even posted some of the amazing photos and videos of our trip to Kruger National Park in April! It's disgrace that I hadn't been there since 2016! But sometimes life just happens... So we spent a night at Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp, a Night at Lower Sabie, 2 nights at Satara and 2 nights at Letaba. I enjoyed it SO MUCH, and really hope we can go again next year. <span style="text-align: center;">Privileged to live 4 hours' drive away from all of this... even though we barely have electricity and the water infrastructure seems to be on the brink as well LOL. </span>Enjoy the pics.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa5JTRy0UhMAXN-7COLp6aQ5K0zkSz878_rB8fKI5CU4nkXE8wgoxvCNxRjCUXI0fTtUYkJzs1LoQXs4BbCDzlWJdx8_x66WrD5EwPf0p5NKFVajNaw-Onpmfq0vFn4uwyfoNF1E9BLXqHzezaWuVGsVwrXPfulz7c_KEw5tDx3GL9Uth1YQPwAQDiBg/s4608/P1030457.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa5JTRy0UhMAXN-7COLp6aQ5K0zkSz878_rB8fKI5CU4nkXE8wgoxvCNxRjCUXI0fTtUYkJzs1LoQXs4BbCDzlWJdx8_x66WrD5EwPf0p5NKFVajNaw-Onpmfq0vFn4uwyfoNF1E9BLXqHzezaWuVGsVwrXPfulz7c_KEw5tDx3GL9Uth1YQPwAQDiBg/s320/P1030457.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYlFvW_epi_bx5DO3vL66px-DCiTEnA0IysmGAI7nu7QQaUgvOJwA882QLgR4zpAGM6lipGzSc04CWvVjFJMwaNUVAmr597hy98C5fomiFzUyNF017NGQZA3GZnxhc3GnSTSnD-sFqDN6SjYYXMWs5IB9aLGDliDefobJvrLWEdZYsxiBANb4Jq2bFDw/s4608/P1030394.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYlFvW_epi_bx5DO3vL66px-DCiTEnA0IysmGAI7nu7QQaUgvOJwA882QLgR4zpAGM6lipGzSc04CWvVjFJMwaNUVAmr597hy98C5fomiFzUyNF017NGQZA3GZnxhc3GnSTSnD-sFqDN6SjYYXMWs5IB9aLGDliDefobJvrLWEdZYsxiBANb4Jq2bFDw/s320/P1030394.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIZvNy7pyRGDXSnBSFUy-uVjqrt3QG_o4uAmHa4QFIV0XlnOUmeVhBVP8uVcWiW6l4Q51nj3nx3-76pqnGE3DBHxALUPonnig8K5NQVErejeZ_nt7LTE5EfeFXYaetNdfl4gx2Xg27DK-VhjiTNhzGGr7J7B4s0HqQQ6BLo4S7cWbV064ZK240Vu4eyI/s4608/P1030389.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIZvNy7pyRGDXSnBSFUy-uVjqrt3QG_o4uAmHa4QFIV0XlnOUmeVhBVP8uVcWiW6l4Q51nj3nx3-76pqnGE3DBHxALUPonnig8K5NQVErejeZ_nt7LTE5EfeFXYaetNdfl4gx2Xg27DK-VhjiTNhzGGr7J7B4s0HqQQ6BLo4S7cWbV064ZK240Vu4eyI/s320/P1030389.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLoYOKGaq0kGAW4SR1C9MiLnrKB8x1lbedFJVaFTmeJjdyaalhCYgCZDcy3oveT5yIWs-sOv_500HpBqcjBrHAG_qW9m355483M2jg3dC-KrQKNmqPnuosi4A8P0bpGdQx2ZKGTsHGgvL9kqo8NgwHE2a3HTHtMTg0_mGzKpa043lZLeFoGDgx0Q90cQ/s4608/P1030337.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLoYOKGaq0kGAW4SR1C9MiLnrKB8x1lbedFJVaFTmeJjdyaalhCYgCZDcy3oveT5yIWs-sOv_500HpBqcjBrHAG_qW9m355483M2jg3dC-KrQKNmqPnuosi4A8P0bpGdQx2ZKGTsHGgvL9kqo8NgwHE2a3HTHtMTg0_mGzKpa043lZLeFoGDgx0Q90cQ/s320/P1030337.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJT8rqWFBdl4mQ9G-yVliHcATouharoBlh0T4sLxCGUKJoNmHlLsfqKiDzNZdHV4dDVOuJWqkxt8nMbXTXWHWmc5HW5dYc8t4_QdWkpMFPq2fQeYwPQgH1Oe7YLgZSvsVXJFuUc8zlo9qAl5iC7RkASPRvEePIfT6ogmSBEubFqvxTtudgs67XR8Z5IHc/s4608/P1030314.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJT8rqWFBdl4mQ9G-yVliHcATouharoBlh0T4sLxCGUKJoNmHlLsfqKiDzNZdHV4dDVOuJWqkxt8nMbXTXWHWmc5HW5dYc8t4_QdWkpMFPq2fQeYwPQgH1Oe7YLgZSvsVXJFuUc8zlo9qAl5iC7RkASPRvEePIfT6ogmSBEubFqvxTtudgs67XR8Z5IHc/s320/P1030314.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ9Kzmp3_-tv4n6jXq4_TDjW9p-hG35d1DVXDprmO_8mV78ut_SaEk7K-iYeImD9riAvRj92vkWjyQVkS9kPe6rpk3EGrrY49RR4tdOh45ansXu-9wZal4juQNoK_BJdeEArtNqVNxG2xXfslUiAglA3ANY15MQf3JdC5xxA5Di_IaPXexrzpNnxdbJg/s4608/P1030307.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ9Kzmp3_-tv4n6jXq4_TDjW9p-hG35d1DVXDprmO_8mV78ut_SaEk7K-iYeImD9riAvRj92vkWjyQVkS9kPe6rpk3EGrrY49RR4tdOh45ansXu-9wZal4juQNoK_BJdeEArtNqVNxG2xXfslUiAglA3ANY15MQf3JdC5xxA5Di_IaPXexrzpNnxdbJg/s320/P1030307.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipi0lZjI4Y9eW-aLYMRE5C6sDClc-Z-Hm5X43CNwunxIqduQCR0tYIvQgiYSv7pBLzQeDemExxtYfcHpbfbwcPe8uY1wcA6422g_u3eHS61cEaixBk3ywqqvRzBJY27vsP-MV8i0l9cPpIZkf5p-aHkLiWDU3qCSwXJdhUPMnlO4GZWdBpj0_DjpKEHyY/s4608/P1030273.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipi0lZjI4Y9eW-aLYMRE5C6sDClc-Z-Hm5X43CNwunxIqduQCR0tYIvQgiYSv7pBLzQeDemExxtYfcHpbfbwcPe8uY1wcA6422g_u3eHS61cEaixBk3ywqqvRzBJY27vsP-MV8i0l9cPpIZkf5p-aHkLiWDU3qCSwXJdhUPMnlO4GZWdBpj0_DjpKEHyY/s320/P1030273.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ah1olbjP6b-m9h-knAhwA5D2717YJggY6X4146AhkmCefna58GaV5aYI0LLc6I-TNkw9PkGyzqNVJcZ0anTZ2I3h5bA3y_zFRTTj6mpaBpmC6zmU4vbwS1vBlTfdR_ToK3bL5UtfQcCiXmpCY-Li6plpT3OHQS-fAZdGzBgp5rG71fWzwmN0jJ6wutk/s4608/P1030245.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ah1olbjP6b-m9h-knAhwA5D2717YJggY6X4146AhkmCefna58GaV5aYI0LLc6I-TNkw9PkGyzqNVJcZ0anTZ2I3h5bA3y_zFRTTj6mpaBpmC6zmU4vbwS1vBlTfdR_ToK3bL5UtfQcCiXmpCY-Li6plpT3OHQS-fAZdGzBgp5rG71fWzwmN0jJ6wutk/s320/P1030245.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuFrZiE4QMF1o9_zVxkixxHnHQ_2NUzclXbU6M9C2qjSEHtyXozl2GLhjLlNeRTiQNKnsHkmlBy8jiMk_SRP4sQtQtuH-jGC3h6xc2awytCq6UATDBr65hOhVcphclCR3_ueCN9blXpYPE3zIPl-HiICR0lUEH_Tq3e_KJQulnieZ3j3PJT2YxAQqGUM/s4608/P1030240.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuFrZiE4QMF1o9_zVxkixxHnHQ_2NUzclXbU6M9C2qjSEHtyXozl2GLhjLlNeRTiQNKnsHkmlBy8jiMk_SRP4sQtQtuH-jGC3h6xc2awytCq6UATDBr65hOhVcphclCR3_ueCN9blXpYPE3zIPl-HiICR0lUEH_Tq3e_KJQulnieZ3j3PJT2YxAQqGUM/s320/P1030240.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WTAF44V54s65Tx2ROvp7mGf1cezRE6kNamlrCQ86nlwr0lnT2hMl__q_4tJe7ekLLFvtC_proiuEDRxZm0YkFAeQj86b5ayxtJm5Jm7mZvRH49nl4gSLniiWDHfD6dHKvLNjczvGZVJppAw8TbYl2ja-nolgWkmJIstvERxXTMMhvxWKWjYqpOB9zHU/s4608/P1030173.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WTAF44V54s65Tx2ROvp7mGf1cezRE6kNamlrCQ86nlwr0lnT2hMl__q_4tJe7ekLLFvtC_proiuEDRxZm0YkFAeQj86b5ayxtJm5Jm7mZvRH49nl4gSLniiWDHfD6dHKvLNjczvGZVJppAw8TbYl2ja-nolgWkmJIstvERxXTMMhvxWKWjYqpOB9zHU/s320/P1030173.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusoodk4VDtbNQu_vQXVUfoNKXDvJhxGRN9NQ60R2fa91ZPfF28GQ68bZJChpKRwSNndzOhnf0waBkMmcm9a_dU4sUqx95Ql02Eco9_70OkqPQ-WoVkF-Y3WPsGQOlbkBRE2uo4ZbgAWtFJZodZuh1WI25CTJsPJbTgTpLw2OqCMqJM2u9Ir1nWZoyiWc/s4608/P1030165.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusoodk4VDtbNQu_vQXVUfoNKXDvJhxGRN9NQ60R2fa91ZPfF28GQ68bZJChpKRwSNndzOhnf0waBkMmcm9a_dU4sUqx95Ql02Eco9_70OkqPQ-WoVkF-Y3WPsGQOlbkBRE2uo4ZbgAWtFJZodZuh1WI25CTJsPJbTgTpLw2OqCMqJM2u9Ir1nWZoyiWc/s320/P1030165.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacwT1waHHqcWFNVgh6yIWk9wZdhn15mrJhZT4gbgwKT9HH1TpGUukfK3uP6FZ2exHjmiSzXMgrEbcQ6vkxFfDYQAyDMTt0Ke62D2NOWereia4evo4GuJ8jsuEOcrLx72-EhWzxykJBwb5tHYtA97mQRyyaSJlP4Lhwg448zMnCYeJit6NJjDqK3STBMk/s4608/P1030153.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacwT1waHHqcWFNVgh6yIWk9wZdhn15mrJhZT4gbgwKT9HH1TpGUukfK3uP6FZ2exHjmiSzXMgrEbcQ6vkxFfDYQAyDMTt0Ke62D2NOWereia4evo4GuJ8jsuEOcrLx72-EhWzxykJBwb5tHYtA97mQRyyaSJlP4Lhwg448zMnCYeJit6NJjDqK3STBMk/s320/P1030153.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRqoq5wUpwFrGh6q6hH-cHnDVEcqKmu0ofGt0sjBuNIwa1puFNrJhqHFhEewH-WVmGoINhjxIdXWf50xGjTlll4qLyfNCV1KKr5DbJYZXdVx8rYHbjc7rn0_2Crh49GA9y_L4KJ8bq8Ew7sG-K3wdllstqQQ59PDDRbhIaHSB2fqydUFWvfAzRIPqwj8/s4608/P1030150.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRqoq5wUpwFrGh6q6hH-cHnDVEcqKmu0ofGt0sjBuNIwa1puFNrJhqHFhEewH-WVmGoINhjxIdXWf50xGjTlll4qLyfNCV1KKr5DbJYZXdVx8rYHbjc7rn0_2Crh49GA9y_L4KJ8bq8Ew7sG-K3wdllstqQQ59PDDRbhIaHSB2fqydUFWvfAzRIPqwj8/s320/P1030150.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6OADTDp3PrInRHH-_JZYlUaiF-Z9fXJZePe2tyWrA5dl2xa6Q5q7U2AYr4IXPHu7xGtR_8XZubTTWtS7nE9CJLBRWmZU5m2klpiCjoXmHZrNbdx-ws9Y9L_ziZkAwPKNNk8YBp2sczJoAkcIZCeEHMFLCbcsBydniI3abwePIiswoFR-FaOJZ247YMk/s4608/P1030046.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6OADTDp3PrInRHH-_JZYlUaiF-Z9fXJZePe2tyWrA5dl2xa6Q5q7U2AYr4IXPHu7xGtR_8XZubTTWtS7nE9CJLBRWmZU5m2klpiCjoXmHZrNbdx-ws9Y9L_ziZkAwPKNNk8YBp2sczJoAkcIZCeEHMFLCbcsBydniI3abwePIiswoFR-FaOJZ247YMk/s320/P1030046.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2BcyiZDqJ_GErKyKvbb2DOuoXB5sj6Dfxx6gq31ypGGifRFPTuUdTFnpg1xMYTWiQfh8uq1jzSSde7XDuWF-QTYi36c1V45WViP1belZExaMQUKJrl1T8YCzfyrzjbk-GZOS3GIWJB9-qf72lKqeliiYpUWRTx7q40OzccKySXqH2OB0gysR6RTlK9M/s4608/P1030010.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2BcyiZDqJ_GErKyKvbb2DOuoXB5sj6Dfxx6gq31ypGGifRFPTuUdTFnpg1xMYTWiQfh8uq1jzSSde7XDuWF-QTYi36c1V45WViP1belZExaMQUKJrl1T8YCzfyrzjbk-GZOS3GIWJB9-qf72lKqeliiYpUWRTx7q40OzccKySXqH2OB0gysR6RTlK9M/s320/P1030010.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6Gjd5hiYxBDpXf5a5ncidGSW60fsNxT7pHlm8nYs5UJh7E2MJiN58_niwAoIOxoQBo67ESUr-FUvugkAE26mmVgHPCbaRVwe1efsdhyphenhyphenjrfnyfxBoZEE9MZFxn6V7DgKisRIMdZqJ_nm_hG4Th9bn5fLZAneUXkNSYrYRztz3D78aEte0sfsV5nGnU0I/s4608/P1030007.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6Gjd5hiYxBDpXf5a5ncidGSW60fsNxT7pHlm8nYs5UJh7E2MJiN58_niwAoIOxoQBo67ESUr-FUvugkAE26mmVgHPCbaRVwe1efsdhyphenhyphenjrfnyfxBoZEE9MZFxn6V7DgKisRIMdZqJ_nm_hG4Th9bn5fLZAneUXkNSYrYRztz3D78aEte0sfsV5nGnU0I/s320/P1030007.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV02zTgrahvr3nbqYLEhpLPuYypLOTyysxxnFRaWp6_2A6ZhJsdzQW3yGX3Hgx0oxzVq60E42rSsti5QWHuSTq9XKvydhz5iLjaGXigvHQYOkhfvh8bnb4f4YvyCGo5B_WHW4XvCL-LnqKFeOfW1837MlGnew_FywAwUqpXRe77ouuZpKZt6yjnF_f_w/s4608/P1020989.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV02zTgrahvr3nbqYLEhpLPuYypLOTyysxxnFRaWp6_2A6ZhJsdzQW3yGX3Hgx0oxzVq60E42rSsti5QWHuSTq9XKvydhz5iLjaGXigvHQYOkhfvh8bnb4f4YvyCGo5B_WHW4XvCL-LnqKFeOfW1837MlGnew_FywAwUqpXRe77ouuZpKZt6yjnF_f_w/s320/P1020989.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uKo6LXswMJ7DurvOjCkVP4owgasxAh87WqH_Plk_hVOxMHBDVSGIQ0Q3bDwNEzhA0YMP8tuW6bKkZDzkI_4e3kG6RT5ALNeYdvw1xHalqIG0Wftgj4j3HSbmEGjkyLoHn7Vug5vZG6KPJENub8_in9pCkiINrsJNzjOlhXVilms1bZhkcRYisa5M9zY/s4608/P1020982.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uKo6LXswMJ7DurvOjCkVP4owgasxAh87WqH_Plk_hVOxMHBDVSGIQ0Q3bDwNEzhA0YMP8tuW6bKkZDzkI_4e3kG6RT5ALNeYdvw1xHalqIG0Wftgj4j3HSbmEGjkyLoHn7Vug5vZG6KPJENub8_in9pCkiINrsJNzjOlhXVilms1bZhkcRYisa5M9zY/s320/P1020982.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oiWDSKHC_uJNR6GFY-hXELUNNbHE9Ek5Rf43AvdQjPyKiHlckuLB3CxB32PAksbdJ5sEpvlhEqjHrwq4M71kvhlFa4CcVlT2OQyXGorvqxAUttOSJFT1c1OmMOPF2u4WXgUmxyeuJx4smNc88dx0isFUAu1fzcBFSvtPO51GskpB7WAYExQiCP7slvA/s4608/P1020977.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oiWDSKHC_uJNR6GFY-hXELUNNbHE9Ek5Rf43AvdQjPyKiHlckuLB3CxB32PAksbdJ5sEpvlhEqjHrwq4M71kvhlFa4CcVlT2OQyXGorvqxAUttOSJFT1c1OmMOPF2u4WXgUmxyeuJx4smNc88dx0isFUAu1fzcBFSvtPO51GskpB7WAYExQiCP7slvA/s320/P1020977.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9017LcH7yyUBSTcpFHhNCMmrAxD_c_3rTUIVVoTa1K0ipLszIuFWtjYGEQruwYzWmYy7Ho_lUyeEwsb_rcxvIRNAqtSR09t-ONq29kJVLLEqJxNJAyKkqEmm4YIjsLoWzgE2yEqgKfWpPb6x1z9K9wvUIWbSOCS81aIJ0jgWiQOHVbNbLCTXOwKp8l8/s4608/P1020953.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9017LcH7yyUBSTcpFHhNCMmrAxD_c_3rTUIVVoTa1K0ipLszIuFWtjYGEQruwYzWmYy7Ho_lUyeEwsb_rcxvIRNAqtSR09t-ONq29kJVLLEqJxNJAyKkqEmm4YIjsLoWzgE2yEqgKfWpPb6x1z9K9wvUIWbSOCS81aIJ0jgWiQOHVbNbLCTXOwKp8l8/s320/P1020953.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcWWT5C48jWA4NSIrqM24mi0NcKEB3211k_CZmOaPFA0DAtiJLD4R8ULqZ5IlCd_OCSKNOm01tQ9t6pl3Gbk3imbu2dLS_lg4pAjKgsXIphRzu-bAVekKgemLOHR_zf1w6-Ey8AYsJexjFONGTdeAVWYUFFbxnF7dPwpqaZUORH45T2s487OuY52ugWA/s4608/P1020946.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcWWT5C48jWA4NSIrqM24mi0NcKEB3211k_CZmOaPFA0DAtiJLD4R8ULqZ5IlCd_OCSKNOm01tQ9t6pl3Gbk3imbu2dLS_lg4pAjKgsXIphRzu-bAVekKgemLOHR_zf1w6-Ey8AYsJexjFONGTdeAVWYUFFbxnF7dPwpqaZUORH45T2s487OuY52ugWA/s320/P1020946.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUCcoGJTkyhT0p_cv7eenld1DiIiP7hTNL-EPgu7I5mP6q0LuF5a4dxz4onAq8vGazodYrbARJwhwz5j3inQ656GVoIIX_COgmg_lkzYTjTmq85ym_61KoUaRc1HEFo6vhzvR1e5m0SroTM2dz0ltDNG1ZgwxKhwAsEZEENo5YFYuCyoY8otJpXIiXw0/s4608/P1020942.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUCcoGJTkyhT0p_cv7eenld1DiIiP7hTNL-EPgu7I5mP6q0LuF5a4dxz4onAq8vGazodYrbARJwhwz5j3inQ656GVoIIX_COgmg_lkzYTjTmq85ym_61KoUaRc1HEFo6vhzvR1e5m0SroTM2dz0ltDNG1ZgwxKhwAsEZEENo5YFYuCyoY8otJpXIiXw0/s320/P1020942.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjHFTIL5-4aSPSePUfnDjbQ9eyBdatGCffB22PyRqCeJrtdJv4f18jXP4E_LwyMtfTC-UV99pB0EvY0GJB6DDgy59VKwxU80PL5m7nIqv4cXUd4n7gUnXT24RwdiTq1ZccDPk78Xsu-IzbEnOL9hAXtWS7WcxcT_NNUDUKVSDlGijBR4TZlfSZCIkIWU/s4608/P1020888.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjHFTIL5-4aSPSePUfnDjbQ9eyBdatGCffB22PyRqCeJrtdJv4f18jXP4E_LwyMtfTC-UV99pB0EvY0GJB6DDgy59VKwxU80PL5m7nIqv4cXUd4n7gUnXT24RwdiTq1ZccDPk78Xsu-IzbEnOL9hAXtWS7WcxcT_NNUDUKVSDlGijBR4TZlfSZCIkIWU/s320/P1020888.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFzQb2lislI6s5XKPET-TTFmKOYx9MM6bbVkMOfCl6U4iztGg6u6Thk6e4xIZOLYM2HV7gPlHNrOUV9el-sdunfhovj6M2BCCU6U86jPLPu1dSs7pi8wNnzWk_ifnjlwjuTKjvn4sKN49hig5c7EwqPr_P67kwlGfkBjPnr3gNI5lEmlA4YyJCEePbj8/s4608/P1020856.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFzQb2lislI6s5XKPET-TTFmKOYx9MM6bbVkMOfCl6U4iztGg6u6Thk6e4xIZOLYM2HV7gPlHNrOUV9el-sdunfhovj6M2BCCU6U86jPLPu1dSs7pi8wNnzWk_ifnjlwjuTKjvn4sKN49hig5c7EwqPr_P67kwlGfkBjPnr3gNI5lEmlA4YyJCEePbj8/s320/P1020856.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95bU4xZm4FcxIyU_-565KP2vAHkby5eNGk2Tsu4kFCExfJWYMQZI029BjhDPmfBbCEEe601UVijeBixcQ33U3PrCjjVCprqs50LF92WPk9u_gMCtOaiYOJUVrqUNd8s2AgbG-JzD1BFnvoADuUiM_QRGnaTnsxg1lUkJ3y1kB7lTGK8qdOm457-Gm7dM/s4608/P1020760.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95bU4xZm4FcxIyU_-565KP2vAHkby5eNGk2Tsu4kFCExfJWYMQZI029BjhDPmfBbCEEe601UVijeBixcQ33U3PrCjjVCprqs50LF92WPk9u_gMCtOaiYOJUVrqUNd8s2AgbG-JzD1BFnvoADuUiM_QRGnaTnsxg1lUkJ3y1kB7lTGK8qdOm457-Gm7dM/s320/P1020760.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcC6QtsO0jQdf3I2KomenhsIA8wQP5nnvvGtSbfjRTz6J6G9pqHxrKRUr9lWVakm0wjabUlks77ZVdGK6I0lsyQIk6l3eB0vyfkMRU_k4H24WBhWIcOf7mFAYPalJgHyGIWiztz25YfCNMv2dmiwWET-2IIrQ37zyHLgDj7ULc7V1AQIQPQElw6AgJnY/s4608/P1020726.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcC6QtsO0jQdf3I2KomenhsIA8wQP5nnvvGtSbfjRTz6J6G9pqHxrKRUr9lWVakm0wjabUlks77ZVdGK6I0lsyQIk6l3eB0vyfkMRU_k4H24WBhWIcOf7mFAYPalJgHyGIWiztz25YfCNMv2dmiwWET-2IIrQ37zyHLgDj7ULc7V1AQIQPQElw6AgJnY/s320/P1020726.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEIE4DYNGgdezPpnPAn6UtWLpJLjmVN3sinwmc7kLLJsz2XWF0Agzfv6IgGnz_WRpf3OjeOb1y-byLGW_1UjH0c8cBu7hYuQNBdcdFfjf5PeO8JSxMP5imSy_gj2GnNsqGgCgWK69gB_YW81Dw5yKEmDGeE0dwRPs7E8dXbkMYB5-JKPIeKKQ3MZzlG8/s4608/P1020720.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEIE4DYNGgdezPpnPAn6UtWLpJLjmVN3sinwmc7kLLJsz2XWF0Agzfv6IgGnz_WRpf3OjeOb1y-byLGW_1UjH0c8cBu7hYuQNBdcdFfjf5PeO8JSxMP5imSy_gj2GnNsqGgCgWK69gB_YW81Dw5yKEmDGeE0dwRPs7E8dXbkMYB5-JKPIeKKQ3MZzlG8/s320/P1020720.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tjL6VfJ-Z5QELSu0bVRYMhHbYWFfMWURBqJ5hBXxLMyD8o3K_yPZYgv7Ax3DQykYM_IpmDlvF_yn23WVDQXaiOsdIdSPgWmKN4XMn53eLZ7bxY3472IeyuiuaPV8BwwWRmyWjNgz1eo53dsSXmzzBUhL-8ENOfVQYeKJUngue7Jf7G7FdLVtkb_7PDw/s4032/IMG_6718.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tjL6VfJ-Z5QELSu0bVRYMhHbYWFfMWURBqJ5hBXxLMyD8o3K_yPZYgv7Ax3DQykYM_IpmDlvF_yn23WVDQXaiOsdIdSPgWmKN4XMn53eLZ7bxY3472IeyuiuaPV8BwwWRmyWjNgz1eo53dsSXmzzBUhL-8ENOfVQYeKJUngue7Jf7G7FdLVtkb_7PDw/s320/IMG_6718.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEVFKBLnlTudynTrXxLpetXDBdC04lvluzW1QnDSaCoSIS69-lGbGg6xWCjzcwTPfSca2si8iXVfrGY-iBJkHqFzsvkxAZyLouomlGkxzlxKFU6jFcAmumlG8ZBjI5ZXtAZ1dqapTFbVM5s71RORzF5penxp8sYEStkI9egfKohC_xUoYU7ZcTDXjcwo/s4032/IMG_6710.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEVFKBLnlTudynTrXxLpetXDBdC04lvluzW1QnDSaCoSIS69-lGbGg6xWCjzcwTPfSca2si8iXVfrGY-iBJkHqFzsvkxAZyLouomlGkxzlxKFU6jFcAmumlG8ZBjI5ZXtAZ1dqapTFbVM5s71RORzF5penxp8sYEStkI9egfKohC_xUoYU7ZcTDXjcwo/s320/IMG_6710.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSMPCIULvH6Va2giKGZK2y1anzTLJvOqG27yMw8_YiVKfkuKpzuCUwfjEbOG43Y0teveFN6OHpWO3V2ILlhgOd9gC_BoIbU9I7LNO3W5cuY73p5OLCvH5KQ5V2_hKDo22NbBvyvi2QlbirrOIt2MdXWZtUo9klCGa8FvxCpk4Vr3YmQDhbVfm7mFPPGE/s4032/IMG_6673.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSMPCIULvH6Va2giKGZK2y1anzTLJvOqG27yMw8_YiVKfkuKpzuCUwfjEbOG43Y0teveFN6OHpWO3V2ILlhgOd9gC_BoIbU9I7LNO3W5cuY73p5OLCvH5KQ5V2_hKDo22NbBvyvi2QlbirrOIt2MdXWZtUo9klCGa8FvxCpk4Vr3YmQDhbVfm7mFPPGE/s320/IMG_6673.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUvhlAkYiIOVkAXv9j0XidAD-j-Jg7etrT3buLhPZayeZABnHQ5F6pTVHjgmN98phtfQB95zbN6iszxRR6rQhyphenhyphenUZLsINMrZe8gAWVG8SN45si_ky4GszCYf_4jccC9A6vV0-vEXGWvIirqSCv5i0bg3oICLzpgrsu_UhThqH5kZfgJK2LfTYmoMJfb6k/s4032/IMG_6651.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUvhlAkYiIOVkAXv9j0XidAD-j-Jg7etrT3buLhPZayeZABnHQ5F6pTVHjgmN98phtfQB95zbN6iszxRR6rQhyphenhyphenUZLsINMrZe8gAWVG8SN45si_ky4GszCYf_4jccC9A6vV0-vEXGWvIirqSCv5i0bg3oICLzpgrsu_UhThqH5kZfgJK2LfTYmoMJfb6k/s320/IMG_6651.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxR0a7MjusX-6_5eR-Y1wVkf6qSLT6KdbwvYvRFhbQZz9anZRm-JL3HLXWRGn2RAEHF0NnGmlMe1rwxkrjhPx6tRj7NiReDfQfyEzf2AlSHNOU-EWdHbHrkBnbkfu692b_h944bQVtrHG-SmnOzc3wKUDsVrcH9ibLofAkfaw5ZLijI_KUpSFJ0JphjM0/s4032/IMG_6613.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxR0a7MjusX-6_5eR-Y1wVkf6qSLT6KdbwvYvRFhbQZz9anZRm-JL3HLXWRGn2RAEHF0NnGmlMe1rwxkrjhPx6tRj7NiReDfQfyEzf2AlSHNOU-EWdHbHrkBnbkfu692b_h944bQVtrHG-SmnOzc3wKUDsVrcH9ibLofAkfaw5ZLijI_KUpSFJ0JphjM0/s320/IMG_6613.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYstt7kL1YN-d-3ujr9RMMh6iLE5Rv7L1CVgxIYkqCRWzRB5vaMp5UlbWlGW8-tauEtwCAmXYzuj69nGB6_XrGBNKVOD6fS0fL4uN5-VjV-m2RoBB_zy_LpvAwy1ObUdJjsdkWquWsk9hEcOXFGoVFSHi2Jxf-gXzHYg2QfaARbdsHqfR6Lw84P9HriU/s4032/IMG_6560.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYstt7kL1YN-d-3ujr9RMMh6iLE5Rv7L1CVgxIYkqCRWzRB5vaMp5UlbWlGW8-tauEtwCAmXYzuj69nGB6_XrGBNKVOD6fS0fL4uN5-VjV-m2RoBB_zy_LpvAwy1ObUdJjsdkWquWsk9hEcOXFGoVFSHi2Jxf-gXzHYg2QfaARbdsHqfR6Lw84P9HriU/s320/IMG_6560.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOhoYdAnvkhRRBdGWvv07DL5pKvYIv49Mv6cjLhsuTM59-qf26ifoXVpwv_EoOpDoCSOdFn0dU7VmCIhdYQZdWwt1ErTMvZ-8FMLNRbprrpGA7TOtkyzaOTvIYr4hiWKkpHdgXESiCfXAeF5RiqKTaQsE78LFUArjsg0mFalHuFyBi-DTrDfOnPBmRgY/s4032/IMG_6511.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOhoYdAnvkhRRBdGWvv07DL5pKvYIv49Mv6cjLhsuTM59-qf26ifoXVpwv_EoOpDoCSOdFn0dU7VmCIhdYQZdWwt1ErTMvZ-8FMLNRbprrpGA7TOtkyzaOTvIYr4hiWKkpHdgXESiCfXAeF5RiqKTaQsE78LFUArjsg0mFalHuFyBi-DTrDfOnPBmRgY/s320/IMG_6511.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpLvKgjg-bxH7WugaLe9Qyk-vdAffWiiZpsQDweR-Vsrk-1K41C0Ux-_xDfHMkqYVSEvJoHJiQJYgESDFLmAkZjjzQXkHzMcRlHvuAwvB3zetOZ8eWM_4gCL9gtZeoZFl3Iiv7K0TTI4m4HdVXXD6yogZYc4DJzacL7kMIg70Wd_UQc-PTc88WLC3dJM/s4032/IMG_6489.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpLvKgjg-bxH7WugaLe9Qyk-vdAffWiiZpsQDweR-Vsrk-1K41C0Ux-_xDfHMkqYVSEvJoHJiQJYgESDFLmAkZjjzQXkHzMcRlHvuAwvB3zetOZ8eWM_4gCL9gtZeoZFl3Iiv7K0TTI4m4HdVXXD6yogZYc4DJzacL7kMIg70Wd_UQc-PTc88WLC3dJM/s320/IMG_6489.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3l5Tgp3degcrlaqoYFLC_i52S5-sarFRaNNk-i8A-A4VaWbalxjhpOR7gWQvrcE-7u7fxN6noP65WRTRASNDQkOz6xkXrcR1g10sBciWz7zAZFuOm8FnUrSuN7fJgJyFhyphenhyphenwDwXRu9Z8nAueXPILC_siRsfv19WbzG5HvP7URSahEHkLL2cD5gRTAY6s/s1440/ED89F037-3000-47DD-87E8-5227A09EAA45.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1440" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3l5Tgp3degcrlaqoYFLC_i52S5-sarFRaNNk-i8A-A4VaWbalxjhpOR7gWQvrcE-7u7fxN6noP65WRTRASNDQkOz6xkXrcR1g10sBciWz7zAZFuOm8FnUrSuN7fJgJyFhyphenhyphenwDwXRu9Z8nAueXPILC_siRsfv19WbzG5HvP7URSahEHkLL2cD5gRTAY6s/s320/ED89F037-3000-47DD-87E8-5227A09EAA45.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gId3ve0DLPZ7K-9z5-Aeh73gZYYReZiy1ZBFh_tyPw219yDpjK8aF7oc4T65f2anx_iRJXZF6PdsfKVus5WMajY4FQ51wzhaDuzGbXg1IXEQeHspu7vY6Gx2y1MmaWzhWipKfTgJt1rJqpg1DBON8J_t5oeTCt5MpnmLm1cEMciQvJ_zzqUaaVEo0uw/s1440/DA7F5ABA-243B-40F1-8079-2FB4529FD039.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1440" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gId3ve0DLPZ7K-9z5-Aeh73gZYYReZiy1ZBFh_tyPw219yDpjK8aF7oc4T65f2anx_iRJXZF6PdsfKVus5WMajY4FQ51wzhaDuzGbXg1IXEQeHspu7vY6Gx2y1MmaWzhWipKfTgJt1rJqpg1DBON8J_t5oeTCt5MpnmLm1cEMciQvJ_zzqUaaVEo0uw/s320/DA7F5ABA-243B-40F1-8079-2FB4529FD039.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzcYcbQdvptcGIa1vFcfgKWJ6ijqNQMmAMwFK4tF4vguzGsbt45Ye8oQhauet9fhR0TQxSKXNcuNgyC37Zd_NgmcllxtNewZliAFAyLWQ8kmYwXjFcPOK0j6-cIpdbIFxpaJLrAfWlqN_6jzornQ0L663LHEo3dqeYFcu5ptvuoHm6hec797bXyUNu7o/s1280/bb24ecb6-1e8c-4c6a-8027-696358c886f2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzcYcbQdvptcGIa1vFcfgKWJ6ijqNQMmAMwFK4tF4vguzGsbt45Ye8oQhauet9fhR0TQxSKXNcuNgyC37Zd_NgmcllxtNewZliAFAyLWQ8kmYwXjFcPOK0j6-cIpdbIFxpaJLrAfWlqN_6jzornQ0L663LHEo3dqeYFcu5ptvuoHm6hec797bXyUNu7o/s320/bb24ecb6-1e8c-4c6a-8027-696358c886f2.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD6OmeycJZb5uli5RKVUsVHHBPCWsa_ssfx9R8uDXSm8KnxCv1qhCw4jefRANSRCracLq_ukF0QiIpWgJ3gESJHI_PdFuL-F3qJg3GyfWUtQG7y6t7w7jsTgkoOjCK564ex5owIatK3ZvNGwEx2G3_ue-oGc7gI9ZW0FZ8brfXfg1tnf9nE9410-DkOU/s1440/01BD9598-022C-46E5-90D2-E5B9399E85D7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1440" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD6OmeycJZb5uli5RKVUsVHHBPCWsa_ssfx9R8uDXSm8KnxCv1qhCw4jefRANSRCracLq_ukF0QiIpWgJ3gESJHI_PdFuL-F3qJg3GyfWUtQG7y6t7w7jsTgkoOjCK564ex5owIatK3ZvNGwEx2G3_ue-oGc7gI9ZW0FZ8brfXfg1tnf9nE9410-DkOU/s320/01BD9598-022C-46E5-90D2-E5B9399E85D7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-82727226395421423742023-11-12T10:01:00.005+02:002023-11-12T10:01:51.978+02:006 Years and going strong!!!!<p>I've been meaning to do a post again, but keep forgetting! Then yesterday anon's comment reminded me that a post is LONG overdue! I cannot believe my last post was 1 May... shocking!</p><p>So the biggest milestone was my 6 year Lungaversary almost 2 weeks ago on 31 Oct! It's a biggish one for me, because when my previous lungs got to 6 years I had been diagnosed with chronic rejection. However this time around all is still well! Thank goodness! I didn't celebrate as much as I would have liked to, due to studying! (more about that later). But I will make up for the lack of celebration in December! (more about that later too). I had a medical check up just before the lungaversary, and it went GREAT. My kidneys took a bit of a mystery dip in June, but they have recovered luckily. Lung function great, all other bloods fine, next app next year! I actually don't have any other medical check ups this year, but I think I'll have to see a dentist somewhere this month for a tooth that might need a crown.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrys09OUr2g8Uah1Xir6yx6SpI3Xs-V3iPG_nI8Zl_0Ry54FreK-nLelKzLbFjC_C4aCf7PWWp_4O5eq0ilqBggU158r43db4ohF2CdbxQkkC8Ezl4l3kwxPAN1OG-EAS0K2DKiPKpt2Xvv0dGBlO2MvBscbXror4eG7hyDNHe0ChBa_eyLNwZd4I6UlE/s1600/477c41db-a320-4f81-8c8e-386eed3ecfcf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrys09OUr2g8Uah1Xir6yx6SpI3Xs-V3iPG_nI8Zl_0Ry54FreK-nLelKzLbFjC_C4aCf7PWWp_4O5eq0ilqBggU158r43db4ohF2CdbxQkkC8Ezl4l3kwxPAN1OG-EAS0K2DKiPKpt2Xvv0dGBlO2MvBscbXror4eG7hyDNHe0ChBa_eyLNwZd4I6UlE/s320/477c41db-a320-4f81-8c8e-386eed3ecfcf.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuEBe3p-k3YoYv_o6dqTgOZWJiJcy0Jo10hrHupxZam_ub374C-qWBQMfG2_NBF5wCH_RArT2-CBeoOLgP4KWz9MOSf00cQWlSMWVLSWqWQ4ter9JHysxNCAOBtbVsGEMvL53VI7cY6Dit7HjGKokSxKFKKC1JrlHfNqCcCN5ME7kZx4SbU1ehlB4Xc4/s2253/IMG_9563.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1735" data-original-width="2253" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuEBe3p-k3YoYv_o6dqTgOZWJiJcy0Jo10hrHupxZam_ub374C-qWBQMfG2_NBF5wCH_RArT2-CBeoOLgP4KWz9MOSf00cQWlSMWVLSWqWQ4ter9JHysxNCAOBtbVsGEMvL53VI7cY6Dit7HjGKokSxKFKKC1JrlHfNqCcCN5ME7kZx4SbU1ehlB4Xc4/s320/IMG_9563.