Slight TMI but Shout Outs to Rockstar Docs

On By Rhys FordIn Bloggy Stuff, Good News13 Comments
There is nothing like a bowl of instant miso soup with tofu and wakame after having several weeks of hardcore surgeries, hospital stays, pain, and sucky life. A bowl of miso can cure so much.
 
I’m doing better today than I was this past week. Surgery was the 15th and to be honest, I didn’t feel safe in the hospital. It was too short staffed and I was reaching panic levels of GET ME THE FUCK OUT. So coming home was great. Having a massive purge of my intestines when I came home wasn’t but I think a lot of that had to do with the built up stress and just being done with it. I can’t really even crack an emotional purge because I think I just shut everything down.
 
And this is also going to be a TMI because… I honestly didn’t know. I was diced up pretty badly between my bladder and kidney tubes. I have tubes coming out of me still and will be that way for about a month. And honestly, I’ve been very appreciative to everyone who has reached out and said hey and get well. It’s been a constant pain roller coaster and there are moments when I’m like… why the fuck didn’t I just shotgun whiskey and pain killers to get this over with because fucking hell.
 
But you know, I’ve gotta get thru it. Gotta happen. Besides, I’ve got series to finish. 😀
 
The doctors have been great. My OB/GYN is a rock star for tackling an 8 lb uterus out of me and its bristle of fruit-sized fibroids. Apparently the average uterus is the size of a pear and weighs 5 ounces (141 grams) so… yeah. That’s why that surgery took a bit. The resulting bladder and kidney damage of course meant more surgery and my doc for that also is a rock star… not only because he looks like he could be a Bollywood star but also because he constantly gave credit to his team and their opinions, including the Department Head who is a woman. Much respect for both of these men. I feel very invested in and didn’t even mind that a bunch of surgeons Facetimed my robotic kidney, bladder, and vaginal repairs for the 8 hours it took. I can’t imagine that being interesting but apparently it was. They were all very excited.
 
Which is kind of nice. Good to have doctors excited about stitching bits and pieces of you back up. I owe them all macarons and blessings. My poor primary doc is having to play catchup because well, all of this shifted EVERYTHING in my guts and I don’t have high blood pressure any more. It’ll be a new normal. Or rather the normal I should have been having.
 
So there you go. An update. Hopefully the next one will be about something silly.
 
And yes I do have pictures of the fibroids because dudes, my innards looked like a Buddha’s hand and I’d been carrying that for years.
 

Today’s Borking Report!

On By Rhys FordIn Borking Day
Today’s Borking Report!
 
The Potato wasn’t awake or wanting to be awake this morning but was dressed with minimum of fuss after finally being coaxed out of his camo bed. Then he sat there and side-eyed me for a bit as it to say… Well, you got me the fuck out of bed, where’s my donuts?
 
And of course I was tending to medical issues when Auntie Paige came by to grab the Borker but I certainly could hear him.
 
He came back quite happy with himself and cavorted about. Talked story with Paige for a bit while he wandered and tootled because at some point last night, he got a bit of fried beans into him and we’ve been paying THAT price all night. So it was a fantastic bork with lots of scritches afterwards.
 
And then a bath. So he’s sleeping that off as well.
 
From his Auntie Paige:
 
Gus the sweet potato had a good patrol around the neighborhood. Today he was more relaxed than usual because there wasn’t a lot of people around. There was one bike going by that Gus wanted to talk to but that’s it. 🙂
 
Best,
Paige

So Newish Novella and my Fucked Up 2 Weeks

On By Rhys FordIn Bloggy Stuff, Free Stuff, Good News4 Comments

I’ll get the book promo out of the way. I was gonna do a blog tour and giveaways but something happened on the way to the garlic patch…. which we will get into later.

If you’ve not read Detroit Kiss when it was first released in the anthology, it’s now out as a standalone… minor tweaks and a bit of tuning I’d wanted to do. I do adore Shaddock, the dark fae familiar so I’m sure I’ll be heading back to visit Ciarnan and Javi again!

Oh hey, I’ve a novella coming out on Apr 14. Kinda got distracted with the monster extraction of my guts and bits BUT catch the re-release of Detroit Kiss this week and go on a wild ride with a death mage and the vampire hunter who crosses his path. Be sure to grab a copy and leave a review if you like!
 
https://www.amazon.com/Detroit-Kiss-Rhys-Ford-ebook/dp/B09X64L5TW/

For Javi Navarro, Detroit will become another blood-splattered city in his rearview mirror after he puts its dead back into the ground. Expecting an easy hunting job, Javi instead finds a kiss of ancient vampires on the hunt for a descendent of their long-dead creator.

