Hysterectomy for me...

 

I’m not sure why I’m writing about this.  I suppose to share my journey with something that isn’t talked about very often I feel like.  But I think it should be. 

 

May 4^th I had a hysterectomy.  I had the version that’s done Laparoscopically/Robotically.  They took it all except the ovaries.  Some women have these due to cancer scares, some due to pain or issues with the area, some (as in my case) with a fibroid party going on in there, and I’m sure there are many more reasons I don’t have listed here.  It’s supposed to be out-patient.  Like they take care of this and send you home later that day.  Which is a damn trip right?!

So here’s my story:

 

I was put on Birth Control when I was young.  Like 16 or 17.  I had horrible periods that completely debilitated me, and I have a pretty high pain threshold.  They were also super irregular and just a mess.  So – the pill it was.  I was on it my whole life.  They may futz with the doses here and there if I had issues, but been on it since.  Then about 5-ish years ago I had some fibroids show up – and my periods started getting wonky again.  They told me to continually dose – meaning skip the period week.  That was damn glorious!  The fibroids seemed to halt, so they just kept an eye on them – my normal yearly exam always being followed with a (not fun at all) Pelvic Ultra Sound.  I’d bleed a smidge randomly here and there but they said that was fine.  Until about a bit over a year ago.  I started basically having wonky periods again, even though I was continually dosing on the pill.  I had a Hysteroscopy in October of 2022.  He removed a couple of fibroids thinking that would do the trick.  Nope.  Time to just take the whole kit and caboodle.

 

Now – I’ve had some friends who have gone through this.  I reached out.  I got a lot of different experiences back.  Most seemed pretty positive.  “Best thing I ever did!”  “Recovery not nearly as bad as I thought!” “It was brutal”  “Listen to your body and recover” etc etc.  One good friend of mine had it done basically a few weeks before me, so she was keeping me updated on her progress.  I was thinking it wasn’t going to be so bad.

 

Well – in my case – it was weird.  If someone was to ask me how is it – I’d say “It’s fucking weird”.  It’s more mental than you’re expecting.  Like – I think I’m in my head way more than I should be.  But – they took organs OUT OF MY BODY through 4 incisions in my belly.  One of those incisions being my belly button – which lemme tell you – already freak me the fuck out.  It’s also your lady parts.  Like that’s one of the main important things that makes me a lady.  It’s weird.  Now – let me get one thing straight – I never wanted kids.  I just never had that desire/yearning/want/whatever.  I wasn’t oppose to it per say – but it certainly wasn’t important to me.  If it happened, it happened but I wasn’t trying or needed a kid.  So I can understand where some women grieve this.  They’ve lost the one thing we have that creates kiddos.  That was taken away.  Like for real. Like no babies for sure now.  And even being someone who never really wanted kids – that’s a weird “final” feeling ya know?  But it’s certainly a strange feeling.

 

Physically – I didn’t do great at 1^st.  Anesthesia and I are NOT friends.  I’m put under- it’s basically a guarantee I’m going to wake up and puke.  Not only did that happen – but I couldn’t wake up.  I tried to about 3 times, and couldn’t wake up and apparently yelled at the nurse “I can’t see you!!  I can’t wake up!!” and I remember that and it was weird and terrifying.  Then when I did finally come too I was so sick.  My mouth was so horribly dry.  I felt AWFUL.  They gave me 5 different anti-nausea drugs, one even a shot in my arm, and nothing touched me.  The anesthesiologist did his damn best but it just didn’t work.  It got to the point where they had one more to try and the Dr said forget it – she just needs to get the anesthesia out of her body.  This resulted in them having to actually admit me to the hospital and keep me overnight.  So that was awesome.  After much demanding I was able to go home the next evening.

 

The recovery has been ok.  You can’t do ANYTHING for 2 weeks.  So I was just watching TV, coloring, reading magazines, making Pat crazy.  It wasn’t really painful – in fact didn’t touch the pain meds.  I’ve been having more issues with my digestive tract than anything.  Being laid up just doesn’t fair well for people like me.  There were times I felt a bit sore.  Or I felt the incisions – like they didn’t hurt but they were like “Hi I’m here!!”.  Sleeping was hard sometimes since you want to stay on your back.  Just weird.