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Studies: So at end of Aug and beginning of Sept I wrote my last two outstanding subjects for my Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning. Unfortunately I didn;t get the required 60% for the Case Study subject, so I had to re-write that one this past Monday. It's an 8 hour exam, super exhausting, but this second time went a million times better. It helps to know what to expect! Thank goodness the exams are over now! Now I can breathe a bit (no pun intended) and prepare for the end of the year's trip!</p><p>So in 1 month and 1 day's time, Arno and I leave for our xmas holiday in the UK! We booked tickets in June already, so it's been a wait, but very excited! We'll be staying in a friend Carli's flat in London for a week and a bit, then off to my aunt in Yorkshire for a few days over Christmas, and then down to Bristol to visit another friend Bonnie. Flying back on 31 Dec, entering the New Year on a high note! Can't wait, this will be my 5th time in the UK, but Arno's first time, so will be so nice to experience it through his eyes again! Also super keen for the proper Xmas vibes, it's not quite the same here where Christmas equals heat and summer! The odds of a white Christmas is probably not high unfortunately, but we can hope!</p><p>In June we had a short break to Stilbaai (directly translated means Quiet Bay), for a mini university reunion! It's been 20 years of friendship with a core group of friends from varsity, and we finally got to all meet up at the same time (partners and kids included where applicable), at the amazing holiday house of Terrance's family. Even though it was winter, the sun was shining, the air fresh, and the company AMAZING, so good for the soul!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1s9ClDeVuA6lC2koiQgx_i5BqsvXYR44LfZ6jNid3looQbYpiX1M43FxZfudWP1NfwUZkvICLD70CzgwKzWfLgU-gzxhuuxKfh7u5-cUcj9tahve-nrFNDO20xDwi0iVzuX5DwdnnJ968bq_RHMz8fOyvLGHgQOoQaBIOfm0x6XYCA8D9ymjTueXZjA/s4032/2B3E1304-EEB4-4783-BE1D-4A783C9015D2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1s9ClDeVuA6lC2koiQgx_i5BqsvXYR44LfZ6jNid3looQbYpiX1M43FxZfudWP1NfwUZkvICLD70CzgwKzWfLgU-gzxhuuxKfh7u5-cUcj9tahve-nrFNDO20xDwi0iVzuX5DwdnnJ968bq_RHMz8fOyvLGHgQOoQaBIOfm0x6XYCA8D9ymjTueXZjA/s320/2B3E1304-EEB4-4783-BE1D-4A783C9015D2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGZLlRo30iWODt84Hi96WUo5rJY7r7ZFsvBTCATW8oyCGysRN8O7KHp3puonaxS6fdrSj83wwoaqj8t-F19ds_bI4YJqBvyvYDgCukyD2T8c-tdx-xeJf3rctZpSpFb9j2TwXSTnovhmCq3kV68FoQpRlmFoWy9CPtgLuclhvhuC1kGE-TT8iNNUwXCc/s1440/6EDC1BB6-6E88-4E91-A999-2DAAF1A1D80C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGZLlRo30iWODt84Hi96WUo5rJY7r7ZFsvBTCATW8oyCGysRN8O7KHp3puonaxS6fdrSj83wwoaqj8t-F19ds_bI4YJqBvyvYDgCukyD2T8c-tdx-xeJf3rctZpSpFb9j2TwXSTnovhmCq3kV68FoQpRlmFoWy9CPtgLuclhvhuC1kGE-TT8iNNUwXCc/s320/6EDC1BB6-6E88-4E91-A999-2DAAF1A1D80C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa7Da0nfAUS46QYahAoR0GDD5EI5yOCad1bImDclaaaWKpQblMkwHAIOmDnG_bj3jZEukcDdWi1009vKpoobdUxEV5BUKfbyx01sKEmUm0QeAP7QdCLiQ4cxlOeY6eNkydxtufKh5SgCKIabsyuNRVJhF5lvSyhJVRMOcKLE83EfxWMY8acs66rFq0yw/s1600/8de00730-1241-4d2e-93a6-c2e21296aeea.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa7Da0nfAUS46QYahAoR0GDD5EI5yOCad1bImDclaaaWKpQblMkwHAIOmDnG_bj3jZEukcDdWi1009vKpoobdUxEV5BUKfbyx01sKEmUm0QeAP7QdCLiQ4cxlOeY6eNkydxtufKh5SgCKIabsyuNRVJhF5lvSyhJVRMOcKLE83EfxWMY8acs66rFq0yw/s320/8de00730-1241-4d2e-93a6-c2e21296aeea.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyX1MgTgywIOXeJzgQXuNcExC0SJ5hGCTEKA5qBLUhUuHpAcKZ1CXnqB7dIPjmmu5TER_7Lz1ZU5qnka1emLHlFq7jD5Lj4_h5iwHFIUEuWiU50S3JNcf8294C2MgCD7x_bNLX4ooEtY7EdPgRXMcXK7XS4FCUMEG6jXNB1YJIJBedzmmekmDR4Z0JPo/s1440/B814CBE7-22AF-4BCC-B37B-9F9F0D3E5621.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyX1MgTgywIOXeJzgQXuNcExC0SJ5hGCTEKA5qBLUhUuHpAcKZ1CXnqB7dIPjmmu5TER_7Lz1ZU5qnka1emLHlFq7jD5Lj4_h5iwHFIUEuWiU50S3JNcf8294C2MgCD7x_bNLX4ooEtY7EdPgRXMcXK7XS4FCUMEG6jXNB1YJIJBedzmmekmDR4Z0JPo/s320/B814CBE7-22AF-4BCC-B37B-9F9F0D3E5621.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__j5XEp63KowFYpVpFY8RR9vtavlRDEPf8t_qDIMbELFtZp20hrU0TSQQSAl4Ir-eLVu1j6FuPs8SU04SfQQOZRy50s0fUWASJBJbfEfXmOQHJER9QYY3dbh5zv9TXxzbgRcCbf6mK0me41gupI2lhqP0rly5ptdRdqZMmPyfk4pP5HKaAPzYZe4c2HA/s1024/ec92df14-1ccf-45d8-93a4-9eee80f5f27e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__j5XEp63KowFYpVpFY8RR9vtavlRDEPf8t_qDIMbELFtZp20hrU0TSQQSAl4Ir-eLVu1j6FuPs8SU04SfQQOZRy50s0fUWASJBJbfEfXmOQHJER9QYY3dbh5zv9TXxzbgRcCbf6mK0me41gupI2lhqP0rly5ptdRdqZMmPyfk4pP5HKaAPzYZe4c2HA/s320/ec92df14-1ccf-45d8-93a4-9eee80f5f27e.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxe0mefIZr6vH_rqdCn0je-7nlRdIq1KW-DCkXQB00RrHXuXjtb1duTp9EqPrQ_5-NYstS4_H1fullmQ17gCnNVXFVYGB65R186ml9WGlrdSb98jD6RfaKokHbSt_Ti3Ap5W40nLsvzurGIcniYL2z0bY3MBWm6pegi4Bqx6xQaHfvP7XGTJ1AP05qlw/s4032/IMG_2696.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxe0mefIZr6vH_rqdCn0je-7nlRdIq1KW-DCkXQB00RrHXuXjtb1duTp9EqPrQ_5-NYstS4_H1fullmQ17gCnNVXFVYGB65R186ml9WGlrdSb98jD6RfaKokHbSt_Ti3Ap5W40nLsvzurGIcniYL2z0bY3MBWm6pegi4Bqx6xQaHfvP7XGTJ1AP05qlw/s320/IMG_2696.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbNZvOAPZFnNwEfWBEvyYngKdcO27xYeTpw8Q9lwkhw2bzqz8JPJXxnTrZ5taLeHT4mxopJznQavgyi8-MU5X6cnQr8lvE_pe64LxPbxrMtxF1LtL8D2b4RTH9EXKl_wWhc6C_qguwM7cPMkVHjJ0S07GTfUPJyMPp6YurVMo187vdO2kF_MM_dRzvDc/s4032/IMG_2697.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbNZvOAPZFnNwEfWBEvyYngKdcO27xYeTpw8Q9lwkhw2bzqz8JPJXxnTrZ5taLeHT4mxopJznQavgyi8-MU5X6cnQr8lvE_pe64LxPbxrMtxF1LtL8D2b4RTH9EXKl_wWhc6C_qguwM7cPMkVHjJ0S07GTfUPJyMPp6YurVMo187vdO2kF_MM_dRzvDc/s320/IMG_2697.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGS_jDanPM8F7bxRF8giAKkNPqANDrct2x3a24Wol68oHcjMZnBj4nq69PDX1bfFPxfUL-7XxDmgPd3_qDlPg14jHh8-8Azm8JUpQ4Cfg5oR78onQ2JgOI-CCWkzuGm-kfG-ne0LpNkP7X92E9BvokdDYnR98rTcjypaDw40yMovHKMh6Jy3umKqTj9u8/s4032/IMG_7799.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGS_jDanPM8F7bxRF8giAKkNPqANDrct2x3a24Wol68oHcjMZnBj4nq69PDX1bfFPxfUL-7XxDmgPd3_qDlPg14jHh8-8Azm8JUpQ4Cfg5oR78onQ2JgOI-CCWkzuGm-kfG-ne0LpNkP7X92E9BvokdDYnR98rTcjypaDw40yMovHKMh6Jy3umKqTj9u8/s320/IMG_7799.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-S158zsOIQZySC7ochEBR8CYRrlorz74ietNT7_iwLV1RIBJdkAEmMzlZluMumyfuBSfaT8ULpH2KJRFtR2tWQvymVznU4-1qQn4HaVNUpYCA4cQrBzY8hPsihZVypDMy_SKqw9yIhvMGQMb0cEC17UjcWEP1d_rhdOISRWq4l9to7u9VzNCDBOKavE/s4032/IMG_7825.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-S158zsOIQZySC7ochEBR8CYRrlorz74ietNT7_iwLV1RIBJdkAEmMzlZluMumyfuBSfaT8ULpH2KJRFtR2tWQvymVznU4-1qQn4HaVNUpYCA4cQrBzY8hPsihZVypDMy_SKqw9yIhvMGQMb0cEC17UjcWEP1d_rhdOISRWq4l9to7u9VzNCDBOKavE/s320/IMG_7825.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNc7haW9H3BGXJtVlPHbOMeLSrgdnE6mDxgyryktGN3ylx0kKva6H_rxcVlHElMOUKzJ1UycGh1V4Ea_IG6j0341RyaDWswBORdBYj_mh3ZhlKdRiWFCW88uN6W71ksx1UvSZR1sGpdlpBkbdjuDqam6J2uIZKJ7GTeSYhAkpqsF0D3iACM2uFWIA80o/s4032/IMG_7846.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNc7haW9H3BGXJtVlPHbOMeLSrgdnE6mDxgyryktGN3ylx0kKva6H_rxcVlHElMOUKzJ1UycGh1V4Ea_IG6j0341RyaDWswBORdBYj_mh3ZhlKdRiWFCW88uN6W71ksx1UvSZR1sGpdlpBkbdjuDqam6J2uIZKJ7GTeSYhAkpqsF0D3iACM2uFWIA80o/s320/IMG_7846.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70RKbnaZsYtgUztYXVnvfuhaiXCOwoYp7qTgpDb2JutJOAWYyoW8W-Hg5uKsIRj1-cQwfj1yUgQmYZPjEbkWeocb6GPtDwWgK32qhW_SqqS-LYDAjNxjT6mXAaepdz6spae2CdrAasgJVkamKTsAoiyKPReg2ojByKxwxmqhHb3gqP6nWwZyPEjaB-t4/s4032/IMG_7849.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70RKbnaZsYtgUztYXVnvfuhaiXCOwoYp7qTgpDb2JutJOAWYyoW8W-Hg5uKsIRj1-cQwfj1yUgQmYZPjEbkWeocb6GPtDwWgK32qhW_SqqS-LYDAjNxjT6mXAaepdz6spae2CdrAasgJVkamKTsAoiyKPReg2ojByKxwxmqhHb3gqP6nWwZyPEjaB-t4/s320/IMG_7849.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqZ6-_pqnKVS7_blz9FIiJuyFfmTksXCC8eYJaS-e85BbN6kK6uvL3BkrP9LLTlnR4hyphenhyphenW99d7hs5SKQzqt6GhEzbf-aOdWrgQaj2jGHPsYv3y3-VaT4ZsvGPTx0w3ly6wR7ouRzKfUV-1YuOWygBtB9VC2PJ1OS57KzvEVsRe3Jz_3SPHTSdORQu_ZOE/s4032/IMG_7851.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqZ6-_pqnKVS7_blz9FIiJuyFfmTksXCC8eYJaS-e85BbN6kK6uvL3BkrP9LLTlnR4hyphenhyphenW99d7hs5SKQzqt6GhEzbf-aOdWrgQaj2jGHPsYv3y3-VaT4ZsvGPTx0w3ly6wR7ouRzKfUV-1YuOWygBtB9VC2PJ1OS57KzvEVsRe3Jz_3SPHTSdORQu_ZOE/s320/IMG_7851.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We also had a great family long-weekend at the end of Sept on a Game Farm. The photo's speak for themselves!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyp-oCvFb4L29KHvWbBNq1ldahEgPU20cMkcG0-iWcarzIfbvtncFpj81X1xo4aDjBexyrgFbPMKJp4XRYvteBjqRGpMUdNZIJqjuvlzQEynRVRYdnhAo6xuTT1pw3afRhyjPKNtYj2-ZheW4pgCMeh9TNxe4BwcUGueJSHve2ZuXhKxsjKKOwgIxyoM/s1313/dbf2c6b9-ddb6-4713-b683-015e2219fbce.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="695" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyp-oCvFb4L29KHvWbBNq1ldahEgPU20cMkcG0-iWcarzIfbvtncFpj81X1xo4aDjBexyrgFbPMKJp4XRYvteBjqRGpMUdNZIJqjuvlzQEynRVRYdnhAo6xuTT1pw3afRhyjPKNtYj2-ZheW4pgCMeh9TNxe4BwcUGueJSHve2ZuXhKxsjKKOwgIxyoM/s320/dbf2c6b9-ddb6-4713-b683-015e2219fbce.jpeg" width="169" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI2lLgmRiTqK3Jm8NDVIB3snlZaYyYg9_uNBwj1qVyu6iQZ2oHOhneV_nNgqdRDYimxYhvTpkA_zqC4M2-EOho78R-cHVenndsgQ3B3dsWhyx59C2JX9kKXkG2UveoLH-VqT8EtOaap1WxMRKR_-o-1qqdKJp5D0a7hrRu52vV-ZiBOUG7Mf1QmiVf3A/s4032/IMG_8819.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI2lLgmRiTqK3Jm8NDVIB3snlZaYyYg9_uNBwj1qVyu6iQZ2oHOhneV_nNgqdRDYimxYhvTpkA_zqC4M2-EOho78R-cHVenndsgQ3B3dsWhyx59C2JX9kKXkG2UveoLH-VqT8EtOaap1WxMRKR_-o-1qqdKJp5D0a7hrRu52vV-ZiBOUG7Mf1QmiVf3A/s320/IMG_8819.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5X99uB8R6fqvc3BiIhlYjVHRRCyGQa6i5wMFv3ZEuCNoOiN-aj4E9JLksK3SEJDm3jBKTEUr_VuEXJTupgUEDmc029VjMx7Xtkom1Stw6cAfpLNb-3KIGfOrImTH45mbuTP5ucgGXCIihh25mqdlNps4R_xItZDMX4SqPpd1EK2DC8mcEAHVVNgpUF-8/s4032/IMG_8853.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5X99uB8R6fqvc3BiIhlYjVHRRCyGQa6i5wMFv3ZEuCNoOiN-aj4E9JLksK3SEJDm3jBKTEUr_VuEXJTupgUEDmc029VjMx7Xtkom1Stw6cAfpLNb-3KIGfOrImTH45mbuTP5ucgGXCIihh25mqdlNps4R_xItZDMX4SqPpd1EK2DC8mcEAHVVNgpUF-8/s320/IMG_8853.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEdQFsmqCD_RQ2vwZ8ZVAApiabrREsVrcjmztHTuOks3r-ZbUBW0Vjzleev2GKnclO7FZftwKutbAsXGTNAAp3r4Nrj5ivAF-kdEqh7BqYBwmUFS62h6Wwd72PB0MGMFZka36j_wvxnvqjXyei5lKeCTJ3Y_8R2P8Dg0WkphkK_z82wV7ct2hnH3q9w8/s4032/IMG_8861.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEdQFsmqCD_RQ2vwZ8ZVAApiabrREsVrcjmztHTuOks3r-ZbUBW0Vjzleev2GKnclO7FZftwKutbAsXGTNAAp3r4Nrj5ivAF-kdEqh7BqYBwmUFS62h6Wwd72PB0MGMFZka36j_wvxnvqjXyei5lKeCTJ3Y_8R2P8Dg0WkphkK_z82wV7ct2hnH3q9w8/s320/IMG_8861.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxp0oDpcRbR619rOJ-KLDxSOVciFyXo6H5yWecM-TNeRSbe051Kmph87pWNSfbgam4n37fjNUIcLz50oECP4X0R3kuNOS0lw0kh_DRSRQpJAIe7JxMF8zYIleF-0DFmo5KWNLP-mgI20AmlYoGcdq0Su-fWvQiZN-J3FGUUvNU955mg1u2JxBCz8eRdCY/s4032/IMG_8873.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxp0oDpcRbR619rOJ-KLDxSOVciFyXo6H5yWecM-TNeRSbe051Kmph87pWNSfbgam4n37fjNUIcLz50oECP4X0R3kuNOS0lw0kh_DRSRQpJAIe7JxMF8zYIleF-0DFmo5KWNLP-mgI20AmlYoGcdq0Su-fWvQiZN-J3FGUUvNU955mg1u2JxBCz8eRdCY/s320/IMG_8873.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wAwgKycqgacBnxgnnLilm403JW7IpewTBMJjMBi5RwCOhwkrSA-A5HeyhsFuOVn7QAk4nPrvw4U_WomWY9uFBmOMD95hMqim6YGA5nu2WH0PkWoPh93d8-kIDbQ7OqpaOFaTZ0p3N4ML32Mp_12rUmGsI1jl3-A2P7wy6_UyNhftELqOAwPTPIrRdPw/s4032/IMG_8886.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wAwgKycqgacBnxgnnLilm403JW7IpewTBMJjMBi5RwCOhwkrSA-A5HeyhsFuOVn7QAk4nPrvw4U_WomWY9uFBmOMD95hMqim6YGA5nu2WH0PkWoPh93d8-kIDbQ7OqpaOFaTZ0p3N4ML32Mp_12rUmGsI1jl3-A2P7wy6_UyNhftELqOAwPTPIrRdPw/s320/IMG_8886.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRZrZip5OG0Wy6Hli2S2KK9i6IFsk-luyChRLzCtmlyx_aL1i4KJUiBBgAs6knDK_LOWjvd7ToMYO-16dgSgfToNqUSiqGyI-LCMWfrYCriI2Q8XhMtP__QBvGPcSliD-iGUfyVhRFdXYTu3djO0Tx4lVlIOf5Jns5ZEnwhBSrIBJV1PWcUD2WMFpDfY/s4032/IMG_8888.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRZrZip5OG0Wy6Hli2S2KK9i6IFsk-luyChRLzCtmlyx_aL1i4KJUiBBgAs6knDK_LOWjvd7ToMYO-16dgSgfToNqUSiqGyI-LCMWfrYCriI2Q8XhMtP__QBvGPcSliD-iGUfyVhRFdXYTu3djO0Tx4lVlIOf5Jns5ZEnwhBSrIBJV1PWcUD2WMFpDfY/s320/IMG_8888.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzet7LLlusmwMF9Y3QeHGgX_NveK7KYdFIrzCmfuszTFRzFZlFjXzpIfls2EbHlEk6L7jqMGRUdPaXQY9fEvtCIMTJyN_o6qJc20jyjyjYMDM7TCCrNbtsEl93bggY5hPtJ0RwdGAIpWgT39eVUZDDXml7kAsBYgs8k4hnU7uavj9qAUYMdjCJrM81DE/s4032/IMG_8897.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzet7LLlusmwMF9Y3QeHGgX_NveK7KYdFIrzCmfuszTFRzFZlFjXzpIfls2EbHlEk6L7jqMGRUdPaXQY9fEvtCIMTJyN_o6qJc20jyjyjYMDM7TCCrNbtsEl93bggY5hPtJ0RwdGAIpWgT39eVUZDDXml7kAsBYgs8k4hnU7uavj9qAUYMdjCJrM81DE/s320/IMG_8897.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqsjZlBVwohvoOyp0F_Yb63jGca5tusTdTUtLQLk7NcwQ6ykj9RV78cxKfZglK2cmvNZzoh7hJ8CvwDjOWFRSKxBNZ7yPfSREhdZ8i_itDDHL6gWiiE9xqGG_uwgQjvs79jly26SrsRjaiRBgcAC7WJYUtgM8p5DjuG51201_hOnTwyyslQc6pXADymg/s4032/IMG_8905.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqsjZlBVwohvoOyp0F_Yb63jGca5tusTdTUtLQLk7NcwQ6ykj9RV78cxKfZglK2cmvNZzoh7hJ8CvwDjOWFRSKxBNZ7yPfSREhdZ8i_itDDHL6gWiiE9xqGG_uwgQjvs79jly26SrsRjaiRBgcAC7WJYUtgM8p5DjuG51201_hOnTwyyslQc6pXADymg/s320/IMG_8905.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyJStC9Dk6CmxCzBX3xwBhiHFXoziW4ZZnwWli2EGgYsI6FFKYYIH3pfhBc1dRKVWqy5wzB64N_61296ynZ7QrzAv8KAv3smy9t2V3OuvGjjzYWFQZ1_JsXXzJJZuloFx5wpbKC9rwDAljAQIuATdp_dxghhu2KdbXXN1PZnseQEKp29lJ9l3ed99uZk/s3024/IMG_8922.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2905" data-original-width="3024" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyJStC9Dk6CmxCzBX3xwBhiHFXoziW4ZZnwWli2EGgYsI6FFKYYIH3pfhBc1dRKVWqy5wzB64N_61296ynZ7QrzAv8KAv3smy9t2V3OuvGjjzYWFQZ1_JsXXzJJZuloFx5wpbKC9rwDAljAQIuATdp_dxghhu2KdbXXN1PZnseQEKp29lJ9l3ed99uZk/s320/IMG_8922.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6D9F9bDo1gKO3JBaF8AWMZflCtoXuryiyYNfMLi8r-gxLcNlSMJDxS4LSguWnUSwZ7Ivw6CpIqwsSubpYkbBVbsalSezaAXtDgSLxXkpJCY6_6yorpZk4pvRBPWsUc4wWAZFW3utrc7ugZWz7RsW7lsFbG15ePXD0xlDCNlgc8IEkOvsaNgLlaXFiNg/s4032/IMG_8949.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6D9F9bDo1gKO3JBaF8AWMZflCtoXuryiyYNfMLi8r-gxLcNlSMJDxS4LSguWnUSwZ7Ivw6CpIqwsSubpYkbBVbsalSezaAXtDgSLxXkpJCY6_6yorpZk4pvRBPWsUc4wWAZFW3utrc7ugZWz7RsW7lsFbG15ePXD0xlDCNlgc8IEkOvsaNgLlaXFiNg/s320/IMG_8949.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4b4LaAmymxmYSCkIHojqXpdYD5v0x4epeu_aX3CRkPBo898q4OUUGWbN41Ib11yMO33ofFhLEDWB8gLmVS1ma7REN49bMvUzkJ2xpeDUTYuz1Q8MYseLYNjltMMQ9Cets5ZDZUH4M4wVxWoh6YKlaxoFdAXeK_aMcJ1bZzjdKEw99wETft2quyKaNF8/s3075/IMG_8955.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3075" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4b4LaAmymxmYSCkIHojqXpdYD5v0x4epeu_aX3CRkPBo898q4OUUGWbN41Ib11yMO33ofFhLEDWB8gLmVS1ma7REN49bMvUzkJ2xpeDUTYuz1Q8MYseLYNjltMMQ9Cets5ZDZUH4M4wVxWoh6YKlaxoFdAXeK_aMcJ1bZzjdKEw99wETft2quyKaNF8/s320/IMG_8955.jpeg" width="315" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4JMggQzBCzdbsl-hW40YF_v8Ou6k_j_APxo31Z-_8ZgscjR14gc5lFC8IK-8TBXck5KlVtQwBVUVEJzr81qpgiwPGQzXOewQZTuwcDca23jszVOfcoE-C_GdTkmeKAL_su3u9GPPAz31jTXb_91twSy_Fml5b6NDvC-Xe73JZsVmO9c9WZGY2GAQ0ms/s4032/IMG_8973.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4JMggQzBCzdbsl-hW40YF_v8Ou6k_j_APxo31Z-_8ZgscjR14gc5lFC8IK-8TBXck5KlVtQwBVUVEJzr81qpgiwPGQzXOewQZTuwcDca23jszVOfcoE-C_GdTkmeKAL_su3u9GPPAz31jTXb_91twSy_Fml5b6NDvC-Xe73JZsVmO9c9WZGY2GAQ0ms/s320/IMG_8973.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitudtDJZkHl1waOXL7YEVyaNArpmPlBdsfgGDjqujal2F6RVi6FbhG8pUUMpdAcFVOvIfjR4N8_P9aFaLizc2cBB_ipLJ3Yb7T-Q0wBT2DFG6qSx39wtZMs4f1ILQyR_m9gmRaYdZl-OL9DW7OrooV4KQQo-VXgKJZqYHYi5-dk13MbPqwuLpmnPWu9js/s4032/IMG_9015.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitudtDJZkHl1waOXL7YEVyaNArpmPlBdsfgGDjqujal2F6RVi6FbhG8pUUMpdAcFVOvIfjR4N8_P9aFaLizc2cBB_ipLJ3Yb7T-Q0wBT2DFG6qSx39wtZMs4f1ILQyR_m9gmRaYdZl-OL9DW7OrooV4KQQo-VXgKJZqYHYi5-dk13MbPqwuLpmnPWu9js/s320/IMG_9015.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf50tNoAoZ16YAWZyLSNqor85_KOXCxu-3K_6aSlWJ5gU8bZWqYvcyu8rVbKsWg9IpEUeJClFnFGtSnpx83xtsonkb-NVzPP2i1jMtW5Bbzy3C093K0XA3uBtPlYP1PtLc09yU3cUvTuBcIKB4ZShEm3DRJdTKx95YN6pQCflHdyGw4tmThuHAFzXZkhk/s4032/IMG_9057.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf50tNoAoZ16YAWZyLSNqor85_KOXCxu-3K_6aSlWJ5gU8bZWqYvcyu8rVbKsWg9IpEUeJClFnFGtSnpx83xtsonkb-NVzPP2i1jMtW5Bbzy3C093K0XA3uBtPlYP1PtLc09yU3cUvTuBcIKB4ZShEm3DRJdTKx95YN6pQCflHdyGw4tmThuHAFzXZkhk/s320/IMG_9057.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The year hasn't been all holidays and fun though. Arno and I really tried to move to Joburg, so that I can be closer to work, my doctors and family (we stay in Pretoria, the city next to Johannesburg, so I drive 50km between work and home, so 100km per day going to work in terrible traffic.) We put in an offer on a townhouse that we loved in the same suburb as my parents, the offer was accepted, but then the body corporate would only allow one cat, and we have three... When when found a house we loved, put in an offer along with like 4 other people, and our was accepted. Arno's place was "sold", but then his sale fell through... and we couldn't find other buyers, so we lost the house. Was such a bummer. At least now I work from home 2 days a week, so that helps a LOT. Then interest rates rose etc etc so we didn't even try to sell his place again. For now we're just staying put and seeing what happens. Hopefully next year will be more exciting on that front. Fingers crossed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's everything in a nutshell! I promise I will report back on our Dec adventure in Jan before work starts again on 3 Jan!</div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-70352078866508108262023-05-01T19:59:00.000+02:002023-05-01T19:59:44.832+02:00Conundrum of surviving<p>A neglected “by-product” of beating the odds after two bi-lateral lung transplants, is how hard it is to plan for your life financially and career-wise. I couldn’t finish my Honours in Accounting, as I was ridiculously sick. After my I got new lungs, I didn’t feel like going back to university, I wanted to work and become independent. When I started working at age 24 after my first lung transplant, I THOUGHT that I was financially behind my peers who started working slightly earlier, but looking back that was a joke… I was perfectly on par really.</p><p>However fast forward 7 years and about 3 months, and I was medically boarded, due to my transplanted lungs being rejected by my body. And for about 3 years prior to being medically boarded, I knew that I was in rejection and that I should stay put. Survival mode kicks in, ambition mode turns off. To paint the picture more clearly, at age 28 I knew that my life was in danger yet again, and that I just needed to stay in the position I was in for as long as my lungs held out.</p><p>I coped in a fast-paced environment for another 3 years, until I made the call, together with my lung specialist, that I should stop working. I was very lucky to have group life insurance at that point, so I continued getting 75% of my salary – tax free. At the same time the evaluation for a second lung transplant started. About 1 year and 9 months after being medically boarded I received another set of lungs… a miracle indeed! </p><p>Now being an analytical person by nature, I was curious as to how long these lungs were going to last. My lung specialist refuses to give educated guesses on these types of questions, which is absolutely fine, but I wanted a vague idea. Dr Google said that the 2 year survival rate for a redo lung transplant is 32%. Obviously this is an average, but I decided to make the most of it. (FYI – I’m still the only surviving redo lung transplant recipient in SA). We travelled to New York and Mauritius during the first year after my second transplant, I fixed some things in and around the property that my ex-husband and I owned at the time, upgraded the little Peugeot 107 that I was driving… I didn’t want to go back to a corporate work environment, so I resigned once I was fit to return to work. This time around I took a much more slow-paced accounting job. Set for life…. If you’re going to live another two years that is.</p><p>Fast forward to beginning of 2022, and I was heading towards 5 years post redo transplant. I decided to study again, as I was lacking mental stimulation. I ended up picking a post graduate diploma in Financial Planning. A few months later I started a new job, more in line with my studies and a much more formal work environment again. But also in a way starting from scratch. The irony is that in my own life, applying financial planning skills is almost impossible. I think of where I would have been now, if that rejection of my first transplant didn’t happen. If all the retirement savings from those first two jobs kept on growing, if that salary kept on growing the way it would have. If I didn’t use savings for travelling. I’m not even going to bother wondering where I would be financially if my medical aid and the little co-payments here and there didn’t take a massive chunk of my salary. Also – there was divorce – but that is not a scenario unique to me.</p><p>The point that I want to get across, is that trying to figure out how to navigate saving/ having a career/ having a work-life balance when you have had two organ transplants (and especially lung transplants, because they have the worst outcomes of all the organs) at ages 23 and 33, is HARD. You can’t assume you’re going to live to age 65 when your first transplant was at 23! And hey, YOUR life is super short right? Live every day to the fullest! BUT you might end up living for a really long time and have to be able to support yourself and have a meaningful career, so there is that too. Nobody prepares you or warns you about this interesting tightrope, and you can’t expect that from anyone either, as each patient’s situation is so unique. But this is definitely an interesting challenge! One that I'm grateful to be facing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcue5kc0GDh4lLDkhxqU3eA3Akwo33If-R4-_2A5yK0ChL3rYUc6PMz3GYZGUqpDgneWH3tOOvV1melY4lsx1jDmney0Q3xyhBwVdLAy4dm-g6kztVsexnOXkfq8PUtH8H8_goV5Wm_yQiuH_QZ0o9Ap3CH3Z7dH6rEc-SfPjSDzWaAWE__UJQ8mR/s1125/IMG-6867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1125" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcue5kc0GDh4lLDkhxqU3eA3Akwo33If-R4-_2A5yK0ChL3rYUc6PMz3GYZGUqpDgneWH3tOOvV1melY4lsx1jDmney0Q3xyhBwVdLAy4dm-g6kztVsexnOXkfq8PUtH8H8_goV5Wm_yQiuH_QZ0o9Ap3CH3Z7dH6rEc-SfPjSDzWaAWE__UJQ8mR/s320/IMG-6867.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-21308077314005248142022-11-07T09:30:00.000+02:002022-11-07T09:30:01.889+02:005 Years Since the second transplant and general life update!