Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Sunday, February 13, 2011

I'M HERE - UPDATE

Hey All!


I'll try to keep this as brief as I can. . .


Well, it was a week from hell. . .First my internet was out until last night.  I was going absolutely nuts without it.  Something about the wiring being effected by the ice that kept the signal from getting to the "box".  Finally it was fixed, and then the mountain of email to go through and sort out.  But that is the silver lining because there were so many emails from you guys worrying about me and wondering if I was alright.  I was overwhelmed by the amount of emails showing such concern and saying such wonderful things.  I love you guys!


The second BIG catastrophe was horrendous!  I inadvertently left our garage door open all night.  It just so happened that it was the coldest night of the year where the temperature dropped to -4F.  Well I'm sure you guessed it by now. . .my pipes froze!  Jay woke me up around 6:45 AM saying that we didn't have any water.  Sure enough not only did the pipes freeze in the garage, they burst!  Water flooded through the garage and froze instantly to everything!  It was a horrible mess.  I was covered in water trying to shut the water off.  When I couldn't find the shut off valve, I went out with the guy from the water company and started digging through 7" of snow and 3" of ice trying to find the main water shut off.  My jeans and coat froze solid, and when I walked the ice would crack on them.  I finally got the water shut off.  Long story short, we had to replace the water heater and the water softener.  So total bill for my stupidity . . . . .$4,200.00  I was just heartsick.  That was such a big hit to our finances. 


I then heard the news from a neighbor that our next door neighbor had a heart attack (ETA - She survived it and it will be OK).  I had just finished helping her shovel her driveway the day before and she seemed just fine.  It just made me feel awful and so weird how things in your life can change in an instant.  She had just brought Jay and I over some homemade potato soup with bacon and cheese the other night and I was returning her container with a thank you card when I heard the news.  Just really made me sad.


On top of all of that, Jay had a neurologist appointment to discuss going on a new drug with potentially dangerous side effects.  I also had to take him to the eye doctor to have tests run on his eyes to make sure he doesn't have a particular problem because the new drug could cause some big problems with his eyesight.  So just the anticipation of him being on this new drug causes me some concern and worry.  When he takes the first dose, he has to take it in the neurologist's office and be observed for 6 hours to make sure his heart rate doesn't drop too low from the drug.


So, it has been a stressful, emotional roller coaster week for me.  But it was nice to know that so many of you worried about me and were keeping me in thoughts and prayers without even knowing what was happening.  You guys are amazing.  I even heard from some whom I have never heard of before who follow my blog but have never left a comment!  Thanks to all of you.  It's nice to know I have so many out there that care about me.


As far as the post, I'm going to wait till next Wednesday to post.  I've got the blog candy prize pack to offer up and some fun stuff to show, so I'll just make it a colossal post then.  Hope that is OK.


Again, thanks to all of you out there who sent me emails of concern.  You don't know what it meant to me. 


See you guys on Wednesday. . .God willing :P


Best,


Curt O'Brien


"God, please help me be the person that my dogs think I am."

53 comments:

Dee in N.H. said...

Gee whiz! When stuff goes wrong, it really goes wrong! So sorry all this is happening to you. Hopefully Jay will be OK with his new meds. It's probably good that he will be right there with the doctor should anything go wrong. Hopefully your nice neighbor will be OK too! I will be thinking of you guys!

Lee said...

OMG.Curt,i am sat here open mouthed.i might not have emailed you because i was trying to get you on chat,and just thought you were extra busy BOY WERE YOU lol.I am SO SORRY,to read all that has been going on.Words don't seem enough.I am going to send you a proper email and hope you receive it ok.THINKING OF YOU ALL.Loads of HUGE HUGS to all of you.Lee xxx

Tertia said...

Thank goodness all is 'fine'. I was worries sick, and didn't know what to do. My mother would have said its just 'worldly things' about the burst pipes and the costs to repair it. Jay's health is a far bigger cocern. I pray that the new drug will have the correct results and that he does not have any of the dangerous side effects.