 

Post op went well.  He took off the surgical tape.  Now I have weird bumpy things surrounded by a bit of bruising on my belly that I assume are the stiches underneath but it’s gross and kinda freaks me out.  Guess I’m more squeamish than I realized.  He also gave me a picture of my insides before and after.  That is really weird.  It does also make you realize that there’s a lot of healing that needs to happen inside.  This put a little more in perspective when he said you can increase activity by a little each day.  I was so hoping for a “Your good to go!”. But after two weeks that’s not the case.  I can drive again and do a little, but your innards got a ways to go.  There’s another post op in a month.  Sigh.

 

My plan is to walk as much as I can take (you do get tired and/or sore) and maybe start the Peloton again doing easy rides.  No core exercises until after the final Post Op though and no real heavy lifting.

 

Pat did his best trying to keep me idle.  I instructed housework directions and laundry from the couch.  He yelled at me if he caught me doing something.  He was a good housewife.  My mom and Libby stayed with me when Pat had to be away.  Another friend came and took Poe out for a couple of hours to give me some rest.  I received beautiful bouquets that you’ll see below.  Cards, texts phone calls checking in.  I’m surrounded by wonderful people.  And so very grateful for that.

 

I will say – this was pretty heavy.  Those of you that may have to have this procedure – take care of yourself.  It’s so hard to just rest.  To heal.  To be patient.  I am one of the most impatient healers of all time.  It’s not easy.  But it’s a big deal.  It’s a big emotional deal too.  That’s why I think we should share our stories and talk about it more.  As women we do a lot.  We’re emotional.  We bear children.  We have so many more things to deal with than men.  It’s damn true.  From our yearly exam to anything dealing with these parts of our body to getting equal fucking rights to so much else.  We’re magnificent creatures.  So it’s hard to lose a big part of our lady-hood.  I think it’s down played a lot but goddamnit it shouldn’t be.  I do look forward to no more issues, no more pap smears and pelvic ultrasounds, no more BC pill and def no oops baby.  Hell it will be nice to not spend so much time at my OBGYN’s office.  But I’m emotional.  I’m vulnerable.  And it’s fucking weird.

 

So there it is.  My story.  Share yours ladies.  This is a big fucking deal.  And it’s weird.

 

From my cousin Annie!

From Mandy!

From my boss!

Mom taking care of me & loving on Poe

My little companion

Very upset we couldn't snuggle

Robin came by with dinner and flowers one night

Never left my side

 

Meditation as of late...

I really want to be consistent at meditating.
I really want to be able to sit my ass down, quiet my thoughts, be in the moment and meditate.
I have not succeeded at this yet.

It goes like this.  I do really good for like 2 weeks - or sometimes even a whole 21 Days if I stick to one of Deepak Chopra/Oprah Winfrey's Meditation Day Challenges.  But then I fall off.  I'm too tired.  I was drinking.  It's too hot.  It's too cold.  Then I have random days where I do it and not do it and so on and so forth.

I know - in order to notice a difference in my life I need to stay consistently meditating for a longer period of time.

I'm trying.

I thought I would share an example of my struggles.  I'm currently (and totally failing as I've missed like 5 days) doing another Chopra/Winfrey Challenge.  Deepak chats at you for a bit then you sit for about a 10 min meditation.  You're given a little phrase to chant silently in your head.  Sweet music plays in the background and a little bell dings to signify the mediation has ended.  I usually curl up in my chair, cross my legs, hands resting on my thighs, palms up in the little ok symbol, eyes closed, deep breath and then this is what happens in my head:

Om Ram Ramaya. Om Ram Ramaya.  Om Ram Ramaya.
Godammn it's hot out.
Om Ram Ramaya.
WTF is that noise.
Om Ram Ramaya.
I can't believe Trump got elected.  (Vision of me assassinating him comes through).  Jesus Christ Jami you're meditating!  Violence shouldn't be filling your head.
Deep Breathe.  Re focus.
Om Ram Ramaya. Om Ram Ramaya.
I'm so fucking sad.  Maybe I can get more involved somehow to help my friends who are scared.
Jami!!  Focus!!
Om Ram Ramaya.
WTF IS THAT CLICKING NOISE?!
I really like the music they play.  It's so soothing.  Is that a flute?
FOCUS.
Om Ram Ramaya.
I think I'll go grocery shopping on Sun instead of Sat.  That way I can get over to my moms and say hi before I head to Fullerton.  Ugh.  That party is going to be at my house.  I'll have to make sure to close up so the cats don't freak out.
OMG JAMI FOCUS.
Om Ram Ramaya. Om Raym Ramaya.
That's a loud airplane flying over.
Om Ram Ramaya.
Ugh it's so dry out. I think I just heard Tweaks get shocked.
 Om Ram Ramaya. Om Ram Ramaya.
I need to remember to balance my checkbook.  I have to get Maryanne's wedding gift too. I can't wait to eat the prime rib.
Om Ram Ramaya.
Why is something in my house clicking!? WTF.
Om Ram Ramaya. Om Ram Ramaya. Om Ram Ramaya. Om Ram Ramaya.
Was that a dog whining or a child shrieking?
Om Ram Ramaya.
You know, this would make a really funny blog.  I think I'll write about this madness in my head tomorrow.
FOCUS!
Deep breathe.
Om Ram Ramaya.  Om Ram Ramaya.  Om Ram Ramaya.
SERIOUSLY THAT CLICKING.
Om Ram Ramaya.  Om Ram Ramaya.Om Ram Ramaya Om Ram Ramaya Om Ram Ramaya.
Oh my gosh, I'm actually feeling a little relaxed.
*Cat jumps on lap and scares the shit out of me*
Fucking cat.
Om Ram Ramaya. Om Ram Ramaya Om Ram Ramaya Om Ram Ramaya Om Ram Ramaya Om Ram Ramaya Om Ram Ramaya Om Ram Ramaya Om Ram Ramaya Om Ram Ramaya.
I can do this.
DING!

Fuck.

A very meaningfull tattoo...

I finally got it.

I finally got the extravagant tattoo that I have been wanting to get.

This tattoo represents my survival of a subarachnoid hemorrhage that only 10% of people survive from.  This tattoo represents that 5-7% of people don't have after effects (memory loss, muscle loss, etc).  This tattoo represents that I came back with a vengeance leaving death behind.  And this tattoo represents the person I have become since that horrible Wednesday evening on June 6, 2012.  I am stronger.  I have a new outlook on life.  I have risen from the ashes of my old life, survived the fire and came out of the flames a happy human ready to laugh and to love more than ever.  Just like the Phoenix.  

I've always loved what the Phoenix represents.  In fact, in 2013 Ryan took it upon himself to add a special award for me that now represents people who have had challenges and overcome throughout the year.  If you need a reminder of that you can read it here.  

It took me a bit because I wanted to find the right artist.  I had a great guy I liked that did my dragon tattoo back in 2006 but he moved to Norway.  So I was on the hunt.  I wanted to find someone who I could tell them why I wanted this and have them design it.  I asked around.  Researched some suggestions.  Then I came across Tisha Tattooing.  She was referred by a friend of mine and I started following her on Instagram.  If you'd like to follow her also, her handle is tisha_tatooing.  I watched her feed for awhile and was quite impressed.  Almost a year ago I decided I wanted to get a small tribute tattoo in honor of my Papa.  I figured this would be a perfect test run to see if I like her.  I did.  She's super sweet, ridiculously talented and very fair in price.  I booked a consult for my Phoenix in July of this year.

My friend Ber joined me since she's also thinking of getting her next piece and wanted to discuss it with her.  I showed Tisha a few pictures of placement ideas and kind of what I wanted.  We all agreed that a circular like design would compliment the dragon nicely. 

Little bigger than I was thinking....

I booked my 1st session in August.  Libby joined me to keep me company and distracted.  I started out in the chair and then later moved to the table.  The whole session took almost 3 1/2 hours.  Unfortunately when I sat up I was super dizzy and ended up vomiting in the bathroom, on my way out and 4 times when I got home.  So that was awesome.  It also fucking hurt.  Now don't get me wrong - it's not Tisha, she's actually got a really light hand, I just must be getting to be more of of wussy in my old age.

Tisha sized it down a bit. 

We begin!

Lots of detail!

Lil B&W action

It was a long day

Still smiling

It was really starting to hurt at this point

All finished for today!

I was trying not to barf again here...

I made my 2nd session for the Monday after my show opened, hoping to get it all finished up.  She surprised me when she said she was going to do color.  Yay!  I had originally thought we weren't able to do color but I guess we can!  This session took almost 4 hours and FUCKING HURT!  The last hour I really wanted to die.  I stayed in the chair the entire time as to avoid possible barfing.  (Not sure if the laying flat screwed me up).  I also didn't eat or drink any wine and brought some almonds to snack on.  This time Robin accompanied me and made sure I took breaks and stayed cool.  I was very worried I was going to get sick again but luckily I didn't.

Time for round 2!

Finished for today.  One more session and it'll be done!