<p>Someone asked for an update here, and I promised I'd give proof of life every few months for those not Instagram or Facebook. </p><p>HEALTH:</p><p>Medically, the biggest milestone is that I've reached 5 years post second transplant! That's quite a big deal! 5 Years is the most often used milestone used when measuring lung transplant success. As you can see below, Google doesn't paint a good picture when it comes to 5 year lung transplant survival rates:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kM1OCap1i0wlcMM6kzfzOfiSWF4yafRvhL_lNa3HQhFMhMFViDq2Jqlrgb5n_PtmM_mUE2O52uUFJoflBJoAbQv_C5G4BYk-cSJbgzWNH8xvUdvqCu82kR3h5zw0fLcrAPNxOefNTjjJvChCkAtNtN3Z7qugKOzMZ1mUHj0jTeHdJEWsGv0nE6-G/s1630/021C7987-9F7F-45A5-85BC-292E4E433804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kM1OCap1i0wlcMM6kzfzOfiSWF4yafRvhL_lNa3HQhFMhMFViDq2Jqlrgb5n_PtmM_mUE2O52uUFJoflBJoAbQv_C5G4BYk-cSJbgzWNH8xvUdvqCu82kR3h5zw0fLcrAPNxOefNTjjJvChCkAtNtN3Z7qugKOzMZ1mUHj0jTeHdJEWsGv0nE6-G/s320/021C7987-9F7F-45A5-85BC-292E4E433804.JPG" width="283" /></a></div><br /><p>Had a small celebration last weekend at Black Horse Brewery. However on Monday, a week ago, I started having severe pains on the right hand side of my abdomen. Going all the way up around to my right kidney more or less. I went from work to casualty, waited there for an excruciating 3 hours. Eventually they found what looked like 2 cysts on my right ovary. (You might remember I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago due to pre-cancerous cervical cells, but my ovaries were kept to avoid menopause). I was admitted, seen by my lung specialist, who said my blood tests are all normal, and that he would call my gynae. Her response was that ovarian cysts usually aren't a big deal, he can discharge me with pain meds, but that I should stop by and see her on the way home. </p><p>So on Wednesday morning I was discharged at Milpark, and went to see my amazing gynae at WITS Donald Gordon Medical Centre. Her ultra-sound showed a cyst of about 12cm that was bleeding... by this time I'd also started having a temperature, and my white cell count had gone up from the Monday. Not good. She said the ovary was also twisted, and she had to operate asap. So I was booked into ICU at Donald Gordon, with surgery set for 19:00. I was in so much pain i would have volunteered for surgery without anaesthesia at this point. After waiting the whole day I was taken to theatre, given a spinal block (to help with pain when waking up) and general anaesthesia. I woke up just over 2 hours later, luckily with no pain at that point. My gynae showed my some amazingly gross pics of the cyst. It was black and looked something like a kidney. The twisted ovary was also completely dead. My left ovary looked fine so she left that in. To avoid menopause again. </p><p>I was discharged on Friday morning, the post op pain only really started on Friday thanks to the pain management in hospital. It's been fairly rough, but this morning it feels a lot better. This is much worse than my hysterectomy, which was laparoscopic. The cyst was too big to remove laparoscopically unfortunately. I'm not allowed to drive for a month, but will start working from home soon. Can my female reproductive organs, or what's left of them, please stop giving me grief now??? I'm sorry I never used you for babies. Now leave me alone.</p><p>I've also started using the Dexcom G6 to manage my blood glucose, it's been LIFE CHANGING. My sugar levels have never been this good and I'm super chuffed. I've never really cared much about my diabetes... I've joked with a few CF friends before saying "diabetes is the least of our worries", or "look... CF will kill us way before diabetes does any damage"... but again, I seem to be not dying, and I can't end up with kidney failure or other diabetes complications down the road. So if I'm going to be here for a while still I need to look after all the organs. (Not that I didn't.... but you know what I mean.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8odeIg7X4xvrMSZlUk8y-Op2Zbrq1boADwUYa84ufIGPdawQ1NXrPZvemWaB9xS6FoqFQ0cJl4fO_l0qLNaSmeXgSz1YitDZ5gUtaV-R9LgrRLO-o0fqPaF9UytP0-XUDyPcs3DQyHpefiSU3X-A6w3UfhX4tikWInNZcyUIlSmnF0xrAofZtyRDp/s3091/IMG-4003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2239" data-original-width="3091" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8odeIg7X4xvrMSZlUk8y-Op2Zbrq1boADwUYa84ufIGPdawQ1NXrPZvemWaB9xS6FoqFQ0cJl4fO_l0qLNaSmeXgSz1YitDZ5gUtaV-R9LgrRLO-o0fqPaF9UytP0-XUDyPcs3DQyHpefiSU3X-A6w3UfhX4tikWInNZcyUIlSmnF0xrAofZtyRDp/s320/IMG-4003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>WORK:</p><p>I started a new job in May, my first full time job after this transplant. To be honest I didn't expect working a full time office job again, as I didn't expect living this long after the second transplant! Keeping this body going is an expensive task unfortunately! I also started my post-graduate diploma in Financial Planning, which I'll be doing over 2 years. I've passed this year's subjects at least! So that's on track. It's been awesome studying again 16 years after finishing my degree. I didn't know my brain could do this! </p><p>TRAVEL:</p><p>Arno and I were very fortunate to visit Norway and Sweden in July this year. We stayed with friends in Oslo, and did our own little trips from there. It was truly amazing. We saw Stockholm, Kristiansand, Stavanger and Oslo. This past week's unexpected health drama just makes me realise how special trips like these are, and that healthy times need to be celebrated.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVkHhJzVu7Bp4OId13eQ7EwS4BLTOVLoJ79ZQDBn-_m6uFEvie3zt8LNCR7fMno1-WjWr7AQdvNwyJhpOdtBNoZMsGKP-Ptfk9LZfvpvxHPFYtyqeiojnsoFYc9HAAE53tqhHIIcXLjtUD6or1IN95zrsl21ZZz7HBJ2ihHAb1fH2jios9aXgrET_/s1440/5C38FB50-CBAD-4DB9-9A5A-2FA3B70921B8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVkHhJzVu7Bp4OId13eQ7EwS4BLTOVLoJ79ZQDBn-_m6uFEvie3zt8LNCR7fMno1-WjWr7AQdvNwyJhpOdtBNoZMsGKP-Ptfk9LZfvpvxHPFYtyqeiojnsoFYc9HAAE53tqhHIIcXLjtUD6or1IN95zrsl21ZZz7HBJ2ihHAb1fH2jios9aXgrET_/s320/5C38FB50-CBAD-4DB9-9A5A-2FA3B70921B8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4GOr7o-uWAZ92x0jBQG4Yenv6xYO-cwtkGU4jHyRmkSHdNA6CQrI8dULUgEXVfZMzwq_3j_RyO1BFQKppMycwzbXVpAHaD5xKv9dW4jcZGBTK1gYxlaV1OrHa4A6cEWrhhMuq1oTPU6pr3zuUY88PRITXLej-eLjAWAghWeZJu_nvTtPBDqMzuGJ/s4032/5CDAEE76-07BA-4AE4-847E-D0F04A565D60.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4GOr7o-uWAZ92x0jBQG4Yenv6xYO-cwtkGU4jHyRmkSHdNA6CQrI8dULUgEXVfZMzwq_3j_RyO1BFQKppMycwzbXVpAHaD5xKv9dW4jcZGBTK1gYxlaV1OrHa4A6cEWrhhMuq1oTPU6pr3zuUY88PRITXLej-eLjAWAghWeZJu_nvTtPBDqMzuGJ/s320/5CDAEE76-07BA-4AE4-847E-D0F04A565D60.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlczH55yyoOQeyyDHRyM3h2HQnq4y5VIdh99CxVVRhJHYUK3H0kAhhmHEZoOuyM6UiMh44adxGOJWA5v35SQkj14iGdolgf_xwIUGM0IG0rQJRECirdwwH1ttkSxVPNFvWKlWcpP8syXajYLwQ_KDHfwhKqhbbu7ktKbLsXK6z2NGGUqyyCwP-4cC/s1440/57ACD2CB-234D-4843-97CA-209C25B03A93.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlczH55yyoOQeyyDHRyM3h2HQnq4y5VIdh99CxVVRhJHYUK3H0kAhhmHEZoOuyM6UiMh44adxGOJWA5v35SQkj14iGdolgf_xwIUGM0IG0rQJRECirdwwH1ttkSxVPNFvWKlWcpP8syXajYLwQ_KDHfwhKqhbbu7ktKbLsXK6z2NGGUqyyCwP-4cC/s320/57ACD2CB-234D-4843-97CA-209C25B03A93.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6cLRqsWhkbLS4rrdnMAgDckslJ5j74mNa3vQFAz5bbBhTBGXLo_ybGparaOFW8p1vQu8bJIu1zD_gHahMq4VLivWVBejdBMxQewMFCybotfzSpmQLLGN5ZxgTftOSoczsovMAkflgBJAMQpUTuKDwokox6qGX2nBwzgXAamW6ZhmOY-u8s17c7aG/s4032/190EF553-60A6-443A-A94F-C61AEB1381A7_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6cLRqsWhkbLS4rrdnMAgDckslJ5j74mNa3vQFAz5bbBhTBGXLo_ybGparaOFW8p1vQu8bJIu1zD_gHahMq4VLivWVBejdBMxQewMFCybotfzSpmQLLGN5ZxgTftOSoczsovMAkflgBJAMQpUTuKDwokox6qGX2nBwzgXAamW6ZhmOY-u8s17c7aG/s320/190EF553-60A6-443A-A94F-C61AEB1381A7_1_201_a.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3KTMxZJmhxifUDHMdxXROT-_ZxiVIwScU5nV4-Xq2kAUEYKxbi9dSTt73VKFcMjks78azZL6f7aoONodz59izgn3AZeLOrTs6LkhniFuNg_uvfMcK_mwBjZNDIriV2KYI8C4y99t9IZPv5K7r-cdbeXxqWpVW1muKKRqNFlyTe_bAr7TfEKqD7NB/s4032/706E3452-C0A0-4E3C-9C23-FA9F837F61B4.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3KTMxZJmhxifUDHMdxXROT-_ZxiVIwScU5nV4-Xq2kAUEYKxbi9dSTt73VKFcMjks78azZL6f7aoONodz59izgn3AZeLOrTs6LkhniFuNg_uvfMcK_mwBjZNDIriV2KYI8C4y99t9IZPv5K7r-cdbeXxqWpVW1muKKRqNFlyTe_bAr7TfEKqD7NB/s320/706E3452-C0A0-4E3C-9C23-FA9F837F61B4.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYDrCKW1SfvCWIxsn0ZUNwB3tTZHCnOFCMIxy8M4shXOLCvjIroWvFgxETIRpwtnU3-_oIjpYhJS8bCWEfIQUVgb59SCixp12kmq4Ti4V59FmupkeLHmssvj3YwEeps8gnraJh8iUpLvoSo5hd7SvvL28MpjuDWEDQVxRvGmEprERYWjrpbCrTZYo/s1440/080344BE-2C1A-4FDF-9DD5-CF2B14A01DF0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYDrCKW1SfvCWIxsn0ZUNwB3tTZHCnOFCMIxy8M4shXOLCvjIroWvFgxETIRpwtnU3-_oIjpYhJS8bCWEfIQUVgb59SCixp12kmq4Ti4V59FmupkeLHmssvj3YwEeps8gnraJh8iUpLvoSo5hd7SvvL28MpjuDWEDQVxRvGmEprERYWjrpbCrTZYo/s320/080344BE-2C1A-4FDF-9DD5-CF2B14A01DF0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXXKCB3mtwgCVlFzFG5O9nAWYIJWnkXliP_Hg2HiyGG5lvT3i9-zp5ewkcwGUBP9eKzZKko_W5_FHI5q2CV5PYgfw35Eo_GFSd0yka1MNmXKseNH0yKtUs7KVdo71i9mmLsLgT09MZNT-jW5USIDnzxs7t4NbICLQnz2Top4vgJGLRII3qyHBsoey/s4032/84871F58-FC00-4C69-928C-9CB66AEEB647_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXXKCB3mtwgCVlFzFG5O9nAWYIJWnkXliP_Hg2HiyGG5lvT3i9-zp5ewkcwGUBP9eKzZKko_W5_FHI5q2CV5PYgfw35Eo_GFSd0yka1MNmXKseNH0yKtUs7KVdo71i9mmLsLgT09MZNT-jW5USIDnzxs7t4NbICLQnz2Top4vgJGLRII3qyHBsoey/s320/84871F58-FC00-4C69-928C-9CB66AEEB647_1_201_a.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMohTvjPNO9Th9yZIOBKnJnrmrC0TKgQn03C_et093HMla0addTfjB_alOwzhWJ8zeg3TrW6ERHgq39E0I6M9UmDpxVMamMI7vbiLq4KMAgbIYZ2QImEWN3_ifiis6BIqw0S-q_ULPwPskATtUUwctMKgwX5YLaCUdSXhRu8GpcDLMKY8K8hRxHJU8/s4032/398426F2-7F60-4CCE-A9E2-2068DD7F0ED5.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMohTvjPNO9Th9yZIOBKnJnrmrC0TKgQn03C_et093HMla0addTfjB_alOwzhWJ8zeg3TrW6ERHgq39E0I6M9UmDpxVMamMI7vbiLq4KMAgbIYZ2QImEWN3_ifiis6BIqw0S-q_ULPwPskATtUUwctMKgwX5YLaCUdSXhRu8GpcDLMKY8K8hRxHJU8/s320/398426F2-7F60-4CCE-A9E2-2068DD7F0ED5.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusmtMfYAug9MhxhDT-_TdrfFZHagUbtSFzVJE14bvR225JFJf--mRqydg85_msLI97ZpKiISdGIAyQCI3o3HlwJQMH3OtcQEP-mgkaxsLXBmF90zgmwQ3hi4OE7urgddIa-gw__mBXfK-3T0w3qTtWr7Y6NhMHV4bvQ78zHmkrrWJ-hT2NhfQIc2M/s1440/661211D3-E1C2-4E38-9C56-056C9796997A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusmtMfYAug9MhxhDT-_TdrfFZHagUbtSFzVJE14bvR225JFJf--mRqydg85_msLI97ZpKiISdGIAyQCI3o3HlwJQMH3OtcQEP-mgkaxsLXBmF90zgmwQ3hi4OE7urgddIa-gw__mBXfK-3T0w3qTtWr7Y6NhMHV4bvQ78zHmkrrWJ-hT2NhfQIc2M/s320/661211D3-E1C2-4E38-9C56-056C9796997A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUU5ebYqF0BFh6v6uoQC0sfbGi0Aqux2D4spJaC5XII0c8BLJlfZGJg9dXZE9nX7ahAE4YNUBGc6Rt2o0WEievYuxL890WbaB_hEC82v0GHrmFbdoIm24VVIdJDKf44PQ-xxfIFUu8OrFKepVQ2gKN5VWhstirU-KyR6awrJ8IhEQw5hxKEWRDBpZ/s1440/37420630-4C1D-423E-945D-A3235DA706EE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUU5ebYqF0BFh6v6uoQC0sfbGi0Aqux2D4spJaC5XII0c8BLJlfZGJg9dXZE9nX7ahAE4YNUBGc6Rt2o0WEievYuxL890WbaB_hEC82v0GHrmFbdoIm24VVIdJDKf44PQ-xxfIFUu8OrFKepVQ2gKN5VWhstirU-KyR6awrJ8IhEQw5hxKEWRDBpZ/s320/37420630-4C1D-423E-945D-A3235DA706EE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqlK5Ziph1bSmKPGX2Er6GciVfBHKkdskR8h2ueXQcRqpDD97kqEqlbhBqF9SrEcCJ-xJSg8TKeUFLFkUjgS4Z0DpHJpzEIs2p1HEAkStrWGr5okjOMtfINDjHemSr53A9KkwNwXNYDx-3Fi5BBvp9UlWBiMvptTxilmVW55uDa8fetoP8FvBc40C/s4032/D8AE2834-D515-47F7-8164-2243E3552251.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqlK5Ziph1bSmKPGX2Er6GciVfBHKkdskR8h2ueXQcRqpDD97kqEqlbhBqF9SrEcCJ-xJSg8TKeUFLFkUjgS4Z0DpHJpzEIs2p1HEAkStrWGr5okjOMtfINDjHemSr53A9KkwNwXNYDx-3Fi5BBvp9UlWBiMvptTxilmVW55uDa8fetoP8FvBc40C/s320/D8AE2834-D515-47F7-8164-2243E3552251.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KpfqumSExTQfWD0NNbsS9z4HOWnRVzJOtJkzLq843E1mbkVRYwNripJiXidhGkomUhSjblWmilSN75_MfVAq6YdSBkUPqsWGGQx8LvZ9vpRhQW9IpAR7ESZyqxsaeIU22AmLfK1qv6IpjHFvCKjGsYTiFOg_Bs3mg6ePTZqb8ota2_kGSm8H2U_M/s4032/D3451C2B-9D34-49AE-A526-83B7093450B1.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KpfqumSExTQfWD0NNbsS9z4HOWnRVzJOtJkzLq843E1mbkVRYwNripJiXidhGkomUhSjblWmilSN75_MfVAq6YdSBkUPqsWGGQx8LvZ9vpRhQW9IpAR7ESZyqxsaeIU22AmLfK1qv6IpjHFvCKjGsYTiFOg_Bs3mg6ePTZqb8ota2_kGSm8H2U_M/s320/D3451C2B-9D34-49AE-A526-83B7093450B1.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeq13oc2cJ28SSnK3vL0OypXr35DoLuZM55VnZTfCdk4fTVerzknNTHJrZMc6_70j9QuWHceA-1PXDdpWe3qMslEcSNQ0xAVdVokUTnxEYWAShAw4jaTZaOMaOj9L7-X4zR-wmzaSv3cCxVZs-AghD-9BtZSGYzZ47whNEWPYXvZTLhHc5kMwjWCv/s4032/DB9897B3-4D81-4912-AD85-EDFE4ADB1D97.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeq13oc2cJ28SSnK3vL0OypXr35DoLuZM55VnZTfCdk4fTVerzknNTHJrZMc6_70j9QuWHceA-1PXDdpWe3qMslEcSNQ0xAVdVokUTnxEYWAShAw4jaTZaOMaOj9L7-X4zR-wmzaSv3cCxVZs-AghD-9BtZSGYzZ47whNEWPYXvZTLhHc5kMwjWCv/s320/DB9897B3-4D81-4912-AD85-EDFE4ADB1D97.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqZwVhcqn-QgFnDMIjcx4TohoOvsIxu9pO1nJw6_y_VvJtXr7zD4zTli-IGW1sxnBOtI6UkC-xtviWHQDYfRT9GPdw0DDCQgtAdxsuGYNDoLmPzyxAXDJJBag50XXfu5Y7kOLgFJCJCwibVE34e1WjbCX---SN4ypD29q2m2meY59RXqeBa4aFaG-/s4032/E7CE878C-DAD0-41D6-915E-97434BDF21B0_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqZwVhcqn-QgFnDMIjcx4TohoOvsIxu9pO1nJw6_y_VvJtXr7zD4zTli-IGW1sxnBOtI6UkC-xtviWHQDYfRT9GPdw0DDCQgtAdxsuGYNDoLmPzyxAXDJJBag50XXfu5Y7kOLgFJCJCwibVE34e1WjbCX---SN4ypD29q2m2meY59RXqeBa4aFaG-/s320/E7CE878C-DAD0-41D6-915E-97434BDF21B0_1_201_a.heic" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">LIFE IN GENERAL:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're planning on going down to Arno's parents in PE again for December, CAN NOT WAIT. I need some beach and sea and fresh air! We will also be spending two nights at ADDO Elephant Park with his parents down there. We'll have Christmas Supper with my family on the 16th of December. We'll also pop in to see my gran in Jansenville on the way down to PE on the 17th of Dec.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're still living in Pretoria, and work and family is in Johannesburg, so I'm commuting a lot. Need to find some solutions there next year, it's very taxing. My niece and nephew are cuter than ever. Eloise is saying my name and starting to speak, she also has a very definite little personality! The below pic was taken after Adriaan's school concert recently.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30GUaTiR3QOyrKxHeu7ww2EWtTJj8xoXhCX81SDFheHnIidtI3JTsAgXx83x4-gDizJTdFN4oHSeJLNzO4Aa01ZVgHJAsrzPjkv9pqNEtPlpvvRnTESlw7gfxMAqNyZNsL6lfqor-BYlV35jZythyW-hUErys2E56RbUseKBhy-JnJiYBXoNfS_1l/s4032/E321EA81-EBDB-43A7-AA69-710F83BD8715.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30GUaTiR3QOyrKxHeu7ww2EWtTJj8xoXhCX81SDFheHnIidtI3JTsAgXx83x4-gDizJTdFN4oHSeJLNzO4Aa01ZVgHJAsrzPjkv9pqNEtPlpvvRnTESlw7gfxMAqNyZNsL6lfqor-BYlV35jZythyW-hUErys2E56RbUseKBhy-JnJiYBXoNfS_1l/s320/E321EA81-EBDB-43A7-AA69-710F83BD8715.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm struggling with getting enough time to exercise, so that's something I need to work on, and last week's emergency surgery is not going to help with my fitness, so that's really annoying. But there's not much I can do about that now! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let me know if you'd like me to blog more often! Then I'll make an effort!</div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-52717319856433926362022-02-28T19:56:00.002+02:002022-02-28T19:56:40.127+02:00Long Overdue Update<p>Not even 4 months since my last update, and so much to report on. I don't really blog anymore, but don't want anyone to think I've died, so I'm trying to leave proof of life here every few months. </p><p>Mauritius was heavenly. I miss it! We had the best time... snorkelling, drinking rum cocktails, EATING local food, driving around the island. Some pics below...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOI-pWppVq9IGB1fVZOqiI_yldbj69Xyd5vFS474oSOOu6R67mqNRvgLU752ggr0E1euJK6c2jLZn6GVmnlgiHLHsQwie74x8Jzk8erp5USiaDARz5JUOlC2r1ZkHjvJLflkHxHoZGPaP5DDS1Ggq-cg7W0C2AbNvWX2ywXdYof89VRF8Yj-xPCV5G=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOI-pWppVq9IGB1fVZOqiI_yldbj69Xyd5vFS474oSOOu6R67mqNRvgLU752ggr0E1euJK6c2jLZn6GVmnlgiHLHsQwie74x8Jzk8erp5USiaDARz5JUOlC2r1ZkHjvJLflkHxHoZGPaP5DDS1Ggq-cg7W0C2AbNvWX2ywXdYof89VRF8Yj-xPCV5G=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI6K8xHGMcAveXOlnGcpQyrXslqGl0_m9-yHTWjTTRmq_IiAit3-JDpO9Qg7KYBcvJvo0YiZVW75j-4xhyqMYXe1fNV4pGITpv6Xs41-B6Y7iHOt_j-bR0XIabohrQQtd_CphdzIdlD7BoBfInUe6jYGUUJ-OptTJ2t_4TVd7yfHajMk52AsV6tiph=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1440" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI6K8xHGMcAveXOlnGcpQyrXslqGl0_m9-yHTWjTTRmq_IiAit3-JDpO9Qg7KYBcvJvo0YiZVW75j-4xhyqMYXe1fNV4pGITpv6Xs41-B6Y7iHOt_j-bR0XIabohrQQtd_CphdzIdlD7BoBfInUe6jYGUUJ-OptTJ2t_4TVd7yfHajMk52AsV6tiph=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKNjl0bEnCFqjQ837qWPMCx7IWkwEAkwTzZPVo1xpI9lKjHNSpHZBIfb0sfArNqLzflAoJ1DnLZ_LztkhLNlI4NushMrPOUesEhEFNPjhqRmC55mxAAl_5Ih2tTs_i0MJ_LJt5GHxA8rfmfPkgFj92wXrPXAfUEqXXU6WnUqYEifafUVN4ygalxX25=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKNjl0bEnCFqjQ837qWPMCx7IWkwEAkwTzZPVo1xpI9lKjHNSpHZBIfb0sfArNqLzflAoJ1DnLZ_LztkhLNlI4NushMrPOUesEhEFNPjhqRmC55mxAAl_5Ih2tTs_i0MJ_LJt5GHxA8rfmfPkgFj92wXrPXAfUEqXXU6WnUqYEifafUVN4ygalxX25=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3b7S5y7Belx_pR0jlvwmB0uv_BNtHA4E6aAtHk9Kh214P4ZNnArv39d5VVcFyfK5njhdrZQxSkkAycaWemPi7-1SSzyOdydJVKXoOePvaTBkfa_Nnq6YSfeT42jQkQOQ5EJ9fcSY8D_5BxihsbGu6PTG33eE4wlbfL4Fhay_3X_Dh2boIeMfU-sJ7=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3b7S5y7Belx_pR0jlvwmB0uv_BNtHA4E6aAtHk9Kh214P4ZNnArv39d5VVcFyfK5njhdrZQxSkkAycaWemPi7-1SSzyOdydJVKXoOePvaTBkfa_Nnq6YSfeT42jQkQOQ5EJ9fcSY8D_5BxihsbGu6PTG33eE4wlbfL4Fhay_3X_Dh2boIeMfU-sJ7=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgABkWRF7tWASWU5cCOTzXU34OShLP2RlyUcQ7EW--aEcnOWlmrlHf0GWJ4RB3zr6GyOeuJ-H4mI2kGE1A10y_SR-0TOzLRNNPjJpn0Zq7pFD2TMmfr8uOuvmQD-CYM6UhZS7Vn0X0O68t9X6yDRzDRNKBMcwRW4CnzN8iaxF1Z3wvnvuNx06ziMSjL=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgABkWRF7tWASWU5cCOTzXU34OShLP2RlyUcQ7EW--aEcnOWlmrlHf0GWJ4RB3zr6GyOeuJ-H4mI2kGE1A10y_SR-0TOzLRNNPjJpn0Zq7pFD2TMmfr8uOuvmQD-CYM6UhZS7Vn0X0O68t9X6yDRzDRNKBMcwRW4CnzN8iaxF1Z3wvnvuNx06ziMSjL=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6pz1bpCw23vcjVhge2F1b8yx6H4YgeuQIHR7n93F8OgiBSi6mwlLfF0p_fIOF-a50qk-8e6jckOKJNCsdTnp5nKBTFCPOrdfX2DAYyhxgyK3JLU0l70D2vMW928v3p_Oieu512KeU2KAYRmBtWF1O843WeLd6s7k900G4f43JM1llVE45jl1uCrrK=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6pz1bpCw23vcjVhge2F1b8yx6H4YgeuQIHR7n93F8OgiBSi6mwlLfF0p_fIOF-a50qk-8e6jckOKJNCsdTnp5nKBTFCPOrdfX2DAYyhxgyK3JLU0l70D2vMW928v3p_Oieu512KeU2KAYRmBtWF1O843WeLd6s7k900G4f43JM1llVE45jl1uCrrK=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicYKSXB-jgp3nr4UVvwloiHSkDR0b19FHzLcYI8wOzWRSNo2HW5ORUabb16XAUxHAq87nU8V3LK8p88B6Rvb1cGQanYSUphNuBLz7vXZGkmQmtLL-EvcAL0obqRofH7NNsCXNKTU1jC6Eg_P0NVZuGpDGMk5VJBkhkhy24oVCz_ajBnU--rW359cRg=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicYKSXB-jgp3nr4UVvwloiHSkDR0b19FHzLcYI8wOzWRSNo2HW5ORUabb16XAUxHAq87nU8V3LK8p88B6Rvb1cGQanYSUphNuBLz7vXZGkmQmtLL-EvcAL0obqRofH7NNsCXNKTU1jC6Eg_P0NVZuGpDGMk5VJBkhkhy24oVCz_ajBnU--rW359cRg=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKvuotwP7-nJ9v3ZFUoMNXNRNlHfq1vHEt3yZztcR5KdLLtbn0WwGYCacu69e169pl-8NWaUJOF0aWD1GNdnIZevkDGzvGFwQUa3DeCeVUfTq2EWMAGAbNhzL5x_PG8NrJH_mz8fNus77sOpTosSx0OVRLhQ0cB6Ltvz4fLKkAuRUR0N0oMN8TtS5Q=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1440" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKvuotwP7-nJ9v3ZFUoMNXNRNlHfq1vHEt3yZztcR5KdLLtbn0WwGYCacu69e169pl-8NWaUJOF0aWD1GNdnIZevkDGzvGFwQUa3DeCeVUfTq2EWMAGAbNhzL5x_PG8NrJH_mz8fNus77sOpTosSx0OVRLhQ0cB6Ltvz4fLKkAuRUR0N0oMN8TtS5Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv8FZ3E_xANRQNei6L1IzyXbIQTpQfIgxfKnbUJYcwWAFRbHUSa21K8fvkgD77YNrciFOzVMVk15e6ZhTijIvoIgLrypq5Ejhlw3_FcuS2GmhUE40cJp9YaNGg4aRb353Lq5WxgxH6IkrIS4d2Kkus7wrHfZaoly1MHgurKMUog4VVRXLwUZ6PJvsw=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv8FZ3E_xANRQNei6L1IzyXbIQTpQfIgxfKnbUJYcwWAFRbHUSa21K8fvkgD77YNrciFOzVMVk15e6ZhTijIvoIgLrypq5Ejhlw3_FcuS2GmhUE40cJp9YaNGg4aRb353Lq5WxgxH6IkrIS4d2Kkus7wrHfZaoly1MHgurKMUog4VVRXLwUZ6PJvsw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We got back just in time for the Omnicron variant... perfect timing! My sister, brother in law, niece and nephew all got this Covid variant, but luckily they were all OK. The baby was first to be diagnosed! Thank goodness I hadn't seen them much in that window of time, so I didn't get it. One of my very close lung transplant friends Talia wasn't as lucky though, and has been fighting for her life on ECMO and a vent for about 6 weeks now :-( Heart-breaking. She has triplets who are almost 18 months old at home... as well as a husband. I want her to survive this soooo badly. So many people that I know are not doing OK at the moment.</p><p>In much better news, I met the most amazing guy as soon as I came back from Mauritius. His name is Arno. He's 34, also from PE, and all round brilliant. I'll be moving in with him on the 19th of March. Which means moving to Pretoria! I'm not a stranger to Pretoria at least, my grandparents lived there (in the same neighbourhood as Arno actually). Very excited, but I'll still be coming to JHB a lot for family, work, and my many Doctors. I feel like I've won the Lotto with this one!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrlbDLg7AwJRYEOVxc-6ZXSTlQbRP478p7XPDPzXg4WdSDyK61qpzQ-hW1wsongakyCm23FtDbg4qErfVinc4drJbvueP-hSN8fpK4MzisDUdK3qXYey1ZjV4-2-CtsgAhqNaKWGszsDlzu9D8Uq0NW33C1D2IQTtB3fab1oNCzWabexU81_PUgmLX=s1590" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrlbDLg7AwJRYEOVxc-6ZXSTlQbRP478p7XPDPzXg4WdSDyK61qpzQ-hW1wsongakyCm23FtDbg4qErfVinc4drJbvueP-hSN8fpK4MzisDUdK3qXYey1ZjV4-2-CtsgAhqNaKWGszsDlzu9D8Uq0NW33C1D2IQTtB3fab1oNCzWabexU81_PUgmLX=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuy4EBn5Z1Qj7XZL_kB7nOH7MagpnpuUn9w0VVlgp0SI6odqIjyK_X2WP8HS4fcKRFD2pV5-QYlPLM6MW2x0fneEkccMTXmzVhgB2lSGPJjZxparEIhlbG3wVhO2_hET9uKSJPDptPjcnDBNXUtcLg4NNIvCs39ZC4IF9K73OBk9B9fk48lCEQz-37=s839" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuy4EBn5Z1Qj7XZL_kB7nOH7MagpnpuUn9w0VVlgp0SI6odqIjyK_X2WP8HS4fcKRFD2pV5-QYlPLM6MW2x0fneEkccMTXmzVhgB2lSGPJjZxparEIhlbG3wVhO2_hET9uKSJPDptPjcnDBNXUtcLg4NNIvCs39ZC4IF9K73OBk9B9fk48lCEQz-37=s320" width="293" /></a></div><br />We spent Christmas in PE, with Arno's parents, and I did my first bit of camping EVER! It was very cool, even though we got soaked in our tent, Definitely an adventure!