Patti J said...

I felt like I'd won the lottery when I logged on just now, and there you were! I hope that things are beginning to settle down a wee bit for you. Please keep us all posted on Jay's appointment(s). I feel so bad for your neighbor. Is she the sweet lady that is always finding you stamps and things? Is Shotsy out of the 'dog house' yet? lol...bless your heart, what a week! Take care, and we'll all look forward to a phenomenal post on Wednesday!

Myrna said...

Curt
You sure have had the week from Hell. You and yours will continue to be in my mind, heart and prayers.
Take care dear friend.
Hugs
Myrna

Ted said...

Oh no, Curt! It sounds like a week that you'd really want to "DO OVER"! I'm so sorry to hear about all your tribulations, my friend.

When Thursday morning rolled around and I didn't your blog name boldfaced in my Google Reader, I admit I got a bit concerned... but I didn't want to email you in the event you were just going through stress... and didn't need the extra email! ;) Had you not shown up on THIS Thursday, I'd email you.

I do believe God places things in our lives for a reason, so I pray that He watches over you and Jay and keeps you both safe.

And for goodness sake, please invest in some waders and a strong plastic overcoat or something... this way, should you ever have to get into that situation again, you won't be in soaked pants and such.

Hoping you both stay warm and safe.

Danielle said...

Oh Curt, you poor thing! What a week .. I'm so sorry to hear all this happened. My furnace motor needing replacing pales in comparison to your woes. Don't be too hard on yourself .. we all make the 'stupid' mistakes - mine, if you want to hear it and feel any better - I backed out of the garage with the door not fully up and opened - yup, crunched the bottom panel of the garage door and did some damage to the top spoiler on the trunk lid of our BMW! I think the damage was around $1k in all - STUPID MISTAKE!!!
Anyways, I hope Jay's new drug works out - it sounds scary - and that your neighbour is recovering. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Hugs, Danielle xo

Lorraine said...

Oh Curt what a terrible time you have had. Let us hope only good things happen for you and Jay from now on. Take care and big hugs XXx

Lorraine A said...

oh my goodness !! what a terrible series of events !!! I am just s sorry to hear about yout water/heating probs, that would be a huge hit to anyones finances and I can just imagine how you must feel,,, I am devestated for you xx :-( ,,,and your neighbour too ,, from the way you wrote your post I am presuming she didn't make it through ,,,:-( oh my goodness ,, I just don't know what to say ,,, sending HUGE HUGS your way and I will keep you and Jay in my thoughts all the time xx

love you Curt xx I am just at a loss of what to say ,,, I am devestated for you xx
luv
Lols x x x

Carmen O. said...

With tears in my eyes I'm happy to read that you're okay. I'm so sorry for all you've gone through this past week. Thankfully this is a new week and hopefully a much better one for you and Jay! Looking forward to your colossal post this coming week. smiles. I think it's about time I blog again!

Take Care!

Audrey Frelx said...

OMG, Curt!!! I am so sorry all these occurrences hit you at one time! AND the hits just kept on coming! I really don't know what to say except I hope you see the brighter side really soon, my friend.

I'll be praying for Jay, that the meds ONLY do what they're suppose to do. He'll be fine; God is good, he knows you've taken all you can handle right now!

Hugs, my dear friend!

Carol's Ink Spot said...

Oh Curt! I'm so sorry you had such a miserable week! I was wondering where your Wednesday post was. So now you need to take a little break and breath. I do hope Jay will be OK. That must be the top most concern of yours right now. Sending big HUGS and prayers for both of you.

Dawnll said...

Keeping you and Jay in my thoughts that everything goes well with the neurologist.
Hopefully this will be a waste of worry and work like a charm.
I think you have had enough bad for awhile and it should be all good for awhile.LOL
Hang in there sweetie, so many people love you to pieces, including me.

