Have I mentioned how much I love my husband? I love him to pieces as he took me to Disneyland for a belated birthday trip. This was his first time visiting the park, and I was not sure if he would have fun or not, since he is not "into" rides. However, I think he thoroughly enjoyed himself, mainly because I enjoyed it. He said it was fun watching me act like a little girl. There are just times we need to be kids again. 

First, a huge shout-out to my good friend, Elaine, who let us stay at her timeshare and also, to Southwest Airlines for their great "Wanna Get Away" fares, otherwise, we would not have been able to afford this trip, although, I still HATE flying. Nothing personal. Flying ties me up in knots. 

The weather was absolutely picture perfect - in the low 80's all three days we were there, which was a huge difference from the high wind warning and localized flooding we left behind in Seattle. We almost missed our flight, as we got stuck in a massive traffic jam, because of a jack knifed semi-truck in near the Tacoma Dome and then we ran into some difficulties getting through security. I told the TSA agent I had an implantable defibrillator, but it was a newer device that can go through the metal detectors. However, she would not listen and I spent the next twenty minutes being "molested" by the TSA. The longest part of the whole pat down was her explaining in great detail everything she was about to do; so I just assumed the position. Ed and I were the last ones to board the airplane, but thank goodness we made it. We left SeaTac, had a quick change of planes in Oakland, and soon were on our way to Anaheim. 

We arrived at John Wayne Airport and took the SuperShuttle to the resort where we spent the next three nights. I have to say, I was impressed by SuperShuttle, they got us to our place quickly and at a super reasonable price. I was also captivated with Wyndham Resorts. We had a very comfortable stay. Too bad we didn't jump on the timeshare bandwagon years ago.

Since we did not have a car, we utilized Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) to get us back and forth to Disneyland and only $12 for unlimited rides all three days we were there. The best part, the bus drops passengers off right in front of the gates leading to Disneyland Resort. 

My biggest complaint about Disneyland is the cost. I just think it is outrageous and Walt himself must be turning over in his grave. How can the "Friendliest Place on Earth," be the most expensive place on Earth? A three-day park hopper is $265 dollars a person. This is one of the reasons we did not bring the boys. I would have loved to have brought them, too. (However, they also were in school). I am also frustrated with the fact of buying a three-day ticket, there was an extra up-charge for Mickey's Halloween Party (which was sold out); however, we still had to pay full price, yet had to leave Disneyland by 6:00 pm on both Wednesday and Friday. Was also disappointed there were no fireworks on the weekdays, so we did not get to see a firework show. And Disney puts on one of the best shows. Disneyland is just not family friendly in their pricing and when it comes to eating in the park or souvenirs - fuggedaboudit. 

Nonetheless, we had fun at Disneyland and California Adventure. Both Ed and I had our pictures taken with Pluto. I was actually able to get Ed on a couple of roller coasters and he was even willing to get "wet" riding Splash Mountain and Grizzly River Run. We also thoroughly enjoyed Radiator Springs Racers and rode it three times. Ed also really liked Toy Story Mania, which I am not happy to report, he beat me twice. <Sad face> Then we were both mesmerized by Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular and awestruck with the World of Color.  One thing I do have to say is Disney knows how to entertain. 

Saturday morning was another ride to the airport on SuperShuttle and then one of the fastest trips through security I ever had, with no personal pat down. Wow! We had lunch at the airport, boarded our plane, had a quick layover in San Jose, and then home to Seattle. The flight was a little over three hours with the quick layover, so cannot complain at all. I also like that Southwest lets passengers change seats after landing, so we were able to snag good seats up front with lots of leg room for the second leg of our flight. Sweet! 

Of course, the best part of Disneyland close to Halloween is all the decorations and how the Haunted Mansion is decked out in The Nightmare Before Christmas. I like visiting the park in late October, not anywhere near as crowded as Summer or Christmas, yet, not too hot or too cold to enjoy all southern California has to offer. It's just right. 

A friend posted this on my Facebook wall and I had to chuckle. I think this is a fantastic and humorous video that explains several different types of heart rhythms and arrhythmias through interpretive dance. Fantastic! Cardiologists with sense of humor!

