Leavin' on a jet plane

Big news!

UW called on Wed. night and said that they had secured us "an urgent" slot. We have an appt. The appt. is set for Dec. 9th @ 7:45AM. It is an all day appt. We booked our tickets this weekend.

Potential Problem #1-of course we are sooooo close here in Dallas. There is a chance that Geoff could be called for a transplant here and then we would be in Seattle of all places. How much would that suck? So, were going to get a hold of the transplant team here in Dallas (hopefully tomorrow) and get their "advice", but we had to book our flights considering it's only 10 days away.

Were not freaking out. Were excited. We need to feel like there is progress in all areas in order to remain sane, but there are the typical worries: work, kids, dogs, and the unknowns.

Wish us luck! And, if you're in Washington, let's meet up!

Did you say sale???

A few of you have asked how my day went today.....

It's 11:41AM the day after Thanksgiving and I just got home from my Black Friday shopping extravanganza. I officially shopped for 12 hours, which included a "nap" from 2:30AM-4:30AM. This is how it began....

10:42PM-Geoff and I (yes, Geoff) picked up my friends Lori, Kim, and Colleen to head to our local outlet malls.
11:10PM-arrived at Allen Outlets
2:15AM-left Allen Outlets after shopping (aka pushing/shoving crazy moms) at Gymboree, Banana Republic, Gap, and Gap Kids.
2:30AM-went to sleep
4:30AM-alarm goes off
5:00AM-arrive at Wal-Mart with my mom (C-R-A-Z-Y-not mom, but Wal-Mart)
5:36AM-leave Wal-Mart and head to Target
5:49AM-arrive at Target and wait in line for doors to open
6:00AM-Doors open and I am RUNNING with my friend, Lori (shopping partner for the last three years) to the toy dept. while my mom and Lori's mom run to the electronic dept.
6:45AM-head to Starbucks
7:01-arrive at mall heading directly to the Disney Store
10:44AM-leave mall (shopped at Gymboree, Libby Lu, Macy's, etc. etc.)
11:00AM-arrive home

So, what did I buy? I believe I got FABULOUS deals:

Banana Republic Jeans (women) $30
Banana Sweater (women) $26
Banana Cords (men) $22
Banana Sweater (men) $18.50
Banana boxers (men) $5.00
Gymboree pajamas 5 pairs @ $5.99 each
Gymboree hat (boy) $4.50
Gymboree outfit (boy) $11.99
Gymboree dress $12.00
Gymboree fleece jacket and pant both for $15.00
Gymboree shoes (boy) $9.88
Fisher-Price Walk-n-go $10
Hannah Montana Make-up kit $10
Barbie $5
Crayola Art Set $8
Sleep Beauty DVD $11.88
101 Dalmations DVD $11.88
Enchanted DVD $11.88
Happy Feet $3.98
Madagascar $5.98
Leapster game Pet Pals $15
Playdoh Kit $8
Baby Cinderella Doll $7.99

I WOULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN! I was able to get everything I wanted, but most importantly, I really feel like I saved a lot of $$$. Do you hear that Geoff?

Who's going with me next year?

I'm famous

Well, not really, BUT I did have my first guest post on another blog.

I "met" Dawn when I became an avid blog stalker. I was googling "liver transplants blogs" and stumbled upon Carl and Dawn. They have been such a huge support for our family, always there to cheer us along.

Anyhow, Dawn is a freelance journalist in her "real" life. She started a blog, 71 Days of Christmas to chronicle her journey through the holiday season. When she started this blog she asked me if I would be interested in doing a guest post. I was thrilled to help contribute! So, enjoy!

I am thankful for...

In no particular order.

1. Nordstrom Rack
2. babysitters
3. family
4. friends
5. wine
6. family
7. friends
8. family
9. friends
10. blogs
11. Ava
12. Conner
13. the gym
14. Target
15. Geoff (like I said, in no particular order)
16. jobs
17. jobs
18. jobs
19. allrecipes.com
20. good haircut/hi-lights
21. clearance racks
22. my mom's group
23. my house
24. candles
25. long distance friends
26. coupons
27. doctors
28. pedicures
29. nurses
30. my Dyson vacuum
31. my health
32. fiber one bars
33. Ava and Conner's health
34. my marriage
35. TV

Bumped

Someone with a MELD score of 21 bumped Geoff to the #2 spot. It's fine. Fine. Fine. Fine. I'm sure most of you are sick of checking this blog for updates anyhow. Off to call UW to do my weekly check-in there.