Reclusive Ciarnan Mac Gerailt abandoned his family legacy of blood and death magic after it nearly destroyed him. Unfortunately, the Motor City can only be saved if Ciarnan resumes his dark arts and joins forces with Javi Navarro, the hunter who brought the vampire apocalypse—and hope for the future—straight to Ciarnan’s front door.

Now for the boring stuff… I went in to get an outpatient surgery to remove a fibroid. I’ve spent years in a mess and finally got an OB/GYN who not only listened but had plans. Well, the plans went awry when they went in to remove that fibroid and discovered I pretty much was growing an Ancient One in my guts. I’ll spare you the details but let just say, I was pretty much carting around a very angry, snapping turtle in my guts.

Sadly, during the eviction of Angry Snapping Turtle, they knicked my bladder and kidney tube. So, I’m currently hooked up to a lot of tubes and drains and will be going back into surgery on the 15th to get those repaired. So eventually, I’ll be recovering from the intial surgery starting next week. *grins*

And that’s where I am. Swear to God, I just want this over because it’s been impossible to live, write, pet the dog, sleep and all of that living thing for the past few years. So wish me luck and don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t mix your wasabi into your shoyu. It’s your food. Do as you please.

It’s been a crazy time…

On By Rhys FordIn Bloggy Stuff4 Comments

I swear to God I am not dead. Mostly just trying to get things done but also trying to balance out the severe fatigue that plagues me. Hopefully that’ll be eased a lot on the 31st after my surgery but it’s good to stay cautious and manage expectations. Getting your head on straight sometimes takes a bit and often times, I’ve noticed I assume the “blame” for something going upside down.

Habit? Ingrained conditioning? That kind of thing. Dunno. Not to say there aren’t times when I’ve fucked up but there are times when people have just lost their shit and you’ve done nothing wrong. Hard to deal with the shit-losing because I pick it apart like a salad I didn’t make. What’s in this? Why is that there? Onion or… pickled something or other?

I’ve finished up a small project and need to circle back to the big one… as well as working on a crafty thing for someone else. It actually helps focus my brain a bit and it’s nice to just hum along and do something fun without having any expectations of deadlines and all of that. I don’t have to edit artsy things that I’m doing for fun.

Covers and stuff, yes. 😀 Because that’s the way things are.

I need to make kau yuk soon. I’ve been craving it and it’s such an old school Asian dish that no one makes it at restaurants here. You can find it in Hawai’i but definitely not in San Diego. I wonder if there’s someplace in SF that makes it. I’ll have to go digging. It’s easy enough to make.

Oh, if you’re a member of my facebook group, I’m having an AMA on the 26th. Two actually to try to hit all the time zones. So stop by if you are interested! If you’ve not joined the FB group, join and answer the 3 questions, most to assure everyone you’re not there to sell them anything.

Today’s BORKING REPORT! Marching On!

On By Rhys FordIn Borking Day
Today’s BORKING REPORT!
 
The Potato was up and ready when his Auntie Paige arrived. He took a little bit to sniff her out because well, she’s not quite known but then after a scritch, he was all… OH HEY! YEAH!
 
I of course spent a few seconds talking to her so we were promptly scolded about it. Because… BORKING is serious business and when it’s time to BORK, it is TIME TO BORK! Talk later.
 
He continued to scold and gossip as he went out, par for the course for the Potato and when he came home, he was over the moon and rolling about. Auntie Paige sat down and chatted for a few moments, giving him more scritches and I was able to unload about five pounds of Lion Coffee onto her. Trust me, we do not lack coffee in this house. SO MUCH COFFEE. I periodically send it off because I just can’t consume that much.
 
Gus was quite happy and tired, crashing hard about an hour later and Paige discovered you just cannot slow-his-roll when he’s out BORKING. He’s a strong little dog with opinions and he’s there to patrol. He did stop and potty, which is a huge sign of trust for him because he doesn’t potty outside of his back yard unless he trusts who he’s with. So kudos to Paige for that.
 
And right now, he’s snoring like he’s a band saw. Full belly, warm bed, and a safe home.
 
From his Auntie Paige:
Good morning! 🙂 I just realized by looking at this picture attached to hear that me and Gus match today! We’ve both got purple and blue on. 🙂
 
As mentioned, he did all his business while on patrol down the street. Thank you so much!
 
Best, Paige

First BORKING with his Auntie Paige!

On By Rhys FordIn Rhys Ford
Today’s BORKING REPORT! First time with Auntie Paige!
 
There definitely was some… Wait, Who Are YOU? today when Paige opened the door instead of Jessica but after a few sniffs, The Potato was all… OH YEAH! I met you! You gave me scritches. He wasn’t hesitant to go but he knew it wasn’t Jessica for sure. We sadly stopped and chatted for a few seconds and was promptly scolded by the Potato for holding up the Bork.
 