Heide said...

Curt, So sorry to hear of all the problems this last week. Boy that sucks with the water heater. I know who easily your life can change, my husband had a heart attack earlier in Nov. All is well with him now but, very scary to say the least. So now every time he states he doesn't feel well, I now worry. I will keep you and Jay in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping all goes well with Jay.
Hugs, Heide

Sue Ann said...

Well this week just sucked ........ sorry about that!!! I think you need a cocktail or 2. Hope this week is better for you!!!

Anne Marie Hile said...

Oh Curt, you really had a horrible week. I'm so sorry and I'm sure that you are happy it is over. When it rains, it pours. I am keeping you and Jay in my thoughts and prayers and hoping everything goes well with the neurologist. Sending big hugs your way! :)

Jean McKenzie said...

Oh Curt, you have had a dreadful week and I am so sorry to read about all the disasters! It must be a worry to you with Jay going on this new medication but it is good he will be monitered very closely for starters.
I read about your burst pipes etc with interest as that is something we would never encounter here and I marvel at the force of ice! The most ice I have seen is from dripping taps in our rare really cold winters and on top of water troughs etc.
Do hope your coming week is a nice one - hope your neighbour continues to improve - good neighbours are priceless. And of course I hope your computer keeps going LOL!! We need them!
Hugss, Jean

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

Well, weeks like that make you truly thankful for the "standard" awful week! Hang i there! And yea, I'm one of those who don't commnent too often but stop by a lot!

Susan said...

When I logged on, I was so excited to see that you were back. I was worried about you. And, apparently with good reason. I'm so sorry to hear that you have been struggling so much this past week. I truly hope that many wonderful blessings come your way, and soon! You seem like such a kind man, and I hate to hear that things are not going well for you. I will keep you and Jay in my prayers and hope that the new meds bring good results without the bad side effects. Hugs.

Bonnie Weiss said...

OK, so things come in three's and you have had yours. No more bad stuff! Although it's a kick in the (frozen) pants right now, you will pick up the pieces and carry on, just as you always do. As for the budget...maybe it's the stamp fairies forcing you to use some old stamps that haven't been inked for a long time. Your blogging friends don't mind ... we love what you can do with any stamp! Sending you hugs and thinking about Jay and his next appointment. ~B~

Sue from Oregon said...

Oh NO! You have had a go of it. I can only imagine how cold you must have been!Here's wishing you a much better 2011!

Gail L said...

Hello!
Things can only get better!
Hoping Jay's meds work like they're supposed to, and I hope that that's the most you have to worry about for a while!
Glad to hear your neighbor will be all right!
Keep smiling, looking forward to your post!

Lauri said...

OMGoodness!!!! What a bad week! My prayers to Jay and hope all is okay!

Anonymous said...

My eyes watered up when I read your post. I just wish you didn't have to deal with so many hard things going on in your life, especially all at once. You shouldn't blame yourself about the pipes and water heater. These things happen. I don't always understand why life is so difficult sometimes, but I do believe that prayer helps. I'm sure there will be lots of us keeping you and Jay and your neighbor in our thoughts and prayers! Take care of yourself! Kathy

Leigh said...

OMG Curt, you have had a doing!!! Definitely a very expensive mistake with regard to the water pipes. I hope all goes well with Jay. Glad to hear your neighbour is fine. Please take care.

Jackie said...

Week from hell is putting it mildly! I hope Jay's new meds work out ok and that all of your bad luck is behind you now. *hugs*

mark said...

good grief! sort of makes my thumb problem seem sort of insignificant.
thanks a lot!

Shirley-Anne said...

Hello Curt. I am sorry to read about your "week from Hell" I think that you have had your full measure of drama and must be due for sunshine and laughter real soon ..
Hope Jay does not have bad reaction to new medication.

magic boxes said...