We didn't take as many pictures this time, but Tisha did ask me to do a little Instagram video on her phone.  So here's my lame attempt at doing one of these for the 1st time! ha ha! 
VIDEO


Session 3

Cori was my tattoo buddy for the final session, but she couldn't stay the whole time.  Bummed but glad she was there part of the time!   Figured we didn't need more similar pictures of me getting tattooed but took this shot and posted it announcing my last session!

The last session seemed less painful than the 1st couple.  Although that damn tail.  Yowzer!  That's apparently my sensitive spot.  We went about 3 hours or so on the last one and my heart soared when Tisha said "All done!"

HELLO GORGEOUS!

I'm so happy with it.  Tisha is an incredible artist. This is her original design.  Here's our tattoo is done selfie!

All healed up!  Miss Brenda came over and did a little final tattoo photo session and here is the finished product!!

A huge thank you to Libby, Robin and Cori for sitting with me during my sessions, a big thank you to Brenda for coming over to photograph it and of course thank you to Tisha - you are truly and amazing artist and this piece is more beautiful than I ever could have imagined.

MRI's and Munchies...

Let's get the crappy part out 1st:

MRI's.  I HATE THEM.

After a ridiculous game of calling this person to tell me to call that person who tells me to go back and call this person again oh but this person needs to sign this and so and so has to approve this but wait you can't go here so call the hospital but they need to talk to him and you need to call her.  FUCK ME!

Finally got my MRI scheduled.  I had it last Thursday.  I wisely took the rest of the day off afterwards because they always make me feel icky.  I think it's the dye (contrast) they have to shoot me up with mid way through.  I get a nasty headache and laying flat for an hour and listening to the loudest noises on the planet while trying to stay still and calm without any help (meds) because I'm not claustrophobic but this damn thing sure could make me so - I did it.

I came home, felt like crap and now fingers are crossed for my follow up appointment next week to tell me if the little bastard tumor in my head has grown.  I'm hoping for a no.  I'm also hoping for a and since it hasn't had any growth since 2012 let's skip a year for the MRI.  My dad is actually hoping for a reduction but I don't even think that's possible.  Love you daddy.

I'm also waiting to hear back from the Foot Dr. about the painful right foot stuff I got going on.  I think it's my neuroma acting up again.  That's right kids - another stupid tumor.  Grumble.

So - there's that update.

Onto the more important stuff - FOOD!

Ok - let's start with The Playground.  Um  F-ING AMAZING.  Apparently this place was opened by the dude who won the very 1st Food Truck Challenge TV Show and he took his winnings and opened up this gem. Total foodie.  Total hipster.  It's in downtown Santa Ana but not the main area - it's down a bit, right near The Yost.  Go there.  Now.  It's so good.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

It's no secret though.  We got there on ArtWalk Saturday right when it opened at 5pm.  The next available reservation was Wednesday.  Um what?!  But you could walk right in and sit at the bar.  Full menu.  So that's what we did and it was just perfect.  I'm just going to post my Yelp Review:
Holy Hell was the food here amazing!!
We were there last night right when it opened & ate at the bar. Apparently the place is pretty booked up if you want a table but the bar was just perfect!
We had a couple bartenders helping us last night & both were rad.
My friend had the Naughty Sauce beer which was fantastic & I had an outstanding bold Pinot Noir.
Food-Oh my God- Amazing Brussels Sprouts to start. I had the Shrimp/Scallop Angiotti. Phenomenal! My friend went with the Uncle Jo's fried chicken. It didn't even seem fried! It was a sweet vinegery moist awesomeness.  Dessert was the dark chocolate cake with some rad sauces including pistachio!! Then we had the honey sweet potato pie-Holy Delishisness! !!!
The place is known for its foodie yummies & won't let you substitute anything but why would you!
So go. Eat. Drink. You won't be sorry!
So ya  - that sums it up.

2nd up is Wild Goose Tavern.  My friend Julie suggested this place since Costa Mesa is a nice middle ground for her and I and she knows I dig foodie stuff.  What neither of us did realize was this is not really a sit down restaurant.  It's a bar.  In fact it's the old bar that was Little Knight.  I about died when I pulled in.  Julie was super lucky though and got a table in the back corner.  The place was hilarious.  The decor was a trip - antlers and weird ducks on the wall with bras hanging off a lot of them.   Also a giant American Flag.  For a moment I thought "Merica" but the joint seemed to be full of trendy kids and some hipsters so maybe not the dive that Little Knight used to be after all.