While delivering my speech last week at the American Heart Association HeartSaver Recognition Event, I spoke of three miracles, but believe I may have misspoke, as I realize there were more miracles in play then I had originally realized. 

Miracle 1: My husband. Ed recognized immediately what was happening as he had seen it before. For those who may not know, this was not my first sudden cardiac arrest, but my second. He was able to stay calm and collected enough to quickly find help he knew I needed immediately. 

Miracle 2: Stay in the car. We had just arrived at the parking lot for the trail head to the Point Bonita Lighthouse. Thank goodness, I never stepped out of the car (Ed had already stepped out and looked over at me and saw me slumped over) or even worst case scenario, I had been on the trail. I believe if either had been the case, the outcome would have been very different. 

Miracle 3: Point Bonita YMCA. First (I only found this out the other day), the staff were all there for a weekly meeting. Second, Jesse had only recently been recertified CPR/AED qualified a couple weeks before this event. Third, Ed was observant enough to see a van had pulled into the YMCA only moments earlier, so he knew someone was there. What astounds me is that the van he witness pull into the YMCA lot belonged to Pete, one of my rescuers. 

Miracle 4: Location, location, location. We actually had to push our vacation off by a day, because my aunt and uncle were not available on Saturday, so we left for California on Sunday. Originally, on Monday, we should have been someone on the road headed towards Las Vegas. We could have literary been in the middle of nowhere when this all took place. 

Miracle 5: Me. I am still here, thanks to the quick action of Pete and Jesse stepping up to the plate without hesitation. Years ago, I had been told by a paramedic that the chances of surviving a first cardiac arrest were slim, the chances of surviving a second were well. . .  none. Guess I am too ornery and showed him. 

All these miracles crisscrossed and lead to the same exact point in time. I mean really, talk about a once-in-a- lifetime chance encounter! 

Just the other day, a writing buddy of mine told me, "You must have been a cheerleader in a previous life." I chuckled. "Hey, it's me!" No seriously, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with so many talented writers and I am ecstatic to spread the good word about their work. MeriSalope has not posted her newest SMk story yet, so I can't link; however, Resourceful has started posting her revised edition of a story she wrote back in 2006. A fantastic tale involving Lee and Amanda going under cover as a married couple at a revival to stop religious zealous terrorists. 

Great Awakenings 

In addition, Lia London's newest novel, a  young adult, science fiction trilogy went live last week on Amazon. The Gypsy Pearl 2: Craggy is the second installment following Caz as she continues to cycle the "Gypsy Pearl" and take her place as rightful Queen of the gypsies. The Gypsy Pearl 2 is what The Empire Strikes Back is to Star Wars, a little darker, not the happy ending, but I know it will lead to something epic, imaginative, and wonderful. I look forward to the third and final book. 

The Gypsy Pearl 2: Craggy

Always happy to beta read or do line edits. Just contact me. 

UPDATE: Here is the link to MeriSalope (aka Soapie) Autumn challenge entry for "Scarecrow and Mrs. King Fan Fiction Rocks" Facebook page. 

Almost Normal 

On Monday, I was honored to award the two Point Bonita YMCA employees who saved my life back in June with the American Heart Association HeartSaver Hero award. I was so happy to finally meet them and they were just beyond thrilled to see me. . . alive. My good friend, Mary, had the perfect word to describe the whole affair. . . surreal. Oh my goodness, was it ever surreal. Here everyone from the YMCA staff to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Park Rangers who assisted in saving my life talking about events of that day and I knew they were talking about me, but it didn't feel like it was me. Like I was there, but I wasn't there. If that makes any sense.

I have to admit, I was super nervous about getting up there and reliving my story, especially since much of it I do not remember. It was a good and well attended event and it was a huge honor to present these men with their awards. Then following the presentation, a spokesperson for the American Heart Association asked if I would repeat my tale in Seattle - date and time to be determined. Egads! 