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlWbXxC1h5agiNVF_rjZzKJNGfW9IqimVL4J4-MB7UYRCw9sY08EqlN-FzMG_5dCZ4MYs5kSw7-2uWgtd4h_TfE0SESbzCyMNdDHMvA7F2edY1qn0irCdSt4NJ7vjZXJYIVOlcXcXSFKFfHSTrzaxWqB5locafVqjRwvDRMOvoX304iP6RrFrieknM=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlWbXxC1h5agiNVF_rjZzKJNGfW9IqimVL4J4-MB7UYRCw9sY08EqlN-FzMG_5dCZ4MYs5kSw7-2uWgtd4h_TfE0SESbzCyMNdDHMvA7F2edY1qn0irCdSt4NJ7vjZXJYIVOlcXcXSFKFfHSTrzaxWqB5locafVqjRwvDRMOvoX304iP6RrFrieknM=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7aUbxKe1uiRgc-nehszFIlZGFWRR4mw4qRko3zYd4MVpHqusxQnylEOJywQ9C2mTn5JZst7NdyWa5bor-KgiaRaZTHQKiu_7V9jgROlUP0p7OTQmhWPy-Bup6KSTXDnM5foAItMBOLuA_GCCIrfJLEXpZmokvKkPWrloMFBo9q9Te9KcTqtrmdD2h=s975" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7aUbxKe1uiRgc-nehszFIlZGFWRR4mw4qRko3zYd4MVpHqusxQnylEOJywQ9C2mTn5JZst7NdyWa5bor-KgiaRaZTHQKiu_7V9jgROlUP0p7OTQmhWPy-Bup6KSTXDnM5foAItMBOLuA_GCCIrfJLEXpZmokvKkPWrloMFBo9q9Te9KcTqtrmdD2h=s320" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMkEN75PPEzdcTqV5ZWtbxnNF0ZCWHiP7oav6CSM14vIFBbDkV0AB11D_EjHQfFYMWfKpP6SDWnwANZlMd3-aiLuXnyT7JaCNjHF8i1KQ71_Y-I5gBpgUOLlJG8aDfdxM_X5FuYRIRcWlmx6EwAoy9_937g7IFayoOl4qeBRlfis1vjlZ0-0xJcYq0=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMkEN75PPEzdcTqV5ZWtbxnNF0ZCWHiP7oav6CSM14vIFBbDkV0AB11D_EjHQfFYMWfKpP6SDWnwANZlMd3-aiLuXnyT7JaCNjHF8i1KQ71_Y-I5gBpgUOLlJG8aDfdxM_X5FuYRIRcWlmx6EwAoy9_937g7IFayoOl4qeBRlfis1vjlZ0-0xJcYq0=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi19Gzv2-YUHQKLITysp53gHHu7iWCSMVpl0NWDw05BlBdxgQkcBrSYtIzRo7RtGjL4s7NSXx556Xsyq9XXCN7hxzD0GKh7xEQQMX9RBUEvXSAgYY_JXQUyGks5U4lXHXCfyiRlOd5mOcE1TBdQZdE4MMyDyRNo97YLSM2M7PzQisUTnA2drFqkqfIU=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi19Gzv2-YUHQKLITysp53gHHu7iWCSMVpl0NWDw05BlBdxgQkcBrSYtIzRo7RtGjL4s7NSXx556Xsyq9XXCN7hxzD0GKh7xEQQMX9RBUEvXSAgYY_JXQUyGks5U4lXHXCfyiRlOd5mOcE1TBdQZdE4MMyDyRNo97YLSM2M7PzQisUTnA2drFqkqfIU=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Lungs are doing fine on the new meds, lung function was up 2% last time - 94% FEV1. Not bad!!! Gynae will be doing a biopsy again later this week, dermatologist has been burning tiny warts as per usual, had a tooth break. Not much news. Very very thankful to have avoided Covid thus far. Literally all my "normal" friends have had it now. And half my family. Very grateful for the vaccines I've had (as well as all my friends. None of them who got covid post vaccine were very sick. )</p><p>I'm also doing a post graduate diploma this year and next. In Financial Planning. Nervous and excited to be studying again. </p><p>I'm hoping to go to my 20 year High School Reunion in April, if time and finances allow. </p><p>I realised the other day that when I was this far out from my first transplant - 4 years 4 months - I had my first bout of rejection. I've had no rejection with these lungs yet, so hopefully that's a good sign. Life is good... I'm thankful every day.</p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-37118387888839705232021-11-11T15:29:00.006+02:002021-11-11T15:29:55.981+02:004 years since the second transplant!<p>The 31st of October marked 4 years with my second set of gifted lungs!!!! Time has flown SO MUCH! It's unreal. I thought it's time to update the blog a bit. </p><p>So health wise everything is good! So far I've still had NO ISSUES with these second lungs. They are beautiful and I love them. I had an outstanding check-up last week. My blood results were all normal, and my kidneys are doing better than they have in years. Not that my kidneys are bad, but 14 years of immunosuppression does take it's toll. </p><p>Something that's big for me though... as that as of yesterday, all my immune suppression has been changed... the reason for this is my history with the hysterectomy and abnormal cervical/vaginal cells. So one specific medication, Everolimus or Certican, has the "side-effect" of being very good from a cancer perspective. As well as suppressing your immune system for transplant purposes. So my dose of Certican has been pushed right up, and my Cellcept has come down from 1250mg twice a day, to 500mg twice a day. Neural has halved, from 50mg twice a day to 25mg only. Prednisone stays at 7.5mg. These massive changes make me very nervous! However I've had big changes in the past and my lungs were fine. So I just have to trust that they will be fine now too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnuHaRUCK3c/YYyosoaMsyI/AAAAAAAAPAU/eIH7Wf9qlTks5vvpHfKYRx1awqu5KREtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1136/Screenshot%2B2021-11-11%2Bat%2B07.22.28.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1136" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnuHaRUCK3c/YYyosoaMsyI/AAAAAAAAPAU/eIH7Wf9qlTks5vvpHfKYRx1awqu5KREtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screenshot%2B2021-11-11%2Bat%2B07.22.28.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tS4qF_Bb2EE/YYyoypdmxVI/AAAAAAAAPAY/eRTkh6CgDD0DfgaV86EvQ9kdnNxUnnl4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1192/Screenshot%2B2021-11-11%2Bat%2B07.20.38.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1192" height="166" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tS4qF_Bb2EE/YYyoypdmxVI/AAAAAAAAPAY/eRTkh6CgDD0DfgaV86EvQ9kdnNxUnnl4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screenshot%2B2021-11-11%2Bat%2B07.20.38.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I didn't go big with celebrating this year's lungaversary, but next year will have to be an epic one... 5 years is a milestone! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOWcHuiC4LU/YY0Zswh0zFI/AAAAAAAAPAw/33s94YXblq89mAFNwqSyFcgSFx0O3NvywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9DADAA28-48D8-4FFC-A16F-A1ED3DDAC6A5_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOWcHuiC4LU/YY0Zswh0zFI/AAAAAAAAPAw/33s94YXblq89mAFNwqSyFcgSFx0O3NvywCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/9DADAA28-48D8-4FFC-A16F-A1ED3DDAC6A5_1_201_a.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxmUy7Y7GhQ/YY0ZsBAI-MI/AAAAAAAAPAo/zCXHxOgWudM3Z1kMVafNd0MJiItbbrtDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/707A30A7-CFFB-4B13-B695-ACA2F56FFB7C_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxmUy7Y7GhQ/YY0ZsBAI-MI/AAAAAAAAPAo/zCXHxOgWudM3Z1kMVafNd0MJiItbbrtDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/707A30A7-CFFB-4B13-B695-ACA2F56FFB7C_1_201_a.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BVLgxoWPcvs/YY0ZsZfkmaI/AAAAAAAAPAs/qCwp8hkJC98mKSEia5X7BmEdV4tYe6T6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/8819BAA2-D5CA-4653-B8E9-D0FC02895270_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BVLgxoWPcvs/YY0ZsZfkmaI/AAAAAAAAPAs/qCwp8hkJC98mKSEia5X7BmEdV4tYe6T6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8819BAA2-D5CA-4653-B8E9-D0FC02895270_1_201_a.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evU0guSS_po/YY0ZrSGcG8I/AAAAAAAAPAk/yaWE8X4fGX4WjS6DhbotXOkzoU5nFzjBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/12730D0A-9590-4C0A-B48E-5CE2E8F4C858_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evU0guSS_po/YY0ZrSGcG8I/AAAAAAAAPAk/yaWE8X4fGX4WjS6DhbotXOkzoU5nFzjBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/12730D0A-9590-4C0A-B48E-5CE2E8F4C858_1_201_a.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsjYrus5yHc/YY0ZtvYFKeI/AAAAAAAAPA0/aR43NwNiLisXaSzJ0Qnv6ReeW1szbTbWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DCDB8FC9-A1C7-4A9E-822D-163407E8B489_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsjYrus5yHc/YY0ZtvYFKeI/AAAAAAAAPA0/aR43NwNiLisXaSzJ0Qnv6ReeW1szbTbWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DCDB8FC9-A1C7-4A9E-822D-163407E8B489_1_201_a.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>In very exciting news... On Sunday I'm off to Mauritius with a friend from school! Carli! We booked the tickets in August already, hoping the Covid won't spoil our plans, and it seems like things have worked out for us! Soooooo excited. We're not staying in a resort, will be doing our own thing. Will post pictures!</p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-36625339416758314072021-07-06T14:52:00.003+02:002021-07-06T14:52:21.234+02:00Good results!<p> Just feedback on last week's many procedures and biopsies, because so many people wished me well!</p><p>Colonoscopy and Anoscopy was 100% normal. Zero issues there, I can repeat in 4 years. Whoop whoop.</p><p>Tongue thing was a fungal/candida issue. Possibly due to years and years and years of antibiotics. Hopefully I can prevent it from happening again by using the only anti-fungal mouth medication that I'm allowed. Apparently all the others interfere with my meds. Might have to use it every day forever. That's fine if I'm can eat all food again without pain. Luckily it wasn't anything serious. Still have 4 stitches in my tongue that should fall out soon, but at least it's not painful anymore and I can eat more than just soup now. </p><p>Vaginoscopy results were also good. The abnormal cells I had left after the hysterectomy are less, and less severe. Only a "mild" abnormality left. I will continue current treatment for another 4 months. Thank goodness! I was stressing about this one the most!</p><p>So a "clean" bill of health basically. As clean is it's going to get. I was SUPER impressed with Donald Gordon Medical Centre's care. Everything was on time. The covid protocols were great. I wore both my masks the entire time I was awake. When I woke up in recovery both masks were back on. (it was also pretty cool to wake up in recovery with no oxygen and 2 masks on, with O2 sats of 100%. ) Take that people who complain they can't breathe while wearing a mask! All 3 surgeons and the anesthetist were also absolutely amazing. I did struggle to keep my blood sugar up with having not eaten for 24 hours before surgery, but eventually I was taken to theatre just in time for a glucose drip. Which was a nightmare to get in, because CF veins, but all worked out fine. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4y4kySVQ0s/YORRmJWEZAI/AAAAAAAAO-E/9iv-iolnp7A5EojRJ-1ua8LX56xu8Dl7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s564/a2113db9070d8f8cde4dbdaa62059022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4y4kySVQ0s/YORRmJWEZAI/AAAAAAAAO-E/9iv-iolnp7A5EojRJ-1ua8LX56xu8Dl7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/a2113db9070d8f8cde4dbdaa62059022.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-65129909830514115212021-06-27T19:17:00.000+02:002021-06-27T19:17:13.545+02:00Third Wave, Pandemic Anxiety, Surgeries on Tuesday.<p> So Pandemic shit got real these past few weeks. Especially here in Gauteng. It feels like EVERYONE is just getting sick. Everyday more people that I know have Covid. This past week three SATSA members (Transplant Sport) passed away. Two were transplant recipients and one was the husband of a heart transplant recipient. It's bizarre.... how people are desperately asking me if I know where you can get oxygen on the "black market" (no I don't), and asking me all sorts of lung related questions, because I'm an expert in that area. Also - suddenly everyone knows what a pulse oximeter is. WTF... how times have changed. I bought mine on Amazon in California in 2015, because they were much more affordable than the ones available for sale here in SA. Now every second person has one. Hearing people with Covid talking about their O2 sats has made me test mine again! At least all is still good in that area... tested it yesterday while cleaning my flat. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zrH0cJziAE/YNit0IhBAkI/AAAAAAAAO3w/ElHFoW7KYYsD6_o7UO6i1U5C3_bSIOPfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-3642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zrH0cJziAE/YNit0IhBAkI/AAAAAAAAO3w/ElHFoW7KYYsD6_o7UO6i1U5C3_bSIOPfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-3642.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I've been self isolating since Tuesday... because I'm having a whole bunch of scopes and biopsies done this coming Tuesday. They are as follows:<div><br /></div><div>Colonoscopy and Anoscopy - because I'm over 30 and have CF and have been on immune suppressants for almost 14 years. So that ups my risk for colon cancer. Joy... </div><div><br /></div><div>Tongue examination under anesthetic and biopsy - because I have a funny spot on my tongue, that has really confused my lung specialist as well as a head and neck surgeon... they both have no idea what it is, so they want to check it out while I'm out, and then probably cut the whole thing out and send for biopsy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Vaginoscopy - with my hysterectomy last year in November, they didn't get clear margins when they cut out my cervix. So there was still some medium grade abnormal cells left. They've been treated, so it's time to see if it worked.... very very nervous for this one. </div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see, Tuesday and Monday will not be fun. I just want to get it over with. Every orifice will be examined by 3 surgeons... kudo's to them for organising it so well though. I much prefer one insane day like that than 3 admissions, especially in a pandemic. I had my 13th Covid swab done today, and luckily it was negative as expected. All of this will take place at Donald Gordon medical centre. </div><div><br /></div><div>PLEASE NOTE: these types of procedures are all part of being a transplant recipient, especially as time passes after your transplant. There is a lot of stuff that need to be checked out ALL THE TIME. It doesn't mean I'm not doing well, or that I'm sick (I'm really in better shape than ever), it's just managing the side effects of taking 4 immuno-suppressants. And 30 years of cortisone use. All the things that have kept me alive. Fingers crossed that all the results are good!<br /><div><p><br /></p></div></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-39579917687153129692021-03-31T20:08:00.001+02:002021-03-31T20:08:12.335+02:00Blogging on the Backburner<p>As you may have noticed, I hardly ever blog anymore. Life's pretty busy, but I do post on Instagram and Facebook a fair bit! So if you'd like to keep up with my journey with these second set of transplanted lungs on a more regular basis, follow me on either one of those 2 platforms. If there is big news, I'll share it here!</p><p>Also, today marks 3 years and 5 months with the new new lungs, yay!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAMQvQS05z8/YGS6EkOPzUI/AAAAAAAAOxE/IfA3Kwsn_i06CzRCEEiuWZ3HAMGcYroAACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/167486593_10159623140176490_8032360452751205085_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAMQvQS05z8/YGS6EkOPzUI/AAAAAAAAOxE/IfA3Kwsn_i06CzRCEEiuWZ3HAMGcYroAACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/167486593_10159623140176490_8032360452751205085_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-14463641278966550692021-01-22T08:58:00.001+02:002021-01-22T08:58:21.844+02:0013 Years<p>Today marks 13 years since my life was saved by donor lungs for the first time. Even though those lungs were replaced 10 years later, it doesn't take away from what they gave me. More time with friends and family, and a much more "normal" life. As with every 22 of Jan, my thoughts are with my donor's family.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pacA8uehUww/YApyYz3CXrI/AAAAAAAAOtQ/CPthYIX1XmItz-zeWFu1UOS1sQlzXtVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/IMG-0939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pacA8uehUww/YApyYz3CXrI/AAAAAAAAOtQ/CPthYIX1XmItz-zeWFu1UOS1sQlzXtVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-0939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>My last x-ray with the original lungs and most recent x-ray with current lungs... Will always be a miracle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_oUtt9tMmQ/YApzDboDN6I/AAAAAAAAOtY/GvrnCTJD7WAL_7zAk64eH-UM7I797LnSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/SDC12600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_oUtt9tMmQ/YApzDboDN6I/AAAAAAAAOtY/GvrnCTJD7WAL_7zAk64eH-UM7I797LnSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/SDC12600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vgI-zSV-p9o/YApzII_R_LI/AAAAAAAAOtc/o3bEMmCk63k26aJahcOkyiSkAlAsQj_6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s791/2020-09-17%2B%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="647" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vgI-zSV-p9o/YApzII_R_LI/AAAAAAAAOtc/o3bEMmCk63k26aJahcOkyiSkAlAsQj_6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020-09-17%2B%25284%2529.png" /></a></div><p>I almost feel bad celebrating stuff at the moment, with all the sadness that is happening around us every day. People passing away due to covid. people struggling financially for the same reason. A helicopter crash that happened yesterday with members of my transplant team involved. Seeing friends who work as frontline workers being drained and exhausted, seeing people suffer from depression due to everything that's going on. Life is really hard right now. And it doesn't feel like there is an end in sight regarding Covid. </p><p>Yes we'll eventually get the vaccine in SA. Much later than we should have, because we're not a first world country where things are efficient. Even then, it's not 100% effective. The one we're expecting to get is 70% effective. Combined with all the people who are going to refuse the vaccine (according to one article I read, 53% of SA's population), there will be no herd immunity and it definitely won't be safe to have a normal life again. Covid has really cast a spotlight on how many stupid, uneducated idiots live among us. </p><p>I was supposed to have a transplant check-up today, but it was cancelled due to the current wave of Covid. I'm just glad that I had my hysterectomy when I did in Nov last year, and that it's over and done with. For now, all is good with my health and I'll take it. 2021 looks like it will be rather bleak, but I think you just have to take it a week at a time. I've been through worse, even though this is very different.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncu8WcxpQ8E/YAp3I0FKyFI/AAAAAAAAOts/i2ndh4-E7gIVroZ05awBHIJifzRa3X_KwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-0874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1577" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncu8WcxpQ8E/YAp3I0FKyFI/AAAAAAAAOts/i2ndh4-E7gIVroZ05awBHIJifzRa3X_KwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-0874.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-18586462114890639202020-12-17T18:11:00.005+02:002020-12-17T18:14:18.195+02:0017 December<p>The 17th of December has been a memorable day for the past 3 years! In 2017 I ran on the treadmill for the first time after my second bi-lateral lung transplant. In 2018 I tore my Achilles tendon for the second time, and last year I arrived in London on this day. Nothing much to report for 2020 though. </p><p>Yesterday Brendan, Marius, Andrew and I had a little Christmas lunch before they go home to PE etc. It really was very nice. These have basically been the only people I've socialised with the entire year. So grateful for these three!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAGeCLiXDD4/X9t7qtCaV0I/AAAAAAAAOqg/uRSJPLJQEGkvyJIR4J0EYC2SzvM0qelBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/131888701_10159355408636490_5545863554005149150_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAGeCLiXDD4/X9t7qtCaV0I/AAAAAAAAOqg/uRSJPLJQEGkvyJIR4J0EYC2SzvM0qelBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/131888701_10159355408636490_5545863554005149150_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-RBIxQzGbU/X9t7rZHpIwI/AAAAAAAAOqo/AS3WsC3bMksooUEvCSW254TaIEGPgdizACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-0224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-RBIxQzGbU/X9t7rZHpIwI/AAAAAAAAOqo/AS3WsC3bMksooUEvCSW254TaIEGPgdizACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-0224.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyRhQaiMQ6s/X9t7rP66QtI/AAAAAAAAOqk/73veIGGwm_0Vvt0WRYyQvy1B9Y2RozIiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-0264.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyRhQaiMQ6s/X9t7rP66QtI/AAAAAAAAOqk/73veIGGwm_0Vvt0WRYyQvy1B9Y2RozIiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-0264.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The main excitement in the family is the fact that my sister's baby girl is arriving in Jan! We can't wait! The whole family will just be here for Christmas. Looking forward to just seeing the end of this year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rS2WVhJSnQ/X9t-zKS86jI/AAAAAAAAOq4/dRqnVrTDEA41wp47qbcZUgpbeusDJDxZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1176/130971303_10159338189736490_3623596848884726664_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="941" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rS2WVhJSnQ/X9t-zKS86jI/AAAAAAAAOq4/dRqnVrTDEA41wp47qbcZUgpbeusDJDxZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/130971303_10159338189736490_3623596848884726664_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>I see that I never posted anything about the picnic I had for my 3 year lungaversary... It was an AWESOME celebration. I've been trying to have a picnic every year since the redo transplant, and every year it has rained. However it was third time lucky this year. (Strange, saying 2020 and lucky in the same sentence!). The weather was great, and got to see my favourite people!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4HLfSSaOGQ/X9t_tv_QQjI/AAAAAAAAOrI/GqjcUyiDvGQBLEnhodT07wd4f-9w82cDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/123718778_10159263473601490_3308223919628817928_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4HLfSSaOGQ/X9t_tv_QQjI/AAAAAAAAOrI/GqjcUyiDvGQBLEnhodT07wd4f-9w82cDACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/123718778_10159263473601490_3308223919628817928_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0nd9k6yWmY/X9t_tqBUEHI/AAAAAAAAOrE/Eg05eutUI_Ywi03-rfyv04foympTjek4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/123766917_10159263473711490_6343375108633762953_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0nd9k6yWmY/X9t_tqBUEHI/AAAAAAAAOrE/Eg05eutUI_Ywi03-rfyv04foympTjek4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/123766917_10159263473711490_6343375108633762953_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2z4DpGoBJ3o/X9t_tW8c6HI/AAAAAAAAOrA/DgByiuHLqU4ZKFVjJDBaif7YNphfC9FQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/123946817_10159263473646490_3910530249777345337_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2z4DpGoBJ3o/X9t_tW8c6HI/AAAAAAAAOrA/DgByiuHLqU4ZKFVjJDBaif7YNphfC9FQACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/123946817_10159263473646490_3910530249777345337_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z56KJFdqLHo/X9t_wvZ7JuI/AAAAAAAAOrM/uQk929IJpOMgAIauJIGRRBhKX5-gKRn6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/123769191_10159263473736490_5494821672452651234_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z56KJFdqLHo/X9t_wvZ7JuI/AAAAAAAAOrM/uQk929IJpOMgAIauJIGRRBhKX5-gKRn6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/123769191_10159263473736490_5494821672452651234_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>My check up 10 days after the hysterectomy went fine. The surgeon said she would have let me go home the same day still, but the other Drs were a bit weary of that. Cuts have healed well, and last night/this morning a lot of the dissolvable stitches fell out. Seeing her again on 13 Jan.</p><p>Also had a lung checkup on 1 Dec. Lung function was down a bit, probably due to the anesthesia. Kidneys are also taking some strain with the combination of meds I'm on to allow for healing after the hysterectomy. However I'm switching back to my usual meds next week Monday. Yay! May this be the last surgery in a while! So much admin! Will have another checkup on 22 Jan, which will be the 13 year anniversary of my first lung transplant! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NV3EZLHe1mc/X9uC753T_6I/AAAAAAAAOrk/WQ1DY9ph8tIWKmqIu99eya8jC5WO3OSowCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/131078052_10159342951456490_5732037911873769030_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NV3EZLHe1mc/X9uC753T_6I/AAAAAAAAOrk/WQ1DY9ph8tIWKmqIu99eya8jC5WO3OSowCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/131078052_10159342951456490_5732037911873769030_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>I probably won't blog again before Christmas, so MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! </p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-9494247849057298662020-11-24T09:46:00.001+02:002020-12-17T17:16:24.401+02:00Hysterectomy - check <p>I had my Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy 8 days ago. To be honest it's been the easiest surgery I've ever had. The build up to it (admin, biopsies, pap smears, bloods, uncertainty regarding whether I'll keep my ovaries) was much worse than the actual procedure. I spent 1 night in hospital post op, in ICU. Was home less than 24 hours after the surgery. And I DID get to keep my ovaries... they were deemed "pristine" and not worth removing, for which I am very glad. No early menopause!!!! Thank goodness. There's hardly been any pain, felt more like I overdid it with a lower ab workout. Medical advancements blow my mind!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWxHYiN80fQ/X7y1Xf7BUbI/AAAAAAAAOos/wU0oa5CxSgYvLKd22YLTPMhS7-EulyyPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-9655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWxHYiN80fQ/X7y1Xf7BUbI/AAAAAAAAOos/wU0oa5CxSgYvLKd22YLTPMhS7-EulyyPACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-9655.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3JKcFLdLg4/X7y1WXA1GcI/AAAAAAAAOoo/vwWz211GyLkSf8y_Xz3DRajs8hm9fLA7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/B84E0788-15A1-4659-A7B2-3B84EDD4D6AC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3JKcFLdLg4/X7y1WXA1GcI/AAAAAAAAOoo/vwWz211GyLkSf8y_Xz3DRajs8hm9fLA7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/B84E0788-15A1-4659-A7B2-3B84EDD4D6AC.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>The selfie was taken about an hour after I woke up. The oxygen was mandatory in ICU, although I did manage to subtly get rid of it after a few hours and no one said anything. Had to inject myself with Clexane for a week to prevent clotting, which I'm done with now. The next step is my check-up on Thursday with the surgeon. She'll remove the plasters and hopefully give me the all-clear to drive again. Then my life can basically go back to normal. Also need to find out what the rules are regarding exercise. Right now I'm only allowed to walk. It will probably be that way for a bit. At least once I can drive again, I can also go and walk at the gym, for some variation and more Vitality points.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEJcYaS6DRo/X7y215uvqxI/AAAAAAAAOo8/QD8ujUvnvbosFwguVnau3wmv7UR9BLodACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2BE17561-19BE-4AA3-B47D-4861093273F6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEJcYaS6DRo/X7y215uvqxI/AAAAAAAAOo8/QD8ujUvnvbosFwguVnau3wmv7UR9BLodACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2BE17561-19BE-4AA3-B47D-4861093273F6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNZ3EnCmJkA/X7y22FJfX1I/AAAAAAAAOpA/zt6GObgEVcQnzBIwgBPEdOdHK0kyX_iGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D9EEE3CA-DB5D-485A-8A17-FA304771B312.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1712" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNZ3EnCmJkA/X7y22FJfX1I/AAAAAAAAOpA/zt6GObgEVcQnzBIwgBPEdOdHK0kyX_iGACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/D9EEE3CA-DB5D-485A-8A17-FA304771B312.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p>I spent last week at my parents' house. Working a bit, taking naps, watching The Crown and building a puzzle. On Saturday morning my dad was kind enough to drive me to breakfast with Robyn. She's a long time friend who had her kidney transplant just a month after I had my first lung transplant. We were roommates at our first World Transplant Games in 2009 in Australia. She lives in East London, so was great to be able to catch up with her again.</p><p>I'm very happy to be back at my own place now since Sat afternoon. Tay-Tay (the kitty who chose me) is very glad that I'm back. Counting the days till this rather crappy month and year is over (it could have been much worse, and I was healthy, so trying not to complain too much). I have one lung check-up left as well, on the 1st of December. Really hoping that goes well and that I can end the year off on a good note medically. </p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-28156828019504851982020-11-03T20:26:00.005+02:002020-12-17T17:09:59.286+02:003 Year Lungaversary, 2 Trips Away, 1 Hysterectomy pending<p>First things first, Saturday I celebrated 3 years with my new new lungs!!! I've done quite a bit of googling about the survival stats for redo lung transplants, and the average seems about 3 years. Needless to say it's not GREAT, and reaching 3 years without any rejection so far is amazing. Feeling super blessed and lucky, and I appreciate the easy breathing every day!</p><p>Then, I've finally been able to have two awesome mini-breaks in the past 6 weeks. At the end of Sept I went to Mabalingwe with some friends. We had an amazing long-weekend in the bush. The weather was good, we got some good doses of covid-fighting Vit D. Thank you summer! It was SO GOOD for the soul to be away with friends. Listening to music, eating too much, going on game drives, drinking gin and tonic, soaking up with sun. One of the highlights of the year. Especially after the cancer scare I had the week before.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAQu6fS7SnI/X6Ga7gAZ_YI/AAAAAAAAOlw/XbNEutROVTUG3QvfzosMMTW-nKNiyr--QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1113/119958655_10159148683796490_3675188813859824946_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1113" data-original-width="924" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAQu6fS7SnI/X6Ga7gAZ_YI/AAAAAAAAOlw/XbNEutROVTUG3QvfzosMMTW-nKNiyr--QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/119958655_10159148683796490_3675188813859824946_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lm1jbplZCG4/X6Ga7gjB8tI/AAAAAAAAOl4/5zqAQpB21Ow_3nvJQmd-k0ww4yXGHM9SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/120003957_10159150665131490_1545087898896819055_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lm1jbplZCG4/X6Ga7gjB8tI/AAAAAAAAOl4/5zqAQpB21Ow_3nvJQmd-k0ww4yXGHM9SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/120003957_10159150665131490_1545087898896819055_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYmJtAfCseg/X6Ga7qr1qGI/AAAAAAAAOl0/cm1wFvlOUwUykOsSmsOv5QVivSASnBa7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/120042453_10159150939091490_7709760050907538057_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYmJtAfCseg/X6Ga7qr1qGI/AAAAAAAAOl0/cm1wFvlOUwUykOsSmsOv5QVivSASnBa7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/120042453_10159150939091490_7709760050907538057_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMEGHneMoWA/X6Ga8OjmqKI/AAAAAAAAOl8/nNe544IYieY0AWWdtJAmTHDzQ9yHpHJrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1007/120115124_10159154132941490_3569698272280237510_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1007" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMEGHneMoWA/X6Ga8OjmqKI/AAAAAAAAOl8/nNe544IYieY0AWWdtJAmTHDzQ9yHpHJrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/120115124_10159154132941490_3569698272280237510_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dpnHFKZ4hs/X6Ga8F0vQVI/AAAAAAAAOmA/BhEvtOGGXhYrbpMKjJjzQcQW7-3mNBGfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/120118238_10159154189476490_7312951696265063392_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dpnHFKZ4hs/X6Ga8F0vQVI/AAAAAAAAOmA/BhEvtOGGXhYrbpMKjJjzQcQW7-3mNBGfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/120118238_10159154189476490_7312951696265063392_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-MpGnkdPcw/X6GbGVTUrII/AAAAAAAAOmE/VE_4sHx52twW6ww9tvGB-0AR5TtxO5yKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s769/120141162_10159148673121490_5335466170942546396_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="769" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-MpGnkdPcw/X6GbGVTUrII/AAAAAAAAOmE/VE_4sHx52twW6ww9tvGB-0AR5TtxO5yKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/120141162_10159148673121490_5335466170942546396_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VN6JKbM-6hY/X6GbGYGjVXI/AAAAAAAAOmI/jdSVNBnhNtQISWP50qpGiOkFNCWRe41XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1021/120155601_10159148641836490_8456841362225887343_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1021" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VN6JKbM-6hY/X6GbGYGjVXI/AAAAAAAAOmI/jdSVNBnhNtQISWP50qpGiOkFNCWRe41XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/120155601_10159148641836490_8456841362225887343_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8E6JOlHKKEo/X6GbGbdlUdI/AAAAAAAAOmM/ADjT2WpDtLk0wsNtBm3ub2Anc-tZA-CpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/120223455_10159154043376490_7662602495585592982_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8E6JOlHKKEo/X6GbGbdlUdI/AAAAAAAAOmM/ADjT2WpDtLk0wsNtBm3ub2Anc-tZA-CpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/120223455_10159154043376490_7662602495585592982_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zltrf95VGNI/X6GbGx0PLSI/AAAAAAAAOmQ/VK0_yBJNdNcrjtJ1z2FWspi56pD2lrJaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/120289239_10159154038046490_7552496028453792141_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zltrf95VGNI/X6GbGx0PLSI/AAAAAAAAOmQ/VK0_yBJNdNcrjtJ1z2FWspi56pD2lrJaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/120289239_10159154038046490_7552496028453792141_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The second break was a long-weekend to Umdloti in KZN. I badly needed to see the sea, it's been 2.5 years! We had the best time, especially the snorkelling! Just amazing. Wish we could have stayed longer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cvvfvahVQY/X6Gb7TFMqeI/AAAAAAAAOms/_2P0OjxGHo4w7_j1Jigj2jS8kdHywzdBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1525/8A879C87-A010-4ADC-A7C0-B7CDF436F770.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1525" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1cvvfvahVQY/X6Gb7TFMqeI/AAAAAAAAOms/_2P0OjxGHo4w7_j1Jigj2jS8kdHywzdBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8A879C87-A010-4ADC-A7C0-B7CDF436F770.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NeZ7tKR-AJc/X6Gb7N5ituI/AAAAAAAAOmo/6qAGZerXtJERp9jciHbQtBvaeK3rP3F4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/785bf760-27e3-4e81-9a9d-3d6f87cfcaf3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="622" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NeZ7tKR-AJc/X6Gb7N5ituI/AAAAAAAAOmo/6qAGZerXtJERp9jciHbQtBvaeK3rP3F4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/785bf760-27e3-4e81-9a9d-3d6f87cfcaf3.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_abVOvcxKYA/X6Gb8hdH5-I/AAAAAAAAOm0/x3kGNftqyEkk2k3MH_D07Jvfe3Ww2YOOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/E59D9617-2870-45B6-A2CB-60AC745D2EF6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_abVOvcxKYA/X6Gb8hdH5-I/AAAAAAAAOm0/x3kGNftqyEkk2k3MH_D07Jvfe3Ww2YOOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/E59D9617-2870-45B6-A2CB-60AC745D2EF6.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzGp_3gRiVw/X6Gb86YHAlI/AAAAAAAAOm8/NJy24atzP8EFOUbBHr2QeT_igZlHPn25ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-8798.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzGp_3gRiVw/X6Gb86YHAlI/AAAAAAAAOm8/NJy24atzP8EFOUbBHr2QeT_igZlHPn25ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-8798.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm9hY7KrGUM/X6Gb80EzUVI/AAAAAAAAOm4/fSmm2hVZnfYLMvx8f5Dt6356qRmsyTX8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-8815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm9hY7KrGUM/X6Gb80EzUVI/AAAAAAAAOm4/fSmm2hVZnfYLMvx8f5Dt6356qRmsyTX8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-8815.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy3rZ56I0co/X6Gb9TmfTyI/AAAAAAAAOnA/KKIlbFjIwsIH4EP3voIpVdlTe0NO2yjKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-8817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy3rZ56I0co/X6Gb9TmfTyI/AAAAAAAAOnA/KKIlbFjIwsIH4EP3voIpVdlTe0NO2yjKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-8817.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm1MHyChEvU/X6Gb-SnpUOI/AAAAAAAAOnI/GVbr4erHUXUZC0g3ppCjqC2USzomIhvRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-8831.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm1MHyChEvU/X6Gb-SnpUOI/AAAAAAAAOnI/GVbr4erHUXUZC0g3ppCjqC2USzomIhvRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-8831.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXdl5zbMDks/X6Gb-JfeHZI/AAAAAAAAOnE/QjocaW_E6uw09-Yj_ZHQv7RVaZtvOKqSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-8832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXdl5zbMDks/X6Gb-JfeHZI/AAAAAAAAOnE/QjocaW_E6uw09-Yj_ZHQv7RVaZtvOKqSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-8832.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>Then lastly... I'm getting a hysterectomy on the 16th of this month. My cervix has been the bane of my existence since my first transplant. 13 Years of immunosuppressants come at a price. I've had problems with abnormal pre-cancerous cells since 2009. They have been burnt off and cut out in theatre and in the Dr's rooms many many times. But now there is literally almost no cervix left to be able to do that. And there are highly abnormal cells once again. So my uterus and cervix are coming out. We're hoping to keep the ovaries, and I've been having blood tests done to try and determine if we can leave them. I really really hope so. I do NOT particularly want to go into menopause.</p><p>My gynae has been amazing, and the op will be done laproscopically at my transplant hospital, where they don't normally do gynae procedures. Two Drs, all their equipment and a nurse will come for the op. My transplant anesthetist (and favourite vein whisperer) will be the anesthetist on the day. And my transplant surgeon and lung physician has also helped to arrange the theatre time and admin behind all of it. I feel SUPER special! And very relieved that it will be done with the team of people I know and who know ME inside and out! If all goes well I will spend one night in ICU and go home the next day. </p><p>The Dr who will be performing the surgery laproscopically is not my usual gynae (she will also be there though), and I'm meeting her on Thursday. As of today I have also stopped my one immune suppressant, Certican/Everolimus, as it delays wound healing, and massively increased my dose of Cyclosporin/Neoral, to optimise healing afterwards. Next week I need to have blood tests done to make sure the adjusted doses are right. I guess I can't claim I'm low maintenance......</p><p>I'm very very relieved to have a date for this and that it's finally happening. It's been hanging over my head for years. At one point about 4 years ago a hysterectomy was also very much on the table, but my lungs were not in very good shape. There were talks of doing it with a spinal block while I'm awake. But my Dr was able to cauterize the abnormal cells off, and since then by some miracle it's been OK for a bit. However now my lungs are in tip top shape, so it's time.</p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-19918743700165499892020-09-19T21:43:00.001+02:002020-09-19T21:43:06.450+02:00Cancer Scare<p>What. A Week. What started out as me being worried that I have Covid, turned into me being worried I have cancer that has already spread.</p><p>On the 8th I started feeling a bit crap. Extremely tired, headaches, sore body and some random nausea. I thought I had exercised too much, because I did sprints on the Monday, so thought my body was sore from that. On the Thursday I went for a Covid test, which was negative. On the Friday my Dr sent me for bloods, as well as another nasal swab for other respiratory viruses such as flu. On Saturday it showed that all those results were normal, but that my infection markers were very high. So I went for another Covid test. It was negative again. On Sunday I felt rather like death, and there was a bump under one of my old drain scars that was very sore and swollen. My Dr said I should be admitted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OxtaCiZ0kI/X2ZQWY9JjrI/AAAAAAAAOjE/TYXPSKIUXsIxgmIYpsfoAqtUOZqK-BEhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/IMG-7721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OxtaCiZ0kI/X2ZQWY9JjrI/AAAAAAAAOjE/TYXPSKIUXsIxgmIYpsfoAqtUOZqK-BEhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-7721.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I saw him on Sunday, and he said the lump might be an abscess, which would explain the infection levels and the pain etc. I started Augmentin antibiotics, had a chest x-ray done immediately, and had an ultrasound booked for Monday morning, plus a lung function test. Chest X-ray was normal (and beautiful to me, as always, may I add). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMs0pyhiZOg/X2ZT-4x0MpI/AAAAAAAAOjc/joP5fqcGy4MOtEiuSNtcR1-eSzDjeHhEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s791/2020-09-17%2B%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="647" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMs0pyhiZOg/X2ZT-4x0MpI/AAAAAAAAOjc/joP5fqcGy4MOtEiuSNtcR1-eSzDjeHhEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020-09-17%2B%25284%2529.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1RZ5RK9A0c/X2ZcxGmZiII/AAAAAAAAOkU/X_Q0BMDIVD8-S17WxVs-gOK0Sr77qrnvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-7582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1RZ5RK9A0c/X2ZcxGmZiII/AAAAAAAAOkU/X_Q0BMDIVD8-S17WxVs-gOK0Sr77qrnvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-7582.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The ultrasound of my scar just showed scar tissue. No abscess. I started feeling even more feverish, and by the time I got fetched for lung function, I was shaking so badly from having a high temp, that it was decided that I'm not going to do lung function because it wouldn't be accurate. My lungs didn't seem to be the problem anyway. Dr then suspected a broken rib, and booked a bone scan. You get injected with some sort of radioactive fluid 3 hours before the scan that gets absorbed into your bones, and makes the scan possible. The white dot on my arm was where I was injected. By then I was feeling much better though, and the fever had stopped completely. (Note how nicely you can see my N95 mask on the scan)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1qtJWgD-RE/X2ZSPIqD9rI/AAAAAAAAOjQ/6PYdd9KGoB0FY_pVIve5rPKa8Kor6FiCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-7600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1510" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1qtJWgD-RE/X2ZSPIqD9rI/AAAAAAAAOjQ/6PYdd9KGoB0FY_pVIve5rPKa8Kor6FiCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-7600.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>The bone scan report stated that there was possible bone metastases.</p><p>"Bone metastasis occurs when cancer cells spread from their original site to a bone. Nearly all types of cancer can spread (metastasize) to the bones. But some types of cancer are particularly likely to spread to bone, including breast cancer and prostate cancer."</p><p>Dr immediately ordered x-rays of my sternum and femurs. This is where the suspected metastasis was. I also had a mammogram done, as well as a full abdominal ultrasound. Those were both normal. There is a cyst on a kidney and my pancreas but those are nothing to worry about. Boobs are fine.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JvVfQv7Allc/X2ZViADEfrI/AAAAAAAAOjw/-jTj3OG0kpkItcftLui_JQul89UNQ4qSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s794/2020-09-17%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="558" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JvVfQv7Allc/X2ZViADEfrI/AAAAAAAAOjw/-jTj3OG0kpkItcftLui_JQul89UNQ4qSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020-09-17%2B%25281%2529.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pEpEcdAQ24c/X2ZVh4hwKUI/AAAAAAAAOjo/jII6GMd2a1cBLnigi6xW3ByhUpkMLjhgACLcBGAsYHQ/s795/2020-09-17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="527" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pEpEcdAQ24c/X2ZVh4hwKUI/AAAAAAAAOjo/jII6GMd2a1cBLnigi6xW3ByhUpkMLjhgACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020-09-17.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Db-HX7p9tjA/X2ZViBloImI/AAAAAAAAOjs/bqL5fnr57mIt2ks4BG77m4iosnUti-IlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s739/2020-09-19%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="389" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Db-HX7p9tjA/X2ZViBloImI/AAAAAAAAOjs/bqL5fnr57mIt2ks4BG77m4iosnUti-IlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020-09-19%2B%25281%2529.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbfS6lbhWd4/X2ZVilbrPjI/AAAAAAAAOj4/rXbC4sPAcHMJqGDHGxYbfu72WMXdwubMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s740/2020-09-19%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbfS6lbhWd4/X2ZVilbrPjI/AAAAAAAAOj4/rXbC4sPAcHMJqGDHGxYbfu72WMXdwubMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020-09-19%2B%25282%2529.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6wyT2vzxJo/X2ZVipJ8HcI/AAAAAAAAOj0/WBP5WKD9ilgE5QXLCbMQM67o8KETpy5wQCLcBGAsYHQ/s744/2020-09-19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="390" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6wyT2vzxJo/X2ZVipJ8HcI/AAAAAAAAOj0/WBP5WKD9ilgE5QXLCbMQM67o8KETpy5wQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020-09-19.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The report came back and mentioned "Non healed sternal fracture" and more concerning, "A lytic bony lesion in this region cannot be excluded". Obviously I googled that, and Dr Google informed me : Also known as bone lesions or osteolytic lesions, lytic lesions are spots of bone damage that result from cancerous plasma cells building up in your bone marrow.". So bone cancer fears.<div><br /></div><div>Next Up was a massive CT scan with contrast, all the way from above the knee to neck. My kidneys had to be prepared for this, as the iodine that they inject can be rough on them. So a Bicarbonate drip was started Wednesday afternoon. I also had to drink Solmucol for kidney prep, and Gastrografin (Gastrografin is a contrast medium which contains iodine. It is used to clearly show on X-rays the area of your body that your doctor wants to investigate.). On Thursday morning I was woken up at 6:30 (after just falling back to sleep from the daily bloods and observations) for more gastrografin. CT scan was set for 8:30. Unfortunately there was a big trauma case(s), and I only went for the CT scans at midday. By which time I had to be given a glucose drip due to my blood sugar dropping too low for a second time. The injection of the contrast was extremely sore, my little vein was on her last, and I suspect it was a LOT of contrast. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aacW-FrEv6k/X2ZcqTvJ2aI/AAAAAAAAOkQ/l0jQuCrw8LQrvR7t5Kgryif9Ykh1xtmEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-7638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aacW-FrEv6k/X2ZcqTvJ2aI/AAAAAAAAOkQ/l0jQuCrw8LQrvR7t5Kgryif9Ykh1xtmEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-7638.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>By this time I felt like my life was over. That 13 years on immune suppression had caught up with me. That despite regular checking for skin cancer and pap smears, another type of cancer had decided to come and take me, and that it had even metastised already. I was making plans to use the rest of the money I have to travel and just die with lots of morphine. No chemo. I felt like life was playing some sick joke on me. I would die with perfect lungs. I wanted to scream and break things. Run away. Wanted to cry about how unfair it was, but at the same time, I've seen much more "unfairness" than this in my life with other friends dying young ect. So what makes me so special that I can't die after 10 years and 3 years with transplanted lungs? I've already surpassed the averages. Why is this unfair?</div><div><br /></div><div>At 15:00 my mom came to visit, and at about 15:15 my Dr walked in and said the CT scans were fine. I can go home immediately. It felt like I had won the lotto. Shock. Relief. More relief. I don't think I have ever heard better news in my life. It MIGHT compare with being told they have lungs for you. </div><div><br /></div><div>The sternum issue is just the way it healed after 2 transplants. But there's nothing wrong with it. (I realised afterwards... the radiologists have never SEEN a healed sternum of someone who has had 2 bi-lateral lung transplants. There is just me who is alive in SA???). </div><div><br /></div><div>The femur has a tiny "normal" little growth that is not a problem either and happens. Most people never find out about it. So I'm clear. There is nothing wrong with me. By then the oral Augmentin had also fixed whatever infection there was. So I came home, feeling absolutely fine, apart from being tired AF, and like I've aged about 5 years in 5 days.</div><div><br /></div><div>The lump under my scar had gone away by itself. It was still a bit sore to the touch, but was literally nothing. Unexplained. During this drama, my immune suppression has been lowered slightly, and Cellcept has been put back up, but Neoral and Certican are going to stay a bit lower.</div><div><br /></div><div>These past two mornings waking up in my own bed with no fear of imminent death or needles being stuck into me, and breathing easily, has been heaven. Absolute bliss. I'm very far from ready to die. I have a niece on the way. I have my family. I have the best friends ever. I actually feel fucking fantastic (apart from the past 2 weeks). Better than I have felt in my entire life. This was the first hospital admission for being sick in over 3 years. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm seeing my Dr again for a check up on the 1st of October. Hopefully all my bloods are back to normal, and I'll finally have that lung function test done. Saying this week was an emotional rollercoaster is putting it mildly. But I'm so so so relieved to be fine.</div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-58884092829053978412020-08-30T19:44:00.004+02:002020-08-30T19:44:57.253+02:00Last day of being 35!<p>Tomorrow I turn 36! My second 18th! Whoop whoop! I'm still super excited about birthdays and getting old(er), because no one thought I'd live this long! And I mean I've had some major parts replaced to get to this point! I can honestly say I'm in much better shape physically than when I was 18! Tomorrow is also 2 years 10 months with the new new lungs!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-En72748iKi4/X0vf6X0iSyI/AAAAAAAAOhE/dDYch-caQlozVFCWxiZRkGiX8N_EYs4_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s564/c3353f0d1097dc9a50b5b2ed37e5e0d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="289" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-En72748iKi4/X0vf6X0iSyI/AAAAAAAAOhE/dDYch-caQlozVFCWxiZRkGiX8N_EYs4_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w289-h289/c3353f0d1097dc9a50b5b2ed37e5e0d5.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">August has been a good month. It was pretty busy as far as TELL was concerned. The weather is improving, which is great. The country went to level 2 of lockdown, which meant that last weekend I was able to get away with family for the first time in ages. We went to the Waterberg, to a place called Moonriver Lodge. We've been there before, in 2015. It was a really nice break. Had some great family time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICzg8CfAP1Q/X0vgqnObxzI/AAAAAAAAOhM/McUzIf8QqSkpUJLtS9qCHRYAkco-M45SwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/117760826_10159059209381490_3241252685999010004_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICzg8CfAP1Q/X0vgqnObxzI/AAAAAAAAOhM/McUzIf8QqSkpUJLtS9qCHRYAkco-M45SwCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h410/117760826_10159059209381490_3241252685999010004_o.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQmWHTBZaFo/X0vgqT5v68I/AAAAAAAAOhU/4WrtEreEcwkzCGz3OJ-PsVBCrXv1S4pvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1794/117966020_10159059201791490_8962510198154366145_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1794" data-original-width="1440" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQmWHTBZaFo/X0vgqT5v68I/AAAAAAAAOhU/4WrtEreEcwkzCGz3OJ-PsVBCrXv1S4pvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w329-h410/117966020_10159059201791490_8962510198154366145_o.jpg" width="329" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6tzN6KF0YY/X0vgqWJyAwI/AAAAAAAAOhQ/nfDe3wiaMbQmoyeWAWHtG5HW45mLCAXSACLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/118011503_10159059201746490_8908947122929861507_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6tzN6KF0YY/X0vgqWJyAwI/AAAAAAAAOhQ/nfDe3wiaMbQmoyeWAWHtG5HW45mLCAXSACLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h410/118011503_10159059201746490_8908947122929861507_o.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHmyxR-6d-g/X0vgrIlvgXI/AAAAAAAAOhY/pHK282fktl0TtPjEnX3YN5POgabZb7FyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/118088351_10159059213711490_8843536819522728916_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHmyxR-6d-g/X0vgrIlvgXI/AAAAAAAAOhY/pHK282fktl0TtPjEnX3YN5POgabZb7FyACLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h410/118088351_10159059213711490_8843536819522728916_o.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-RyS0lm6gY/X0vgrVdpzDI/AAAAAAAAOhg/V8Aes4aLQ1giAfamAA4NCRi1colk859QACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/118116194_10159058490796490_1450080138609379142_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-RyS0lm6gY/X0vgrVdpzDI/AAAAAAAAOhg/V8Aes4aLQ1giAfamAA4NCRi1colk859QACLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h410/118116194_10159058490796490_1450080138609379142_o.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QvhPNtu1KZA/X0vgraBMIPI/AAAAAAAAOhc/LpUZW9AFLOEolyjwcjqf0w5WvsktFQpWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/118170630_10159061898136490_8333901283150451807_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QvhPNtu1KZA/X0vgraBMIPI/AAAAAAAAOhc/LpUZW9AFLOEolyjwcjqf0w5WvsktFQpWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h410/118170630_10159061898136490_8333901283150451807_o.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWIefUn-hzk/X0vgsOREBUI/AAAAAAAAOho/QKsPzYpvVZMwh8mtFI3pxqrIiDlY3sElQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/118254539_10159059209501490_6915029427098949450_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWIefUn-hzk/X0vgsOREBUI/AAAAAAAAOho/QKsPzYpvVZMwh8mtFI3pxqrIiDlY3sElQCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h410/118254539_10159059209501490_6915029427098949450_o.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zOcvnhL4zM/X0vgsATPZQI/AAAAAAAAOhk/JfzcWViwsR0UYXgfBrqzStITjtuv9yovwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/118311487_10159062212251490_7626919143763972561_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zOcvnhL4zM/X0vgsATPZQI/AAAAAAAAOhk/JfzcWViwsR0UYXgfBrqzStITjtuv9yovwCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h410/118311487_10159062212251490_7626919143763972561_o.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Healthwise I'm all good as far as I know. Managed to make an appointment with my lung Dr for October. It might not work out, but it will have been 8 months since I've had a proper transplant check-up, and it makes me anxious. Luckily I was able to go for lung function in May and June. However I haven't seen my Dr or had bloods and x-rays since the first week of Feb. So here's hoping the Oct appointment will happen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This weekend has been really great, celebrating my birthday. Yesterday my mom made leg of lamb (my favourite) for supper, and today I went for brunch with my best Joburg friends, Andrew, Marius and Brendan. They really spoiled me, and it was so nice to be able to do that. The restaurant is really open and airy, and only every second table gets used. So I didn't feel unsafe. I've also been hanging out with the 3 of them for a while and as far as we know we're all healthy and very careful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx9qOWhs9pM/X0vjLAZCsgI/AAAAAAAAOiI/BYhFgJFqYtMu6w2YdCsX7v3SkDmDHIDOACLcBGAsYHQ/s1099/118523537_10159081147471490_5370651225140624517_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1099" height="307" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx9qOWhs9pM/X0vjLAZCsgI/AAAAAAAAOiI/BYhFgJFqYtMu6w2YdCsX7v3SkDmDHIDOACLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h307/118523537_10159081147471490_5370651225140624517_o.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSMAr8kSrrI/X0vjLTmTsMI/AAAAAAAAOiM/010SNanBYkknqbVwGm4xmxGNkyzpoy9AACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/118588033_10159078977536490_9064788805556135314_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="1440" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSMAr8kSrrI/X0vjLTmTsMI/AAAAAAAAOiM/010SNanBYkknqbVwGm4xmxGNkyzpoy9AACLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h408/118588033_10159078977536490_9064788805556135314_o.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In other super exciting news... I'm getting a niece in Jan!!!! Beyond excited. Cannot wait!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also exciting September news: I'm going away for the long weekend to the bush again with Andrew, Marius, Brendan, and Andrew's sister Patricia and Jacques at the end of September. That will also be lots of fun. </div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-53189328858952331812020-08-04T19:01:00.003+02:002020-08-04T19:01:41.223+02:00Birthday MonthIt's August!!! July flew past, but not complaining! Really not much news here, hence the lack of blog posts. This month is a busy one though. It's Organ Donation Awareness month so have a lot of TELL interviews lined up. I turn 36 at the end of the month, yay! It would have also been my/our 10 year wedding anniversary this Friday, which is a difficult day for me. Just want it over and done with.<div><br /></div><div>Adriaan is back in school, so I don't see him that often anymore. VERY happy for his sake that he can be with his friends again. He enjoys it so much. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mtj83YDp4vk/XymQw4N70zI/AAAAAAAAOf0/Ybx5JwW7m-oNf_tAmOuLMLvRBpoKy31CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1799/116720086_10158988032441490_7739886609147532531_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mtj83YDp4vk/XymQw4N70zI/AAAAAAAAOf0/Ybx5JwW7m-oNf_tAmOuLMLvRBpoKy31CgCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h410/116720086_10158988032441490_7739886609147532531_o.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div><br /><div>I've had some outside outings with Andrew, Brendan and Marius! It's been the highlight of those weeks! We're going to try and make it an "every Sunday" thing! And the weather is starting to warm up! Yay! </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DFnhZxl7rkw/XymRKrTODVI/AAAAAAAAOgA/4AU-6jlP03IIa5IJF1Hd3voEKHY5-eaiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/109650348_10158960752741490_5311985004810566871_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="307" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DFnhZxl7rkw/XymRKrTODVI/AAAAAAAAOgA/4AU-6jlP03IIa5IJF1Hd3voEKHY5-eaiwCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h307/109650348_10158960752741490_5311985004810566871_o.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqyhU3fpJcA/XymRK9n4juI/AAAAAAAAOgE/Nwx0QzfMUhkFT8EDfYEYTZOVWT0ewU5ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1593/109901869_10158960747431490_8008296368075679068_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1440" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqyhU3fpJcA/XymRK9n4juI/AAAAAAAAOgE/Nwx0QzfMUhkFT8EDfYEYTZOVWT0ewU5ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w370-h410/109901869_10158960747431490_8008296368075679068_o.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19I0dlLd_r8/XymRKgWgydI/AAAAAAAAOf8/pZ2y3GtyzXQXcHo3BlNTfpEwuVHNvYA7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1567/115616653_10158960746911490_4667180628780478951_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="1416" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19I0dlLd_r8/XymRKgWgydI/AAAAAAAAOf8/pZ2y3GtyzXQXcHo3BlNTfpEwuVHNvYA7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w370-h410/115616653_10158960746911490_4667180628780478951_o.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've also been spending time in the garden, and hanging newly framed pictures in my cottage. It's looking pretty perfect now! When I'm not working I have also rediscovered colouring in and building puzzles. It reminds me of both times when I was waiting for lungs, but it's quite soothing to do while watching Netflix. I've also finished a massive blanket I've been crocheting! It looks great on my bed and has been super handy during some cold fronts we've had!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WkETs_xhdJI/XymR7wWl6MI/AAAAAAAAOgQ/eKb19dI4tu8bQVsBg8vx9wlRGxOhxDG2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1709/107089081_10158913169481490_6476169842376251879_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1709" data-original-width="1440" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WkETs_xhdJI/XymR7wWl6MI/AAAAAAAAOgQ/eKb19dI4tu8bQVsBg8vx9wlRGxOhxDG2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w345-h410/107089081_10158913169481490_6476169842376251879_o.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvLiYS69IYI/XymR7w7ME1I/AAAAAAAAOgM/8qfu74dgu9AS4eXjTCgdMcwBpR-9gUg9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/115995373_10158987156756490_6273224300104502978_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvLiYS69IYI/XymR7w7ME1I/AAAAAAAAOgM/8qfu74dgu9AS4eXjTCgdMcwBpR-9gUg9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h328/115995373_10158987156756490_6273224300104502978_o.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Can't wait for spring to start showing. Joburg is looking really yellow and dead. A lot of my succulents have died with some bad frost we had. Some signs of hope and life in nature would be great right about now!</div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-36076581811000670302020-06-22T18:53:00.001+02:002020-06-22T18:53:15.575+02:00ReliefI had my follow up lung function test today. The previous one was just over a month ago, and it had dropped a bit from the previous time. It was a bit scary because there has been a few drops since Sept last year. It was 97% at the end of Sept, 94% in Dec, 92% in Feb, when I was a bit sick with Rhinovirus, and then last month it was 89%. So my Dr suggested I repeat it a month later. I haven't actually SEEN my Dr since the beginning of Feb due to Covid, but at least there is whatsapp. He didn't seem too concerned, but I was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUcRumyGFyM/XvDg4O7T_rI/AAAAAAAAOdw/4Pr9YBNSxmEN_zCWkwBzVGM1m09cnDoogCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/C0D5E557-AECD-4A5B-9670-C565B1D1240E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUcRumyGFyM/XvDg4O7T_rI/AAAAAAAAOdw/4Pr9YBNSxmEN_zCWkwBzVGM1m09cnDoogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/C0D5E557-AECD-4A5B-9670-C565B1D1240E.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I had to do a Covid test last week, before being allowed to blow on the lung function machine. The results came out on Friday evening so did the lung function this morning. It was back to 93% FEV1% at least and 118% FVC! Yay! Feeling SO relieved!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrOFXePStVQ/XvDg_uWjeKI/AAAAAAAAOd0/URlXcUvm2NwIqVlUhJpW-oA_ib0q9jK7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/8a128ffb8f867c48e0537b59e1cca37d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrOFXePStVQ/XvDg_uWjeKI/AAAAAAAAOd0/URlXcUvm2NwIqVlUhJpW-oA_ib0q9jK7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8a128ffb8f867c48e0537b59e1cca37d.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The Comrades 10km was fun. I did another 10km yesterday with my mom. It's nice to slowly see some improvement!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zClfbe5TELw/XvDhGS5IyaI/AAAAAAAAOd8/Z3hXNwqENwcswK-TtOOBDQ1Q5pBj5F6qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/103958136_10158839251171490_8492569695484537486_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="908" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zClfbe5TELw/XvDhGS5IyaI/AAAAAAAAOd8/Z3hXNwqENwcswK-TtOOBDQ1Q5pBj5F6qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/103958136_10158839251171490_8492569695484537486_n.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PtCnLuJghY/XvDhGbdvycI/AAAAAAAAOd4/IJVcLfscG301rh6hhmxBDw6kb_68HMtXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/104274593_10158839251271490_6152862889282059066_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PtCnLuJghY/XvDhGbdvycI/AAAAAAAAOd4/IJVcLfscG301rh6hhmxBDw6kb_68HMtXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/104274593_10158839251271490_6152862889282059066_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My nephew is being super cute as always. So nice to be on the same property as them! It's been extremely cold this past week, and winter still has a long way to go. Although at least technically the days are getting longer again from today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wkqjz-R9Jfk/XvDhrwBnw4I/AAAAAAAAOeM/0ZOyWSXAqpU6k3ApPuSsD_2fhHrMLjTxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/101979451_10158826370701490_8789088984367390730_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1353" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wkqjz-R9Jfk/XvDhrwBnw4I/AAAAAAAAOeM/0ZOyWSXAqpU6k3ApPuSsD_2fhHrMLjTxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/101979451_10158826370701490_8789088984367390730_o.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMhEVqrriak/XvDhssKcVBI/AAAAAAAAOeQ/uSJJniCFBLgapJLwYE6nVzXHYCSHmAk_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/83227554_10158852288986490_2668454223208435818_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1591" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMhEVqrriak/XvDhssKcVBI/AAAAAAAAOeQ/uSJJniCFBLgapJLwYE6nVzXHYCSHmAk_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/83227554_10158852288986490_2668454223208435818_o.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-35498146595954364512020-06-04T19:33:00.000+02:002020-06-04T19:33:12.946+02:002 years 7 monthsSunday marked 2 years 7 months with the new lungs. It was also a year since Chris and I decided to get divorced. It feels like a whole lifetime has happened in that year. Grateful of course for another month of easy breathing. I've really been enjoying running outside again. I'm even in a better spot now than I was fitness wise than before lockdown started.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0XR5Wx0efM/XtkrptKzsQI/AAAAAAAAOcw/LpWkHv3eFlsozmSkxGYPTzVPSW9pqMPhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/100502387_10158749951096490_166607824430825472_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0XR5Wx0efM/XtkrptKzsQI/AAAAAAAAOcw/LpWkHv3eFlsozmSkxGYPTzVPSW9pqMPhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/100502387_10158749951096490_166607824430825472_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I managed to have a lung function test done 2 weeks ago. I was 2 months after my previous appointment was supposed to be. I could only do the lung function test, and only after I had done a Covid test. My lung function was down a bit - FEV1 of 89%, FVC 115% (and has been down tiny bits at the last 4 check ups, so that's really annoying). It's such small drops that it's barely considered a drop, but with my history of rejection of the previous lungs it makes me anxious. So I have to have it repeated again in another 2 weeks' time. In the meantime I'm just trying not to think about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjtFYUx54Ws/XtkvgjC2_oI/AAAAAAAAOdA/TS7M1ncHIuYFeYym5kh5L9M9GerZQnCFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/99107236_10158761731746490_6741441510308315136_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1437" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjtFYUx54Ws/XtkvgjC2_oI/AAAAAAAAOdA/TS7M1ncHIuYFeYym5kh5L9M9GerZQnCFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/99107236_10158761731746490_6741441510308315136_o.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
<br />
I had to go to the dentist on Tuesday morning, An old filling fell out while I was eating over the weekend, so had to have that fixed. Work is back to normal capacity, and Andrew is back from PE. It's nice to have small things return to "normal".<br />
<br />
I'm loving the new home. Most of the stuff I've ordered online have arrived, and it's feeling very cosy. Also loving being able to do some gardening again. It's a pity that we're going into winter, but hopefully everything I've planted so far will look amazing in 3 months' time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0ekUel1dbA/XtkvdaD0MiI/AAAAAAAAOc8/xyWqJNBqZH4Dcd7M2tuOnwJi0ibB1EZ_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/100374161_10158774498896490_5168592665100419072_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1440" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0ekUel1dbA/XtkvdaD0MiI/AAAAAAAAOc8/xyWqJNBqZH4Dcd7M2tuOnwJi0ibB1EZ_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/100374161_10158774498896490_5168592665100419072_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Don't have much else to say. Preparing to do a virtual 10km Comrades run thing on the 14th of June, so that's something to work towards.<br />