Our waitress was great.  I had a wonderful Pinot Noir which made me happy of course.  I ordered a Chicken Club that boasted of a garlic aioli that sound amazing and an order of the Truffle Fries.  Both were super tasty.  Julie got a burger that looked amazing.  The food was fantastic but unfortunatley the atmosphere was not quite what we had hoped for since we had to shout at each other the whole time we were there.  Really really loud place.  But - if you're expecting that I would totally recommend it as a yummy place to grab a drink and eat!

Lastly was my adventure out last night with Miss T to hear about her NYC trip.  Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen in the Orange Circle has been open for probably years now and I have yet to have tried it.  Finally  - I got my ass there last night.  Boy was I glad I did!  Again - a popular joint and we had to wait a while to be sat, but us not being in a hurry it was totally fine.  The place is beautiful.  Lots of brick and really beautiful glass sculptures all over the place.  Service was good.  The food - amazing.
Terri ordered the Azteca Soup that she devoured so it must have been good!  She also ordered the Ropa Vieja.  Looked fantastic.  I had heard they had wonderful margaritas so I had to try them out!  My 1st one was a Mango on the rocks and it was delish!  I ended up getting a 2nd that was the house on the rocks, but I didn't like it as much as the Mango one.  Plus - they sneak up on ya!  Half way through my 2nd I realized I better not finish!  Oooops!  Glad we walked over!  Foodwise I ordered the carnitas nortenas.  Holy shit.  Soooooooooooooooooo good!  The carnitas come in a little skillet.  Then on the side is guacamole (wish there was a bit more), rice, beans and little cherry tomatoes in some kind of ridiculous oil.  The homemade flour tortillas were to die for.  I pretty much inhaled my dinner.  So so so good!!!  We couldn't do desset, but my friend at work whose a big Gabbi's fan said they have this amazing churro carmel thing so I guess I better go back!!!

Oh and check this out.  So I'm now officially on Twitter.  Friends and family have been encouraging me to be more of a social media presence so I'm trying to learn it a bit more (also hence more blogging) and Instagram and now this Twitter thing.  Anywhoo - I thought it was super cool that I "tweeted" (That's what you call it right?) about my Gabbi's trip and Gabbi's responded!  Neat huh!?

This sub conscious New Years Resolution about trying new places has really paid off!  I am finding some ridiculous good eats and loving blogging about them!!  Can't wait to see what's next!!!

Final Gladiator, Dark Harbor and the plague...

I did it!

I did 3 Gladiator Rock N Run’s in one year and earned myself the “Beast” medal!

This was Fatima’s wild idea last year and I totally jumped on board.  Unfortunately I was sick as a dog.  It’s that time of year I suppose when most of the human race gets nailed with some sort of Cold/Flu.  And no – I did not get a Flu Shot.  I don’t buy em.  I did it one year and got sicker than I’ve ever got and got more sick than I did any other year.  So no.  No flu shot for me. 

The Wed before Saturday’s Gladiator I had a scratchy throat that night and I was exhausted. I knew it was coming.  You’re most contagious the 1^st 48 hours.  I was a good little girl and stayed home from work Thursday and Friday, staying in bed, hydrating, taking Zicam, doing all the shit you’re supposed to do when you’re sick.

Sat – Gladiator arrives.  No, I probably shouldn’t have done it.  But I was already sick.  I wasn’t getting better and the virus had already attached itself to my body.  I was fucked.  If it was any other race I would have skipped it, but this was my third damn Gladiator and I was going to get that Beast Medal if it killed me!  So I did.

Since I wasn’t “feeling it” really.  I forgot to take any pre-race shots.  They had a giant warm up session that I attempted and realized how crappy I was feeling.  Fatima, Nancy (who was also getting over being sick) and David and I headed out the starting line together.  I tried jogging a bit but my lungs burned and I was coughing every other breath it seemed. 

This Gladiator was at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena and our 1^st obstacle was going up and down the stadium stairs 4 fucking times!  I normally wouldn’t post such a crappy picture of myself but it’s so sad.  You can tell I was so sick.  My nose was burning and I was feeling miserable.

After that we headed out to the Dumpster Dive.  It was much easier this time around thanks to David hoisting our asses out of the thing.  Now time for fuzzy remberances.  I’ll try to be brief:

·         Some kind of chain link fence thing we wiggled under.  On the ground was plastic so we zipped through that pretty quick on our backs.

·         Walked for what seemed like forever out and back.  Lots of dust.  Not good for sickie girl. 

·         Climbing walls – check.

