HELLO FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS ~

It has been a while since I've posted any personal stuff so before I go to bed thought I write up a few things.  I've been helping Mom in the kitchen washing blueberries. . .tons o'them, really: it has been an excellent season. . .they are very plentiful, large and sweet.  After rinsing we placed them on shallow cookies trays and into the freezer.  In the morning they go into zip-lok bags for storage.  These will taste might awesome this winter. . .for baking. . .or just for melt-in-yo-mouth nibbling.  ;-)

This also gave us a chance for a little mother-son chat.  I am recouping very well from the surgery two months ago already; the neurosurgeon is quite satisfied.  The facial paralysis is still present, though it has improved a lot. . .just takes time. The parotid tumor was large and compressing the facial nerves.  I know there is a lot of activity going on there. . .it's like the nerves are "thawing out" and there are squiggles and squaggles of nerves moving, sorta stretching out. . .lol

Mom is still concerned.  Even though this type of tumor is most often benign, the neurosurgeon thought there might be cancer due to the length of time the paralysis was lasting. . .all prior to surgery.  Pathology testing has ruled out any carcinoma,
thank God.  Mom's concern shows when she traces the operated area with her finger-tips. . . .like feeling to make sure.  You know how Mom's are.  LOL

My  speech has improved a great deal.  I've worked hard on this. . enunciating and pronouncing carefully, especially when I am tired as then I tend to mumble some.
Happy to report I don't dribble my coffee any where as  much as in the beginning.
People tell me they understand me clearly, and if they didn't know they'd never know there was a problem.  This too shall clear up.

The real news is I am going back to work!  We've had some department meetings with the dean and the chair and my mentor:  Instead of two sections, three days a week, of Intro Psych - which I did the last two years - I will have just the one large section, three times a week.  I need to rest more than usual as I get very tired: little energy and stamina.  The nine hours under anesthesia had its effects. . .it takes a few months to get all the effects of the anesthesia out of one's system.

I shall continue to work in the counselling center for students and faculty.  We call it the Mental Health Spa. . . lol. . .it's an inviting and comfortable place to hang out.  I will be on call specific times during the day, and also encouraged to build up my own private practice.  [ I have to laugh, both with pleasure and surprise when I realize I can now have an "official private practice" since I am a licensed therapist, doctor in psychology. WoW !  After all these years. . . Imagine. . Dr O'Shea. . .;-))  ]

I am moving back to Madame Bouvier's home. . .my Grandma. . .where Peter and I have lived the past two years.  He has been there most of the summer since his own classes and clinic work have gone on all summer.  Treating patients does not provide for free summers . . .Moving this week.  It won't be difficult, esp if I pace myself and do not become over-extended and involved.

So, that's the latest news report from The Dunes. . . .I 'm happy to share this with you.
Cheerios!
ciao ciao  ~

             JustinO

My Thinking Place. . . . .hideaway. . . .