I am so thankful to still be here, and incredibly grateful to Ed, who recognized the signs of me going into cardiac arrest. Then to Pete and Jesse who stepped up and did what they had to do to keep me alive. They did not know me, but that did not matter to them. I feel I will have a special bond with them for the rest of my life. They truly are my #YHeroes. Then to the rest of the YMCA staff who assisted in many ways and made Ed and I feel at home, and to Mary Perkins, who reached out to us, letting us know about this event. Again, just so glad I was able to witness the recognition they so rightfully deserved. Also incredibly thankful to the Ranger Eddy and Ranger Gibbs who also performed CPR on me and got me breathing on my own even before paramedics arrived. And of course, to Marin County Fire Department and Southern Marin County Fire Department and the doctors and staff at Marin County Hospital. 

Not very many people can say they have survived a cardiac arrest and without the quick action of Pete and Jesse, I would have never survived my second attack. Thanks for being there guys! And I can't stress enough those who are reading this, if you have not learned CPR, do it! Seconds really do count. 

Interview on channel 7 (ABC) - San Francisco: Cardiac Arrest Victims Thank Rescuers For Saving Them With CPR 

I am glad I was finally able to take an epic trip with Ed to San Francisco (Take Two) - after our last failed adventure. Had a great time riding the cable car, driving down Lombard Street, and walking along Fisherman's Wharf. The weather was perfect the whole time we were there. Thanks to my friends Cheryl and Jerry who gave us a place to stay. We stayed up super late the first night, just laughing and talking. Wish it had been a longer visit and hope to see you guys again soon. 

Also am grateful and ecstatic I got a chance to meet the YMCA gentlemen (Pete and Jesse) who saved my life back in June and present them with the American Heart Association HeartSaver Hero plaques. They truly are MY HEROES. Happy we finally had the chance to hike down to the Point Bonita Lighthouse. The hike was a little harder and longer then what I thought, but was so thrilled to say, we finally did it! Thanks so much to the Point Bonita YMCA staff who made us feel welcomed.

In addition, I was pleased to meet Ray Hanvey. The two of us decided we belong to an exclusive club. He is alive today also because of quick acting YMCA staff members having performed CPR and the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). I felt very humbled in his presence - as the employees at the Stonestown YMCA are truly his family.  

Ed said it best as we pulled into the garage last night - this weekend gave us a change to beat California. We no longer afraid of her.

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month. More than 350,000 deaths are attributed to SCA every year in the United States and the survival rate is less than 10% unless CPR and defibrillation are utilized quickly by bystanders. I am a firm believer in everyone learning CPR, especially since the method of performing CPR has changed to a "Hands Only" approach. I also believe automated external defibrillators (AED) should not only be everywhere (high schools, libraries, churches, restaurants, etc.), and people should be properly trained on how to use them. When a person is going into sudden cardiac arrest seconds really do count. It can happen at anytime and to anyone and with a little training anyone can be hero. 

I know a few of my friends think what happened to me back in June was a heart attack and that is furthest from the truth. It's fundamentally different. I like the "Apples to Oranges" campaign the Heart Rhythm Society is promoting by providing education and information to the general public. 

My cardiologist explained it to my husband and I as a short circuit or when the electricity is suddenly turned off. In SCA, the heart simply stops beating. It's as if someone pulls the main breaker on your house to the off position - the power flow would be quickly disrupted, and all power to your house would be lost. The results are instantaneous from the moment the breaker is pulled. Sudden cardiac arrest functions in much the same way. The switch is moved to the off position and the heart malfunctions, loses power, and immediately stops. The person loses consciousness, as blood no longer makes it to the brain, and they stop breathing.

The heart will need to be restarted, which like using jumper cables to restart a dead battery on a car, an AED, shocks the heart back into hopefully a not so dangerous rhythm. On a side note, one thing I learned this past Monday, after meeting my rescuers, according to the final report from the AED device that was used on me, I had been shocked six times!! No wonder my chest hurt. Of course, it also dd not help, that a couple of my ribs were cracked while doing compressions on me. For those who are apprehensive about breaking ribs, at least victims can recover from a broken rib, and I have been told a time or two, that if ribs are cracking, not enough pressure is being used. By the way, Pete and Jesse, I forgive you. 

This video (Beyond The Marquee) is from October 2012 for the Tron 30th Anniversary Celebration at the historic Grurman's Chinese Theatre (now TCL). I was told there was a video "out there" but never bothered to look for it. Fun evening with Elaine and fellow fangirls. 

Egads! I look like my mother - when the hell did that happen?