·         Monkey Bars – learned that the gloves actually make it harder for me.  I fell off half way thru but hopped back on to finish.  Next time I won’t wear my gloves.

·         Crawled through some tubes and mud.  Always mud.
-     Cinder Block Burpees - nailed.

·         Hopped over Barricade things.  I usually hop over these no problem, but for some reason I nailed my shin on one of them and have a nasty wound to boot.  Ouch.

·         Carried the bag (Buddha’s Burden) around a building.  They were actually heavy this time.

·         Cargo climbs – easy.

·         Then there was this weird Weeple Wriggle they called it.  It was some weird seatbelt like thing that you crawled under on your back.  It was pretty rough on your back and it was so low, it was not an easy obstacle.

·         Hopped over some busted up cars – fun!

·         And of course the Beast Wall.  Funny thing – I aced it!  I think it’s because it wasn’t as muddy and the soap they had applied to make it slippier had dried enough.  I went over the thing like a pro!  When I crawled over I turned and looked shocked down and Fatima and David and let out a pained holler (it hurt to yell – stupid cough).  I was stunned and stoked!  They also sailed over it like it was nothing.

Then of course the always fun mud obstacle.  These pictures are always my favorite and I don’t look as sick here.  

Muddy David

Muddy Nancy.  That's me helping her.  Her hair kept getting stuck!

Muddy Fatima

Muddy me

Mudd apparently makes me laugh

We all four crossed the finish line together.

Afterwards we hung around for a bit, did the Brommers soap hose down thing, and took some fun photos.

This pic was actually in the Thank You Email that went out from Gladiator!  It said "Gladiators showing off their bling!"  Fatima and Maryanne had the good idea to bring all the medals...Nancy and I did not..oops!

Dan Nitro and the gals

David loving the ladies

I'm a Beast!!

We headed out, David and I grabbed In & Out (I love a good burger after a race) then I promptly showered and went back to bed.

Sunday evening I attended the wedding of Jack and Robert that was absolutely lovely but it was outside and it was cold.  Jewish ceremonies are so interesting and beautiful and I was so glad I went but when I awoke Monday morning I felt horrible.

 

I made it through most of the work day but went home coughing daggers.  Tuesday landed at the doctors was given antibiotics and been recovering since.

My favorite holiday – Halloween - was spent drinking tea alone watching horror movies with the girls.

This past weekend I skipped one of my favorite events – Noches de Altares since Taylor had purchased us tickets to Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary.  Since I’m not a 100% I didn’t want to risk two outdoor night events in a row and Dark Harbor was paid for so that won out.

 

Taylor was worn out for a big work event all weekend so we planned an early night.  Dark Harbor isn’t one of my favorites.  It’s always too crowded and the mazes just aren’t up to par.  We did have fun though.  His tickets had front of the line access so we never waited too long.

He paid extra for the extra event we thought was a tour but when we had to sign a waiver realized it was another interactive experience.  I actually enjoyed it for the most part.  The best being we were down in the bowels of the Queen Mary.  Down in the engine room.  We saw the haunted hatch 13.  It was all super creepy and super cool.  We were put in the haunted changing stalls and the ones across from us moved (There were 6 in our group).  We had one guy freak out who I thought was part of the bit but actually was just a dude who was really claustrophobic.   We then had to crawl through a really dark drainpipe thing and couldn’t see shit.  I kept getting my scarf stuck.  (I was so not dressed for this).  Taylor was “sacrificed” and we had to find him.  It was all very cute and fun, but nothing too dramatic.  My favorite part was when we went under this weird area of the boat and it was inside but outside and we saw the giant boat propeller under the water.  It was so spooky and cool!  The little ghost gal came to scare everyone and we were all so enthralled by the site we didn’t run away. Finally someone shrieked and we jogged out.  They guy said we were the slowest evacuators ever.  Ha ha!

Taylor and I were actually able to hit all the mazes and be out by 10pm.  It was fun but doesn’t hold a candle to Universal or really even Haunt.  We had a ball though and I thank Taylor for choosing me as his buddy to go!  The end of another Halloween season has come.  I’m a little bummed I had to stay in on Halloween and miss Noches but dammit did I do a lot of cool shit this year!!!   Knotts Haunt, Hayride, Universal, Delusion and now Dark Harbor!  So much fun!!

Hopefully I’m on the mend now.  The cough is still lingering and my nose is still a little pissed off but I’m going to try to fall back into my normal routine again starting tonight.  Stay well my friends and on to the Thanksgiving and Xmas holidays!  Yikes!!!