<br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-62045507588753628572020-05-17T20:20:00.000+02:002020-05-17T20:20:41.371+02:00New HomeI have moved! Since last weekend, I now live in the garden cottage in my sister and Pierre's house. It's very close to where I used to stay... only 1.1km away. So I'm in the same area essentially. There was a few factors that contributed to the move. Safety (Covid and otherwise), financially, this cottage is much warmer, and I get to help out with my nephew a bit! Especially now during lockdown.<br />
<br />
The move was rather stressful, but I'm all settled in now. The month with my parents was a life-saver, but it's so nice to have my own little place again. Some pics below:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJMKtAWwMrU/XsF_dHCzG-I/AAAAAAAAObU/i9U9kI7KbfcbyorKGYitxaQq_3s5mYKggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/31DE4F52-011C-4749-804A-BED0331A8CFD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJMKtAWwMrU/XsF_dHCzG-I/AAAAAAAAObU/i9U9kI7KbfcbyorKGYitxaQq_3s5mYKggCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/31DE4F52-011C-4749-804A-BED0331A8CFD.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEpYIfIpcTM/XsF_dSIDyhI/AAAAAAAAObY/iIw8UnhLeAsdVJAYuM-AJREU_KDxWPT2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/7109C7EB-4FA5-4400-8A5C-E6CF210119F8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEpYIfIpcTM/XsF_dSIDyhI/AAAAAAAAObY/iIw8UnhLeAsdVJAYuM-AJREU_KDxWPT2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/7109C7EB-4FA5-4400-8A5C-E6CF210119F8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_I0uwXLoE0/XsF_dNsKVlI/AAAAAAAAObQ/on09-_PEtKQo_4zGtxWiPydeXU0dapBfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/E68EDA30-FA43-4DAD-9DB5-40638145D55E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_I0uwXLoE0/XsF_dNsKVlI/AAAAAAAAObQ/on09-_PEtKQo_4zGtxWiPydeXU0dapBfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/E68EDA30-FA43-4DAD-9DB5-40638145D55E.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-asRqm-_DI/XsF_fOV5ckI/AAAAAAAAObc/x4cZZbY88BEKyvjTH7bE_FXoIt71oTeDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-4169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-asRqm-_DI/XsF_fOV5ckI/AAAAAAAAObc/x4cZZbY88BEKyvjTH7bE_FXoIt71oTeDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-4169.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljfgFtLDHuA/XsF_ftmfmRI/AAAAAAAAObg/6pXzP32g_jkermdzMVrOj-0NK2dURpuFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-4170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljfgFtLDHuA/XsF_ftmfmRI/AAAAAAAAObg/6pXzP32g_jkermdzMVrOj-0NK2dURpuFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-4170.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZjyNYeUdw4/XsF_f1aKx2I/AAAAAAAAObk/bKuMOncVpzkICPo9XgfmYl3n9XbpgaSjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-4171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZjyNYeUdw4/XsF_f1aKx2I/AAAAAAAAObk/bKuMOncVpzkICPo9XgfmYl3n9XbpgaSjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-4171.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZawAt5aK-4/XsF_gdNXdmI/AAAAAAAAObo/jtiKJhTn5ZcQegfqxEZJWVbkyGviaLm5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-4172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZawAt5aK-4/XsF_gdNXdmI/AAAAAAAAObo/jtiKJhTn5ZcQegfqxEZJWVbkyGviaLm5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-4172.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wEfXyHdhNOs/XsF_gxN8UlI/AAAAAAAAObs/4Vgc9B-Equ8EoJa-hJYHuPi8oA4ZG-xJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-4173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wEfXyHdhNOs/XsF_gxN8UlI/AAAAAAAAObs/4Vgc9B-Equ8EoJa-hJYHuPi8oA4ZG-xJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-4173.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-79756870862913278222020-04-21T12:18:00.000+02:002020-04-21T12:18:11.124+02:00The forgotten post about my UK visit - visiting Bonnie in Bristol!I realised the other day that I never did a blog post about the last leg of my UK trip. Visiting my friend Bonnie in the Bristol area. Of course looking back now, I can't believe this was just over three months ago only, and it makes me super sad because I don't know if and when the opportunity for international travel will be available again. I am SO GRATEFUL that I did this trip when I did!!! The timing was perfect!<br />
<br />
I'm just going to share pics. It includes a day visit to Bath and exploring Bristol and Chippenham! What an amazing experience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IH--BCnc37k/Xp7Hi7BvIhI/AAAAAAAAOWA/PRV3EQFjgO0f0zW5uW6MYrr86xVDF0TxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81214025_10158278531071490_1325202035942883328_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IH--BCnc37k/Xp7Hi7BvIhI/AAAAAAAAOWA/PRV3EQFjgO0f0zW5uW6MYrr86xVDF0TxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81214025_10158278531071490_1325202035942883328_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qW_BEF_3Pdg/Xp7HiqqxddI/AAAAAAAAOV8/f4jFru0oSV0L1-BNmdn-Wv1p0nFa8kUEACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81223063_10158275425791490_8078606271416107008_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qW_BEF_3Pdg/Xp7HiqqxddI/AAAAAAAAOV8/f4jFru0oSV0L1-BNmdn-Wv1p0nFa8kUEACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81223063_10158275425791490_8078606271416107008_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OV49P2bYlr8/Xp7Hiw4R8bI/AAAAAAAAOWE/2XCkoz-VeQch28E0VAPok-m1weceaGxbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81289607_10158278522281490_5854052201248325632_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OV49P2bYlr8/Xp7Hiw4R8bI/AAAAAAAAOWE/2XCkoz-VeQch28E0VAPok-m1weceaGxbACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81289607_10158278522281490_5854052201248325632_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_1aTo2i-2U/Xp7HjsKlVgI/AAAAAAAAOWI/VzG_NY4s-UsIhEDYK0ylB0k98OVLbIFmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81434236_10158278522126490_3765177466516144128_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_1aTo2i-2U/Xp7HjsKlVgI/AAAAAAAAOWI/VzG_NY4s-UsIhEDYK0ylB0k98OVLbIFmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81434236_10158278522126490_3765177466516144128_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xToU_63fzo/Xp7Hj66SpCI/AAAAAAAAOWM/7Scy2rbD5e0VHUI1phz0H6WzDmYUVjX0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81434247_10158275562206490_5695033794482929664_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xToU_63fzo/Xp7Hj66SpCI/AAAAAAAAOWM/7Scy2rbD5e0VHUI1phz0H6WzDmYUVjX0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81434247_10158275562206490_5695033794482929664_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nA830C5wCA/Xp7HkFqowpI/AAAAAAAAOWQ/rEoArTrwUkUVE8TPk832audvKD9FN9HZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81454833_10158275546676490_5618789646713487360_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nA830C5wCA/Xp7HkFqowpI/AAAAAAAAOWQ/rEoArTrwUkUVE8TPk832audvKD9FN9HZACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81454833_10158275546676490_5618789646713487360_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxPQbkcN0_0/Xp7HkXEG5tI/AAAAAAAAOWU/zOL_GEOD71g8kJHQGQHJe86vXnRjRL72gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81465455_10158275570936490_6884432056902746112_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxPQbkcN0_0/Xp7HkXEG5tI/AAAAAAAAOWU/zOL_GEOD71g8kJHQGQHJe86vXnRjRL72gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81465455_10158275570936490_6884432056902746112_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_SB1lU5VV0/Xp7HlGSVOmI/AAAAAAAAOWY/lYPdsKJqoxoE7xKgvzhPYJ39KcVd1wm0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81496116_10158275438086490_2083746977572454400_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_SB1lU5VV0/Xp7HlGSVOmI/AAAAAAAAOWY/lYPdsKJqoxoE7xKgvzhPYJ39KcVd1wm0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81496116_10158275438086490_2083746977572454400_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POtBH9ID5nM/Xp7HlMarqBI/AAAAAAAAOWc/dfen3wcVntAKOmh3Sf7Ek7S_NnfV37MwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81541202_10158275562461490_2656886805328035840_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POtBH9ID5nM/Xp7HlMarqBI/AAAAAAAAOWc/dfen3wcVntAKOmh3Sf7Ek7S_NnfV37MwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81541202_10158275562461490_2656886805328035840_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQJm2xHRZGY/Xp7HlZ5c0pI/AAAAAAAAOWg/JC49kRTsgy0EzWXb0J_UcVNdJBKzm901gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81542652_10158275592891490_8749144554306797568_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="801" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQJm2xHRZGY/Xp7HlZ5c0pI/AAAAAAAAOWg/JC49kRTsgy0EzWXb0J_UcVNdJBKzm901gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81542652_10158275592891490_8749144554306797568_o.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHUG2B0fQRQ/Xp7Hl12thQI/AAAAAAAAOWk/Pf8A9SK_zP4Bg2mwXBbQqbTcbBG0IWobgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81545825_10158275571001490_5038678820748525568_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHUG2B0fQRQ/Xp7Hl12thQI/AAAAAAAAOWk/Pf8A9SK_zP4Bg2mwXBbQqbTcbBG0IWobgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81545825_10158275571001490_5038678820748525568_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R46l1V8rhWw/Xp7HmHAsB8I/AAAAAAAAOWo/MtCJp2widwM9QsJj5Fttohh9pz4QEcNdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81558845_10158280840126490_8407318071542284288_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R46l1V8rhWw/Xp7HmHAsB8I/AAAAAAAAOWo/MtCJp2widwM9QsJj5Fttohh9pz4QEcNdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81558845_10158280840126490_8407318071542284288_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCGpWfBegCQ/Xp7HmQn8oOI/AAAAAAAAOWs/ZwpymFb9l1UbOYH5N889kwVU7-sjyLp5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81562333_10158280832361490_5794475279661400064_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCGpWfBegCQ/Xp7HmQn8oOI/AAAAAAAAOWs/ZwpymFb9l1UbOYH5N889kwVU7-sjyLp5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81562333_10158280832361490_5794475279661400064_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVoyWnkMaSk/Xp7HmgMfdAI/AAAAAAAAOWw/0TlcETwkU8Uz4dFiOrSj2uM4s5qGkf58gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81594037_10158278527186490_8282637743624814592_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVoyWnkMaSk/Xp7HmgMfdAI/AAAAAAAAOWw/0TlcETwkU8Uz4dFiOrSj2uM4s5qGkf58gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81594037_10158278527186490_8282637743624814592_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_536tyhu04o/Xp7HmyVRWkI/AAAAAAAAOW0/raz7GUr90d8VYhT0RYoxHm_4po5hqWTDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81607663_10158280832201490_8157405993446146048_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_536tyhu04o/Xp7HmyVRWkI/AAAAAAAAOW0/raz7GUr90d8VYhT0RYoxHm_4po5hqWTDACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81607663_10158280832201490_8157405993446146048_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zN1HWxHKy4/Xp7HnFolXoI/AAAAAAAAOW4/hVHT7vvWmQczxKxeyjzVENDI05ndJuA3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81619362_10158280840201490_6049323890088345600_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zN1HWxHKy4/Xp7HnFolXoI/AAAAAAAAOW4/hVHT7vvWmQczxKxeyjzVENDI05ndJuA3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81619362_10158280840201490_6049323890088345600_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WJScrduhTV8/Xp7HndrBKLI/AAAAAAAAOW8/ksB6xO4seaok9g619NLExpGHhnZ6M0kNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81637356_10158275586721490_7447382328151638016_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="960" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WJScrduhTV8/Xp7HndrBKLI/AAAAAAAAOW8/ksB6xO4seaok9g619NLExpGHhnZ6M0kNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81637356_10158275586721490_7447382328151638016_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sr5RdQGIjP0/Xp7Hn8uXz_I/AAAAAAAAOXE/1v271U3m76ot68EDIpfMWwk3MRR77iz9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81649506_10158275437991490_6240423378977554432_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sr5RdQGIjP0/Xp7Hn8uXz_I/AAAAAAAAOXE/1v271U3m76ot68EDIpfMWwk3MRR77iz9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81649506_10158275437991490_6240423378977554432_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSnxyJTAboI/Xp7Hn-I4G_I/AAAAAAAAOXA/nslX9C6-xvYbVr-Xzxrr1cnPL6RSRNIxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81666292_10158275438171490_7875105889093419008_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1440" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSnxyJTAboI/Xp7Hn-I4G_I/AAAAAAAAOXA/nslX9C6-xvYbVr-Xzxrr1cnPL6RSRNIxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81666292_10158275438171490_7875105889093419008_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7ogqjBwS4E/Xp7HoC3vx-I/AAAAAAAAOXI/4aqp5Bi144U8RO0BMTlNsMjYfeaiSNEDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81680246_10158278540596490_1336097139612188672_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7ogqjBwS4E/Xp7HoC3vx-I/AAAAAAAAOXI/4aqp5Bi144U8RO0BMTlNsMjYfeaiSNEDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81680246_10158278540596490_1336097139612188672_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pb9SNJ8ljZM/Xp7HovcOOpI/AAAAAAAAOXM/FQE9TqBGiqYzWwh4XOJOBx1FXChQBj7eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81680246_10158278540596490_1336097139612188672_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pb9SNJ8ljZM/Xp7HovcOOpI/AAAAAAAAOXM/FQE9TqBGiqYzWwh4XOJOBx1FXChQBj7eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81680246_10158278540596490_1336097139612188672_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFD-xdy6k9c/Xp7Ho-kmi9I/AAAAAAAAOXQ/fDZFf_AEHMknjLqa1UdyyFsrWV96jDNUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81861532_10158278546791490_7889246901411774464_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFD-xdy6k9c/Xp7Ho-kmi9I/AAAAAAAAOXQ/fDZFf_AEHMknjLqa1UdyyFsrWV96jDNUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81861532_10158278546791490_7889246901411774464_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6DIyv-1wOI/Xp7HpKbPgYI/AAAAAAAAOXU/xfj6B35JICcGtg03Cc3nRhhkAzQuoqqFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81868805_10158278527111490_7482158742771859456_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6DIyv-1wOI/Xp7HpKbPgYI/AAAAAAAAOXU/xfj6B35JICcGtg03Cc3nRhhkAzQuoqqFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81868805_10158278527111490_7482158742771859456_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJMtEXMlAY0/Xp7HpeH3y5I/AAAAAAAAOXY/VqpqcZ2iBJkt6a51Mtq09xBXN08uRdc6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81897000_10158275592506490_6244834808606752768_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="801" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJMtEXMlAY0/Xp7HpeH3y5I/AAAAAAAAOXY/VqpqcZ2iBJkt6a51Mtq09xBXN08uRdc6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81897000_10158275592506490_6244834808606752768_o.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iLHSzmSloE/Xp7HplmRg3I/AAAAAAAAOXc/88Yrl_kUb60P2aoIqxaWImP4Gbk9IikrACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81902850_10158275582141490_4492843998469160960_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iLHSzmSloE/Xp7HplmRg3I/AAAAAAAAOXc/88Yrl_kUb60P2aoIqxaWImP4Gbk9IikrACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81902850_10158275582141490_4492843998469160960_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-whUeiwjkieU/Xp7Hp823f7I/AAAAAAAAOXg/gl2IQrpFoqw02wGMV9d2_o27zXEUwb3YACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81930676_10158275547146490_4370975284992671744_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-whUeiwjkieU/Xp7Hp823f7I/AAAAAAAAOXg/gl2IQrpFoqw02wGMV9d2_o27zXEUwb3YACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81930676_10158275547146490_4370975284992671744_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-0JkRA8TWw/Xp7IHqRkSmI/AAAAAAAAOYE/_Eocj1J7U2Y6nB2TDAXLnf12fFPFn08XACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/81961702_10158278522216490_1511983523626483712_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-0JkRA8TWw/Xp7IHqRkSmI/AAAAAAAAOYE/_Eocj1J7U2Y6nB2TDAXLnf12fFPFn08XACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81961702_10158278522216490_1511983523626483712_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpA1N4OtWHs/Xp7IHhEPz6I/AAAAAAAAOYI/UrM-Vgw3YiU0PE2soEtYO_kpmj7pKCQ5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/82037108_10158275551946490_3486993830618595328_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="857" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpA1N4OtWHs/Xp7IHhEPz6I/AAAAAAAAOYI/UrM-Vgw3YiU0PE2soEtYO_kpmj7pKCQ5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/82037108_10158275551946490_3486993830618595328_o.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIiQvIHxMZo/Xp7IHf4MKmI/AAAAAAAAOYA/hOtZI4N3XZU-MtefuHA_zsPRkSBl-xxtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/82052119_10158278555991490_4334094984937472000_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="871" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIiQvIHxMZo/Xp7IHf4MKmI/AAAAAAAAOYA/hOtZI4N3XZU-MtefuHA_zsPRkSBl-xxtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/82052119_10158278555991490_4334094984937472000_o.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YeJUIrEjraM/Xp7IIAb-QSI/AAAAAAAAOYM/dF-aVVl7T9oRiYq29VzmPHTTF6fMQXUnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/82103031_10158280840491490_9151148373611380736_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YeJUIrEjraM/Xp7IIAb-QSI/AAAAAAAAOYM/dF-aVVl7T9oRiYq29VzmPHTTF6fMQXUnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/82103031_10158280840491490_9151148373611380736_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2LwKVqp14I/Xp7IITZde8I/AAAAAAAAOYQ/URrLbzEIHYkM7bjR8Rc86GVhOUe0FVZ4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/82154548_10158280840376490_120086040055644160_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2LwKVqp14I/Xp7IITZde8I/AAAAAAAAOYQ/URrLbzEIHYkM7bjR8Rc86GVhOUe0FVZ4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/82154548_10158280840376490_120086040055644160_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64Bwsi57fjY/Xp7IIX6gw6I/AAAAAAAAOYU/FjwyleOS6rswA4Gs694zn1Yiu5o6awhqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/82181679_10158278555816490_2821337748722417664_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="871" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64Bwsi57fjY/Xp7IIX6gw6I/AAAAAAAAOYU/FjwyleOS6rswA4Gs694zn1Yiu5o6awhqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/82181679_10158278555816490_2821337748722417664_o.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvhT-oZmrHQ/Xp7IIy5vwdI/AAAAAAAAOYY/LteOXsYHFqo0UKprGuvZFylOrMe-GmHIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/82253270_10158274696081490_2186896604370305024_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvhT-oZmrHQ/Xp7IIy5vwdI/AAAAAAAAOYY/LteOXsYHFqo0UKprGuvZFylOrMe-GmHIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/82253270_10158274696081490_2186896604370305024_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DsA-0wnrDtU/Xp7IIzL9VPI/AAAAAAAAOYc/UtU4PoqsW_k96V_6N_MIsVTYEbhL3dsxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/82286974_10158275562281490_5446832878602158080_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DsA-0wnrDtU/Xp7IIzL9VPI/AAAAAAAAOYc/UtU4PoqsW_k96V_6N_MIsVTYEbhL3dsxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/82286974_10158275562281490_5446832878602158080_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-78430101318921071352020-04-20T11:35:00.000+02:002020-04-20T11:35:55.343+02:00Lockdown Day 25We're on Lockdown day 25 here in SA. What was originally 3 weeks of Nationwide Lockdown has turned into 5 weeks. 35 Days. Great for flattening the curve. Very bad for the economy. I really hope it doesn't get extended again. For me personally not that much will change after lockdown in that I will still be self-isolating. Working from home, avoiding shops, trying to avoid people who have been going to work and shops etc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ28CQXMQC8/Xp1m9FftZYI/AAAAAAAAOVY/8jefcahxSsUaQ7VW2rniM2wxgCd2cHNmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/93614875_10158633502256490_1727108191986122752_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="960" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ28CQXMQC8/Xp1m9FftZYI/AAAAAAAAOVY/8jefcahxSsUaQ7VW2rniM2wxgCd2cHNmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/93614875_10158633502256490_1727108191986122752_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It would however be great to see my boyfriend again. It's been almost a month since I've seen him. So that's my first stop post lockdown, seeing as he's "safe" immediately post lockdown in terms of being exposed to Covid. However as friends and family start going back to work, I worry about what they are exposed to there. As well as what my nephew might be exposed to at school once he goes back. I have a feeling 2020 will be a very lonely year :-( This virus will take a long time to pass, and I suspect that until a vaccine is developed, my entire life will change. That might be 18 months away, meaning I will have to avoid close contact with people for that entire time. I WILL need to leave the house, probably for medical reasons, (or to have my hair cut and other silly but still kind of important reasons) and have to be SUPER careful in terms of wearing a mask, washing hands, spraying my steering wheel with alcohol, just being paranoid in general! I'm struggling to even wrap my mind around it!<br />
<br />
It would also be great to be able to run outside again! The exercising indoor thing is getting old now, and I really miss being able to go for a walk/run outside! Especially at the JHB Botanical Gardens! And yes I do think it's safe if you stay very far away from people, the way I did before it became illegal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39iYo9qSIEg/Xp1m49jfp4I/AAAAAAAAOVU/APfeEJm3vToUVe_fnuTmA1H8x6c5UWrAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/93679863_10158621373666490_3390019164201549824_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39iYo9qSIEg/Xp1m49jfp4I/AAAAAAAAOVU/APfeEJm3vToUVe_fnuTmA1H8x6c5UWrAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/93679863_10158621373666490_3390019164201549824_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What I'm also looking forward to post lockdown, is being able to order non-essential things online again! I've ordered some kitchen toys from Woolies, like a muffin pan, cake pan, some utensils etc, and it can only be delivered after lockdown.<br />
<br />