Oh Curt sorry you've had such a horrible time. You of all people don't deserve it! You are a fantastic person and if people wishing you well can put things right you have plenty.

Hope your neighbour continues to improve and everything is crossed for Jay.

Amidst it all -
Happy Valentines Day, you are much loved by us all.

BIG Hugs
Elaine xoxoxoxo

Diane said...

Geez....I was wondering what happened to you...figured maybe you had gotten "the bug" like everyone here..but this is far worse...you know I don't even know where to turn off our water either...makes me think I had better learn! Don't blame yourself...we all do crazy & forgetful things...and the older you get the more it happens (pleasant thought isn't it...ha!)...I backed out of the garage and right smack into the utility trailer that I had asked my husband to bring up to the garage so I could clean it out..in our new car no less, and even after hitting it hard enough to move it 2 feet, I still didn't know what I hit until I looked into my rear view mirror...see it happens to all of us....as for Jay...I hope after all the "trials" it works out for him and will be worth it! Take care my friend...calm down Spring is only 5 weeks away...yeah!!!

Celeste said...

Are you related to me??? This is the kind of luck my family has!!! I hope it's over and done with! I kept looking for your Wed. post and wondering where you were! Geez, I'm addicted! Seriously, take a deep breath and say "Hell, that's over!" I hope Jay's new meds work out. They have to list all the side effects that everyone in the test group experiences even though it may not relate to the drug itself. I have taken meds with horrible side effects listed only to have nothing happen. Have you noticed how addicted we are to our computers??? What did we do back in the 60's? LOL
I hope this is it for your bad luck this year Curt! You, Jay, the boys, and your neighbor are in my prayers.

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Good grief....what a week! Seems like the snowball effect...one thing goes wrong and then several. Glad everyone is okay! I'm so sorry to hear about all the stress and I pray things go much better now! Many prayers for Jay starting his new meds!

Hugs!
-Stacie

Linda said...

Oh Curt What a very hard week.I sure hope this one is better. I would love to send your neighbor a card. Wouldn't that make her happy to get tons of cards from your friends. And Jay too. I sure hope the drug don't cause any trouble.
Now take care of yourself. All that wet and Ice Oh that could not be good for you. I know I am so sick of winter in WI but I haven't had a week like yours. So very sorry to hear. I was hopping you just were on RandR.
Sending Positive Energy,
Hugs,
Linda

Sonja said...

Whew! If I had your email address, I would be one of them checking on you...I asked Kelly three times why there was not a new update from you

I am so sorry for ALL of your trials last week...I know WE are facing many too... My husband had a diagnosis that we were not expecting...Will cause many changes in our future...

Take care, and know that your are special to many of us ... and I am just a "newbie " lol
Happy Heart Day... May love surround you today ...

lisa808 said...

Oh my goodness, Curt, you sure have had a more than bad week. I cannot even image the mess with the burst pipes. I am so glad your neighbor is OK. Please, please get a snow blower. You never know what the after effects will be from shoveling snow. I send my best wishes for Jay's new treatment. I hope all goes well and you have good news to post on Wednesday.

Gina Wrona said...

OMG Curt,

And, here I was drowning in my own troubles, from Zorro's 15 seizures in 3 days, to Alex' strep throat which causes Panda's for him, to my broken power window & battery on my truck, to getting sick myself. It all seems so small in comparison. My prayers & thoughts go out to you and Jay. By chance, would your homeowner's insurance cover any of the damages?

Healing Hugs to all of you,
Gina

Becky said...

You poor thing! I was thinking something was was wrong and was hoping it was not Jay. I am so sorry for all your trials this week, I am glad your neighbor is doing well. Tell Jay I am praying for him, that all will go well with his new meds.
Sending you a well deserved -
cyber HUGS :)

tilly said...

Wow, what a really bad week, hope Jay will be okay on new meds, you are due a bunch of good luck now
Tilly

Sharon Caudle said...

