PreOp

--- Just before Christmas I had to take J3 to the clinic.  He was complaining of pain in the
groin area.  He was fine getting ready for school, but then fell to the ground in pain.  I thought
he was trying to get out of school for the day.  We waited for 20-30 minutes, had his vitals
checked, put in a room and waited another 20-30 minutes.  It wasn't so bad.  J3 was
telling me the corniest jokes while we waited.  When you're delirious, kid jokes are the
funniest ever!!  I was so hungry and couldn't focus.  There were moments that I actually
forgot why we were there.  I think it was the lack of oxygen in the tiny room they put us in.
Seriously, the doctor was thorough, explained everything he was checking for and what
he suspected it was.  He used actual words that both J3 and me could understand.  Okay,
so J3 had to explain some of it to me because I was in and out of consciousness due to
hunger!  He referred us to Yokosuka to see a "specialist".  We did that, got scheduled for
a PreOp appointment, and yesterday was that day.  The PreOp, I mean.  Anyway folks,
J3 is scheduled for Right Inguinal Hernia Repair on January 22nd.  Why so far from today?
Well, DUH, because the only doctor who does this surgery will be on TAD (TDY) until
the 20th of the month.  Mission First, Sailors Always.... families, well, whenever.  I'm used
to it, so I'm not really complaining.

--- Here's what we have planned for January, thus far...

• 11th -- J4's very first salon hair cut
• 11th -- J2 & J5, immunizations
• 12th -13th -- Pack Out
• 16th -- Shibuya train trip
• 22nd -- J3's surgery
• 23rd -- J1 & J2's Host Nation friendship volleyball game
• 29th -- J3's 7th birthday
• 30th -- J3's 7th birthday party
• 31st -- Dinner at Yakiniku

I'm certain the days in between will fill fast.  It's going to be busy.  Lunches, dinners,
appointments and so much more... it's only the first week of 2010 and I'm exhausted.