Because Borking is Serious Business.
 
Which we told Paige when she first came to visit. And boy he did not let her down. Most dogs do toddle about, stopping and sniffing when they go on walks. Gus DOES NOT. He doesn’t know what those other dogs are doing but a walk is for Borking, Giving Opinions, and Supervising Workers. On the off chance there is a wet lawn or even a wet fertilized lawn, then a good roll can be taken as a break but then it’s right back to work.
 
Today he was in high form because there was going to be a BORK and Paige just better keep up. Which she did and I think maybe she fell in love with the Potato just a bit. And when they came back to the house, he smiled and rolled about like a happy little blond ottoman and gave her many lols and snorkles. And rolled about some more.
 
Right now he’s passed out because well, it was a hard Borking shift and he’s going to need to rest up for the next one.
 
From his Auntie Paige:
It was so nice to walk Gus for the first time! It was just how you said- he was all business and ran the whole way to the end of the street and back. He barked at the guy across the street and your neighbor, but no worries, he didn’t start any trouble.
 
Thank you so much!
 
Best,
Paige
 

Last Borking Day with The Potato’s Auntie Jessica

On By Rhys FordIn Borking Day
Last Borking Day With Auntie Jessica
 
It actually is a sad day at the Cabin today as this was the final Borking with The Potato’s Auntie Jessica. She has been walking him for a few years and he was the only dog who remained her client thru the pandemic. She had other clients come and go but the Potato… who has always been her very favourite… has been with her since the beginning.
 
She was able to take him for a bork and he told her about his life and he got to scold the workers across the street. A typical Bork for him and his Auntie. The hardest part is, him not knowing this was the last time.
 
When they got back, she was able to spend a very long time giving scritchies and pets. And that’s when she told us today was her last day with the dog walking company and Gus was her very last walk. She wanted to say goodbye and give love to her Potato as her final hurrah. He will miss her. He loves her dearly and spent a good deal of time rolling around on the floor with her.
 
Of course, we’re all sobby a bit but I know she will do well. She is hoping to adopt a pit-mix named Bear who has a fear of the outside and we told her to please have them contact us so we can recommend her for Bear’s placement as she’s worked with Gus’ fear aggression for years and is familiar with all of the processes we use to de-escalate and keep him on an even keel.
 
So a very sad day for the humans and a very happy, satisfying day for the Potato. His Auntie Paige starts on Monday and we’ll see how they get on. I think it’ll be fine.
 
Best of Luck, Jessica!
 
From his Auntie Jessica
I had so much fun with Gus these past 2 years! I will miss him so much! I hope he does well with Paige and gives her as much love as he gave me. Thanks so much for everything and I wish you all the best!
Best, Jessica

First Bork of March!

On By Rhys FordIn Borking Day
Today’s Borking Report…
 
This is the next to the last Auntie Jessica walk with the Potato. I wasn’t home for this one but I will be for the last one and then for his first one with Auntie Paige.
 
But I did get reports that he was a grumpy old man and didn’t want to get out of bed but then… I imagine as always, he saw his Auntie and was like… Dunno who those people are, gotta go now.
 
I came home and it was warm out so we had all the fans on in the house… house is very cool inside and the Potato just slept thru me coming in and the cats serenading me. Because he’s like that. But once he rambled on it, he gave me a grin and much tail wags… then right back to sleep in his living room bed.
 
It’s a tough Potato life.
 
From his Auntie Jessica
Gus was walking fast today! I think maybe he just wanted to get back inside! It was a hot day but I think he liked the heat. Hope he gets plenty of rest and treats!
 
Best, Jessica

Last Borking Day in Feb!

On By Rhys FordIn Borking Day
Today’s Borking Report!
 
We only have TWO more walks with Auntie Jessica and then Auntie Paige will take over. She came by to visit with the Potato and he gave his Potato approval very quickly, rolling over for scritches and belly rubs. Auntie Jessica arrived at the end of the session and took the Borker out so Auntie Paige had the unique experience of hearing him sing the song of his people as he left the house.
 
Which I am sure the neighbours love but hey, if I have to listen to a really off key church band the entire summer, they can listen to my dog bark for a minute.
 
Okay, the band isn’t the neighbourhood’s fault but I’m placing it there, damn it.
 
It was cold today. Probably should / could have dressed the Potato a bit warmer but he literally was out the door before you could say BOO when his Auntie got here. We’ll see how it is on Tuesday.
 
From his Auntie Jessica:
Gus was so happy today. I’m glad he liked the new walker! He did do a bit of barking and saying hi to everyone we passed. He did a lot of rolling around in the grass too! I think he loved the warmer weather today.
Best, Jessica