Hi Curt! You poor thing!! So sorry you've had such a crappy week and hope things get better for you very soon. I will keep both you and Jay in my prayers hoping for a good outcome to the new treatment drug. I'm glad to hear your neighbor is going to be ok. that cold air going into the lungs coupled with the physical exertion is cause for many heart attacks. Glad this one worked out ok. You take good care of yourself. I know you'll take good care of Jay! :)
hugs, Sharon

Ink Bug said...

Aw, Curt! What a horrible week, indeed. I am so sorry to hear of, well, all of it. So glad the neighbor lady is ok and that you got the water issue resolved, albeit at a high cost. I am praying that Jay will do fine on this new treatment with NO side effects. That has to be so scary! Hopefully this was all the bad that will happen this year all rolled into one ugly week. Good wishes and hugs to you both.

Sue said...

Hi Curt
i kept looking for your post, i am so sorry to read of your week, one thing after another for you.Glad the pipes have been sorted, hope you dont catch a chill from all that diggin in the snow. I do hope all goes well for Jay and his new meds. Hugs to you both, take care, luv sue,xx

Macpurp said...

lets hope thats all your troubles sorted my friend!

love the pic of your lovely boys. Bella and Poppy thinks they are very handsome!

lots of love Teen & co x

Serendipity Stamping said...

Oh my gosh Curt, you really had more than your fair share of "life's trials and tribulations" this past week. So glad to find that was mostly "things" that were all askew. Sorry to hear Jay is going through some more scary things. I am sure he will come through with the new meds and that you will keep us all posted. Hope your neighbor is much better also. Hang in there!

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Oh my, Curt! You have had the week from hell INDEED! I am so sorry!!! I have been through broken pipes - but all the rest of it and all at the same time, well, just terrible.

I'll keep Jay in my prayers. Surely he will be one of those who don't experience any side-effects and who gain tremendous benefits from the new medication. That is my prayer.

Hugs!

Elaine M said...

Oh Hon! You poor guys have had a rough few days - but you probably got all the bad stuff out of the way for the whole year. Stay safe and warm - we love ya!!!!

Robyn said...

Curt hugs coming to you and Jay California! You will be in my thoughts sending you positive energy!

mudmaven said...

Holy cow! I get behind on my blurfing and all heck is breaking loose. Please, please take care my friend. You have had your hands so full - wish I lived closer and I'm come over and help!!! ~chris

Percy said...

Oh wow Curt, sorry to hear about all that happened! Things are going to get better!!!! Hope all works out with the medication, and the rest of this year is uneventful! Positive thoughts going your way!!!

Erin Morley said...

Congratulations on making it through your hell week in one piece (plus maybe a few extra gray hairs of maybe a few less hairs). I can totally sympathize with you on the hell week as a couple weeks ago I lost two family members in the span of a week... Take care of yourself and Jay. Hugs!

Kelly said...

Wow, Curt! So sorry about your week. don't kick yourself to much over the garage door thing. It happens to everyone. Yeah, it hit the finances but you guys are okay through everything and that's important.

Will keep Jay in my thoughts and prayers he comes through this new treatment with flying colors.

Many Blessings to you both!

Krissy said...

Boy oh boy, you sure have had more than your fair-share lately!

Please know that you and Jay are in my thoughts and prayers! I have a cousin that has MS, so I know how scary it can be to start new medication and be unsure of the possible side-effects. I hope that this medication provides much-needed relief to Jay.

Take time to get inky and try to "forget" your troubles for awhile. (that usually seems to help me!)

Jocelyn aka JoBear2 said...

Oh my goodness, what an incredibly stressful week for you Curt! Thinking of you and hope that Jay will be OK on the new meds.
Sending lots of {{{{hugs}}}}}
Jocelyn

oddesigns said...

Curt, I agree with Kelly - your handwriting is fantastic! And I'm sorry to hear about your woes last week. All I could think of while reading your update was "yikes!"