I posted a pic at the beginning of the post of a puzzle I finished yesterday. I've also finished the following two books since my last post. The Heart's Invisible Furies was BEAUTIFUL, I absolutely loved it. Disgrace was less heart-warming (to put it mildly), but a very good book and a fast read. So two very good but very different books.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBDmdaopauo/Xp1nke3JTqI/AAAAAAAAOVg/fLD4Vxyt9Ts1RJRerAKVJAW8YVFLrS_gACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/90471819_10158538420011490_1118158451629883392_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBDmdaopauo/Xp1nke3JTqI/AAAAAAAAOVg/fLD4Vxyt9Ts1RJRerAKVJAW8YVFLrS_gACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/90471819_10158538420011490_1118158451629883392_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uu0vsYWsA6A/Xp1nkd2X83I/AAAAAAAAOVk/wbB3TtMHcjICvMqdSIiSZXG2pP0e4QWaACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/93900250_10158613118796490_120153144624676864_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uu0vsYWsA6A/Xp1nkd2X83I/AAAAAAAAOVk/wbB3TtMHcjICvMqdSIiSZXG2pP0e4QWaACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/93900250_10158613118796490_120153144624676864_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm also planning on moving soon, but more about that in next post.Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-25626852906080764422020-04-02T20:13:00.000+02:002020-04-02T20:13:15.963+02:002 years 5 monthsTuesday marked 2 years and 5 months with these second transplanted lungs. Coincidentally that miracle also happened on a Tuesday! (As well as my first transplant!.... it's my lucky day!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zI-0cX-oojA/XoYlJ8hGFaI/AAAAAAAAOTg/aUdJPWZu_yIWA2Bgz-ak0O9lBasiJjBXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/91230928_10158560245686490_1953449992072986624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zI-0cX-oojA/XoYlJ8hGFaI/AAAAAAAAOTg/aUdJPWZu_yIWA2Bgz-ak0O9lBasiJjBXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/91230928_10158560245686490_1953449992072986624_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Being in lock-down has obviously given me loads of time to think. And the recurring though is I'M SO F@CKING LUCKY AND BLESSED. How am I almost 36 and still here and doing better than ever? I'm still the only person in SA who has survived a redo lung transplant (which sometimes leads to survivor's guilt, but that's not what this post is about.) Is there another shoe waiting to drop? I was trying to count all the surgeries I've had earlier today with some Facebook quiz, and I got to roughly 20ish.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 Bi-lateral lung transplants</li>
<li>2 Nissen Funduplications</li>
<li>2 Achilles Tendon Repairs</li>
<li>Wisdom Teeth removal</li>
<li>At least 6 Lung Biopsies</li>
<li>About 5 gynae ops (immunosuppression related issues!)</li>
<li>3 Gastroscopies, one which included a colonoscopy </li>
</ul>
<div>
Not all of them are significant but it's still under General Anesthetic (except maybe wisdom teeth, I think I was only sedated... and possibly 2 of the gastroscopies).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reLDC6ezSIA/XoYqOkUScBI/AAAAAAAAOUA/wZtuJgclhn8Anh1-N3jOmNxrdG7JvP0WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/91526820_10158564699281490_2512953161224814592_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reLDC6ezSIA/XoYqOkUScBI/AAAAAAAAOUA/wZtuJgclhn8Anh1-N3jOmNxrdG7JvP0WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/91526820_10158564699281490_2512953161224814592_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've also had a renewed gratefulness for being able to sleep on my stomach. It's my preferred position for falling asleep, and I've been remembering many times when I've been unable to do so. I remember specifically quite a few times where my lungs struggled too much to lie on my tummy. This was with my original CF lungs, where I often had to sleep on 3 or 4 pillows to breathe better. I remember my back getting sore and just wanting more than anything to lie on my tummy but when I did, I either started coughing up blood or it just felt like I was drowning. The other significant times were after my transplants, due to the incisions. At least those were "positive" reasons, but it kept me awake at night, and with my Nissen Funduplications. I know this is REALLY random, but like I said... blame the lock-down.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfVREk2Dss0/XoYpdUXFmpI/AAAAAAAAOTs/f91YbYXFrpEOMWVSS3WX5EdH2X9kBA2XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-6187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfVREk2Dss0/XoYpdUXFmpI/AAAAAAAAOTs/f91YbYXFrpEOMWVSS3WX5EdH2X9kBA2XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-6187.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uxDncyJqcXQ/XoYpdlteteI/AAAAAAAAOTw/1YtrCs9dgOoARz2iNjbCWrroJaF9RxVqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uxDncyJqcXQ/XoYpdlteteI/AAAAAAAAOTw/1YtrCs9dgOoARz2iNjbCWrroJaF9RxVqACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6112.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've also been thinking of stuff that's happened since my second transplant... in other words things I would have missed out on if I didn't get a second donor. This was what I could think of (in no specific order):</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Holiday in Ballito</li>
<li>Two holidays at Storms River Mouth</li>
<li>Family holiday at Evelyn Game Lodge close to Mapungubwe</li>
<li>New York trip</li>
<li>watching my nephew Adriaan go from being 6 months old to turning 3 tomorrow</li>
<li>getting a divorce</li>
<li>moving into a flat and living on my own for the first time in my life</li>
<li>working for Andrew</li>
<li>joining a running club and doing Parkruns</li>
<li>going to the UK and Scotland</li>
<li>dating</li>
<li>getting a new boyfriend</li>
<li>Two trips to Cape Town</li>
<li>going back to gym</li>
<li>started playing squash again, tore the Achilles tendon twice and now don't play anymore</li>
<li>co-founded a new NPO, TELL</li>
<li>holiday with friends in Mauritius</li>
<li>in lock-down for a global viral pandemic!</li>
</ul>
<div>
I added the good and the bad, because it's all part of being alive. And I wouldn't have wanted to miss any of it. I hope everyone's lockdowns are going well. I'm still all good, trying to stay sort of active. Sleeping a lot. Eating a lot. Be prepared for more random posts relating to stuff that pops up in my memories!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzJv7ch0pag/XoYqJkesUYI/AAAAAAAAOT8/7gX1m3MEuDY0vGzeUWd9TalfKYhbf3LwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/753fbfeabbe55de93e79a6e5cba2406b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzJv7ch0pag/XoYqJkesUYI/AAAAAAAAOT8/7gX1m3MEuDY0vGzeUWd9TalfKYhbf3LwACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/753fbfeabbe55de93e79a6e5cba2406b.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-9628625518940092942020-03-28T21:42:00.000+02:002020-03-28T21:42:57.812+02:00SolitudeSo South Africa is in lock-down since yesterday, for three weeks. We currently have 1187 cases and 1 death. I'm very happy with the way government has handled things thus far... shutting the country down early. You're only allowed out of the house for food or medical reasons. No walking/running outside even. As per my previous post, I've been self-isolating quite a bit before yesterday anyway. My sister and parents have been great with bringing me some groceries earlier this week. I'm in lock-down on my own, as I'm too scared to share a house with my family members who have still been going to work and the shops. I'll just be stressing all the time. So maybe later on once I know they're healthy I might move over to one of their places.<br />
<br />
I do however think that CF, 3-week hospitalisations, post transplant isolation and being on the waiting list for transplants twice has prepared me for this. I've spent a lot of time on my own before. Even if I was able to see visitors, I was basically alone all the time. So I'm pretty used to and enjoy my own company.<br />
<br />
My first vivid experience of being on my own was when I was in hospital for the better part of 3 months when I was 6 years old with pneumonia/infections. After that I was lucky to do IV antibiotics at home, so my parents were always there. Waiting for both my lung transplants also involved a lot of time spent by myself. When I was in rejection with my first set of lungs, I also had a few stints in hospital for 2 or 3 weeks at a time, where every night was spent alone. I don't sleep well in hospital, so watching series in bed till late at night is what you do! So this lock-down is WAY better than all of those times. No needles, no feeling like shit... in fact feeling super healthy. No fighting for every breath. No disturbances throughout the night. No 4am bloods, just peace and quiet. Feeling lucky.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHAAdzEdNW8/Xn-gus8__dI/AAAAAAAAORw/C4MSFgmoVN0XviSRgQj7jnPfns1mo7AmACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ff094ee1b932088d7d93290626aa4666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="555" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHAAdzEdNW8/Xn-gus8__dI/AAAAAAAAORw/C4MSFgmoVN0XviSRgQj7jnPfns1mo7AmACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ff094ee1b932088d7d93290626aa4666.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRjNZ-ozV3Y/Xn-g6GN-uEI/AAAAAAAAOR0/dKhOer-pA7c3iiHn2RWBWojuLKe6ypvXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC01402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRjNZ-ozV3Y/Xn-g6GN-uEI/AAAAAAAAOR0/dKhOer-pA7c3iiHn2RWBWojuLKe6ypvXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC01402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I do however need to limit my time on social media if I want to stay sane. Apart from anxiety about my health, the amount of stupidity I see on Facebook and Twitter works me up! It KILLS me to see how dumb people can be.... and selfish. Along with all the fake news. I've been unfriending people and purposefully avoiding Facebook today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvHmvWZtoZw/Xn-h0kdOgYI/AAAAAAAAOSA/zG_1G4hdsZslk9LxsQmsq2Y2f_pw51pmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/91008919_10157864541940734_5167938425617121280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="720" height="232" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvHmvWZtoZw/Xn-h0kdOgYI/AAAAAAAAOSA/zG_1G4hdsZslk9LxsQmsq2Y2f_pw51pmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/91008919_10157864541940734_5167938425617121280_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's going to be tough for me not to be allowed to run outside. It's really been keeping my anxiety levels down this past while. I went running in the driveway today... (there's this challenge where you do 2km per day in your garden for every day of the lock-down, and then you would have done 42km), and it actually wasn't too bad. It was sprinting in one direction, walking back, and repeat! I also did a workout with my dumbells, resistance bands, foam-roller etc. I'm definitely going to be gaining weight, but I just don't want to lose muscle too! I've worked hard at being where I am strength-wise.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8G5ERN6vG8/Xn-j5EHn7eI/AAAAAAAAOSM/Ib6PbQr-5dwj0lH_ufVYLdp1QOoiTgc0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/90988261_10158549788546490_2927973639129137152_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8G5ERN6vG8/Xn-j5EHn7eI/AAAAAAAAOSM/Ib6PbQr-5dwj0lH_ufVYLdp1QOoiTgc0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/90988261_10158549788546490_2927973639129137152_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N06lMIn_KZA/Xn-j5N6XFUI/AAAAAAAAOSQ/6YpobfhO97wq7lDGJQxxITPIDwpp0U-iACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/91358905_10158537734786490_6360970234664321024_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N06lMIn_KZA/Xn-j5N6XFUI/AAAAAAAAOSQ/6YpobfhO97wq7lDGJQxxITPIDwpp0U-iACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/91358905_10158537734786490_6360970234664321024_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm really nervous about the impact this virus will have on SA... just like everyone I suppose. I also wonder when it will be safe to go back into society again. Just because lock-down is over in three weeks' time or whenever, doesn't mean it will be safe from catching COVID_19. And seeing as this virus attacks the respiratory system, I'm REALLY scared of getting it. Especially since a lot of articles suggest permanent lung damage. Just thinking about it makes me feel short of breath! This isolation does help though. Let's hope that "This too shall pass"...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhXIECF7UMU/Xn-oIYOUszI/AAAAAAAAOSg/FGfl7MoVyhAnricsu1cQSsmuADqLZs0eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/0963414dbd5d52920bee38b38db683ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhXIECF7UMU/Xn-oIYOUszI/AAAAAAAAOSg/FGfl7MoVyhAnricsu1cQSsmuADqLZs0eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/0963414dbd5d52920bee38b38db683ad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-1043180479736508482020-03-17T19:33:00.000+02:002020-03-17T19:33:17.172+02:00COVID 19I figured this is a good time to do a blog post again! The world feels a bit crazy right now and people are (hopefully) spending much more time at home so they might actually read this!<br />
<br />
Along with the rest of the world, and maybe even more so, I'm rather freaking out right now. I'm worried about all the things that could go wrong in this country with this virus, and with my health in particular. Just FYI, I've had one of the "normal" Coronaviruses before, and it was just like a cold. This one is obviously very different and the articles stating that it can cause real lung damage, resulting in the loss of 20-30% lung function scares me the most. A lot of other things surrounding it scares me too, but to me this is the scariest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jno6OfpfIxI/XnEFuW4mNEI/AAAAAAAAORE/JECvQ0vh35UH01l25qy9r1LtRFaSO4OjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/7215D8BE-564A-47BE-94FA-554068AFE524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1139" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jno6OfpfIxI/XnEFuW4mNEI/AAAAAAAAORE/JECvQ0vh35UH01l25qy9r1LtRFaSO4OjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/7215D8BE-564A-47BE-94FA-554068AFE524.JPG" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
My appointment with my lung Doc was also indefinitely cancelled. In other words there will be no more normal check-ups for the foreseeable future. Only in cases of emergency. So I won't be finding out anytime soon if the drop in lung function I had about 6 weeks ago when I had Rhinovirus has recovered. This, coupled with the fact that in 2013 when my chronic rejection with the previous lungs started, I felt absolutely fine, and it was a "normal check-up" that showed a big drop in lung function, is causing some REAL anxiety for me. The only thing helping for it is running. I tell myself that if I'm not getting WORSE at the running, then my lung function can't be TOO BAD. I managed to cut another 2 minutes off my 5 km time trial results last Wednesday. I'm doing it again tomorrow and REALLY aiming for a sub 40 min run! Mentally I need that right now. Thank goodness there is only like 10 people at the time trials and they all run way faster than me! I have upcoming gynae and dermatologist appointments that I will also most likely cancel closer to the time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inFehTgt39M/XnEFyuhGxgI/AAAAAAAAORI/WJ0Yz8QrKPscVahIORFH0sXbYvL-cOC7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-2690.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inFehTgt39M/XnEFyuhGxgI/AAAAAAAAORI/WJ0Yz8QrKPscVahIORFH0sXbYvL-cOC7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-2690.PNG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm trying to self-isolate as much as possible. I've cancelled my gym membership (Parkruns have also been cancelled), I'm only working from home (thank goodness I'm not at my old corporate job anymore!!!! This would never have been possible and I would have been exposed to like 500 people daily). I've done quite a bit of shopping in preparation for this "lock-down"... and spent a crap-load of money on hand sanitiser, gloves, alcohol surface cleaner, alcohol wipes etc. I've also had my chronic meds for the next month delivered last week, so I'm all stocked up there too. My family members are also very cautious, and basically avoiding me if they think they might have been in contact with someone who was not 100% healthy. My boyfriend (yes... I have a boyfriend... more about that some other day) is also working from home since today, and has given his domestic worked paid leave. So I'm trying hard not to get sick!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2Vab5zDWYk/XnEHyLZmspI/AAAAAAAAORU/kGuzFUh5UdII5sF9ie6NZ9zsGSEXWFqCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/89654728_10158491388856490_6255658697423323136_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="919" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2Vab5zDWYk/XnEHyLZmspI/AAAAAAAAORU/kGuzFUh5UdII5sF9ie6NZ9zsGSEXWFqCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/89654728_10158491388856490_6255658697423323136_o.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxq7Er9nPsI/XnEJWkKmkTI/AAAAAAAAORg/opg_ZeF5uEkOy1qEDsSQJvdMAJycxUcwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-2778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="750" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxq7Er9nPsI/XnEJWkKmkTI/AAAAAAAAORg/opg_ZeF5uEkOy1qEDsSQJvdMAJycxUcwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-2778.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lastly, I'm SUPER glad I went to the UK in December... at the time it was rather tight to go financially, and I was a bit worried abut the weather, but in hindsight it was absolutely the right thing to do, because I don't know when I'll feel safe to travel internationally again! It just reminds you again to live each day like it's your last! You never know what might be waiting around the corner.</div>
<br />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9095688256643454987.post-10657856018698767382020-02-26T20:10:00.000+02:002020-02-26T20:10:12.951+02:00Running and RhinovirusIt's been just over a month since I've joined the Running Club. I did my 4th time trial tonight and I've managed to improve my time for 5km by 3 minutes so far. Really quite chuffed, it's becoming easier every week. I'm very far from being good at it, but improvement makes me happy! I've been working hard on my overall fitness and it's nice when you can at least see a change. No matter how small. A year ago my Achilles tendon was still a massive mess, so that's also a big improvement.<br />
<br />
(My time when I did the Parkrun in Englad was better, but that wasn't at 1700m altitude and in the heat. So at least my Joburg time is catching up to my UK time!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XDn33TyoAQ/Xlaxepb0HrI/AAAAAAAAOPo/MmGTGn5-v1g80P8YM-Yav5FyzMfAXsNFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-2469.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XDn33TyoAQ/Xlaxepb0HrI/AAAAAAAAOPo/MmGTGn5-v1g80P8YM-Yav5FyzMfAXsNFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-2469.PNG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_Wnaman5Rc/XlaxiDENUDI/AAAAAAAAOP0/8RYG8znChpgefaHMovqR2K07ooGA8kE_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/85220539_10158383026381490_2573615575666262016_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_Wnaman5Rc/XlaxiDENUDI/AAAAAAAAOP0/8RYG8znChpgefaHMovqR2K07ooGA8kE_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/85220539_10158383026381490_2573615575666262016_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lCcIGYKFF7k/XlaxiBjTjLI/AAAAAAAAOPw/C-nBUPf9aFIjqNnLna7U8YPbJYKvfb--wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/86710554_1616742465130976_5478065322432921600_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="960" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lCcIGYKFF7k/XlaxiBjTjLI/AAAAAAAAOPw/C-nBUPf9aFIjqNnLna7U8YPbJYKvfb--wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/86710554_1616742465130976_5478065322432921600_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inlUQAUiHqw/Xlaxh3wk-zI/AAAAAAAAOPs/5pdsXpMqInM1j58ABjdzC9_uNrXPJP9JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/87264414_10158436823721490_3190155970638512128_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="889" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inlUQAUiHqw/Xlaxh3wk-zI/AAAAAAAAOPs/5pdsXpMqInM1j58ABjdzC9_uNrXPJP9JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/87264414_10158436823721490_3190155970638512128_o.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
A tiny hiccup in my fitness goal has been a common cold, or Rhino Virus. Two weeks ago I was feeling a bit off-ish, with a sore throat. I had a lung check-up, and my lung function had dropped 3%. That's not a lot but I just felt bleh and had some phlegm in my lungs and sinuses. So my Dr ordered a throat swab, and I was very relieved to see Rhino Virus was the culprit, and not Coronavirus! Or any of the others on that list! You just have to wait it out and treat the symptoms, so didn't have to do anything about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gX_xE71kl1U/XlaynXrgUgI/AAAAAAAAOQE/72yPnQMPo5gy7IIcGPXRoGt6I0YRhyr6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-2291.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="733" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gX_xE71kl1U/XlaynXrgUgI/AAAAAAAAOQE/72yPnQMPo5gy7IIcGPXRoGt6I0YRhyr6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG-2291.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm very excited to see my aunt Annelie tomorrow. She's the one I visited in the UK for Christmas. She's been here in SA to see my gran, and she'll be in Joburg for 2 nights. Can't wait! Picking her up in the afternoon. Looking forward to a great weekend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Trying to make the most of the last few days of summer. There's a definite Autumn chill in the air when you wake up in the morning! Not a fan of winter.... We had a pool party at Brendan and Marius' house 3 weeks ago to soak up the last of the summer sun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_LFpIFYg8w/Xla0UZ3APSI/AAAAAAAAOQQ/ro-liCHETBYdGF1xjjTnIcLcmNKfSD6NwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/84204652_10159440645877306_3211572185109889024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_LFpIFYg8w/Xla0UZ3APSI/AAAAAAAAOQQ/ro-liCHETBYdGF1xjjTnIcLcmNKfSD6NwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/84204652_10159440645877306_3211572185109889024_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04360998267918503585noreply@blogger.com0