Never would have thought...

Don't send hate mail. I just thought it was extremely interesting.

Deadliest Holidays

I'll find you....

I got a hold of the transplant coordinator's e-mail address. Geoff's been holding out on me-for good reason, I'm sure.

I e-mailed her. Yesterday. At 5:45AM. Just casually asking her why IT HAS BEEN A WEEK AND NO CALL. I promise, I was very polite about the whole thing.

She e-mailed me back immediately assuring me that this was "very, very typical". Also reminding me that although Geoff is #1 at Fort Worth there are still other #1s at the other transplant hospitals in the region.

She's on my radar now, and I SO appreciate her.

My Turkey

Conner was at his "nanny's" house yesterday while I was at work (we love you Kim) and she sent me this picture.

And.....he is still #1

Keep the good vibes coming!

Moving on...

I know it's not the most appropiate moment, but remember a few days back when we were coming up with some possible slogans for 09'? Well, here are a few of the entries:

• Feelin fine in 09'
• LiverTime 09'
• Liver's Mine in 09'
• LiverFind 09'
• Celebrate the Good Times-A liver for Geoff in 09'
• LiverLine 09'-no cutting in line bleep bleep bleep (nice one Rhonda)

On the UW front...I will be calling today to follow-up but we received word on Friday that all paperwork had been received (I can't remember if I posted that or not).

Nothing

Still #1.........

Everyone breathe with me. Big deep breathe in (hold it)................and now let it out. AHHHHHH. Feel better?

Status?

We are going to try and get a status update today...is he still #1?

Apparently you didn't get my voicemail

Don't worry, I'm not discouraged. Tomorrow we are going to church (settle down friends-I know you are stunned and can barely speak right now).

I'll look for you when I'm there. I'll be the one nervously looking around wondering how many people are going to try and shake my hand. That's okay though, I (we) am ready to embrace it.

I hope you're not busy though because we really need to talk. Oh, and I hope you don't mind if we leave our cell phones on...were expecting a call.

Hello, God? Are you there?

Geoff is #1 at Fort Worth....................

Dear God, if you're around today I would appreciate it if you could give me a call. I realize that you're busy-were all busy, but this is IMPORTANT. If I had a cardiologist, he would tell me that my heart cannot. take. this. ANYMORE. I'm pretty sure I don't need to go into the details about how my husband's heart can't take it anymore as well. Or, I could call you. I'll leave a voicemail. It would sound really pathetic, possibly panicky, and I would talk real fast. So, if you're out stalking the blogs today please know that I really need you to make this work. Amen.

Liver Boy went to liver clinic

Geoff had clinic today and the doctors said he looked great! Heathly as a horse (or something like that).

This is when we would want the transplant to happen......

They did a transplant last night-someone with a MELD of 24 or 25....the coordinator was going to check and see if that would affect Geoff's status.

Put on your thinking caps

Okay, so let's just say that I'm still writing on this damn blog come the first of the year (and the transplant has still not happened). Note to all: if that does happen, you will find me in jail because I will have tried to harvest my neighbor's liver by then. Note to police: I am totally kidding.

Hello???? We need a new name-Liver Wait 08' will no longer do.

I need some ideas. Start thinking. I want t-shirts made up.

Maybe?

#2 in Fort Worth

#4 in Dallas

Hmmmm...........

Watch out

It's in the mail

We received word yesterday that all of the required paperwork is in the mail and on its way to Washington. If anyone knows me they know that I am the most IMPATIENT person on earth. I have been stalking the coordinator at UW (sorry, Brian), but I'm sure he understands.

*Tube check went great yesterday. Hoping to have bloodwork results by today. Come on Meld of 21...momma needs a pair of shoes.

Obama Mama

Were a happy bunch this morning.

Status

#4 in Fort Worth
#5 in Dallas

• Tube check on Thursday
• Bloodwork on Thursday (this set of bloodwork will be submitted to UNOS-the organ Gods. In some sick twisted way we are hoping his levels will be elevated so that his MELD score can be increased).
• Washington Update: getting paperwork completed so that we can fly out there and meet with the team (and hopefully to be put on the list sometime before Christmas....probably a stretch, but still shooting for it)

Totally random, but do any of you out there watch Prison Break? You know how they are always talking about the "Company" and how no one can get to them and they seem unbeatable? That's who I'm beginning to think the "committee" is, the committee that makes all these crappy-ass decisions. So, from now on they are the "Company" in my world. Anyone following this? It makes perfect sense to me.

Fight On