Last week I had to make the really bad confession to a fellow stamper that my Stampin' Up! Owl Punch was yet to make an owl. Shock horror! Last night our niece had a 10th birthday party so I used him to make a bright and girly card and matching gift box, which I filled with some chocolates and a gift card.
That owl scrubs up pretty well with the Stampin' Up! Sweet and Sour DSP doesn't it? The bling was especially popular with my niece (second to the pressie of course!).
So onto the 'eek' news. Those who attended Convention may have seen I was down to do a Workshop Wow, but pulled out because the sight in my right eye has been rapidly deteriorating and glare has been particulary bad. I felt like a bit of a woos, but then when I saw the eye specialist on Wednesday he told me the sight was completely gone in that eye and I had a really bad cataract (most likely genetic at my age as my Dad had one too at this age) which had to come out asap.
Now I know thousands of Australians have this relatively minor procedure every year, but I'm still having a bit of an 'eek' moment. Thought I was a bit young for them to start whipping out body parts and replacing them with plastic bits (apparently so did my level of hospital cover, but that's another sad story and probably a whole other "eek'. Short story is feel free to buy stamps this week!) Then there's the people who are telling me that after Cataract surgery you can apparently see dust and wrinkles better - ummmmm and that's good news? Seriously though everyone has been showing me the love which has been so nice.
Our sight is such a gift though and I am lucky we can manage it and my wonderful husband has been so amazing and supportive (after me recovering from the aghhhh moment of finding out my hospital cover excluded cataract surgery :() We are so lucky still to live in a country with such great specialists and access to them. I have complete faith in my great doctor and I am looking forward to improved sight again after the procedure Friday. Apparently I will be sporting a gorgeous eye patch for a day or two and have never had an anaesthetic (including sedation) where I haven't chucked up afterwards (sorry if TMI) so I don't think there will be a whole heap of stamping happening here over the next week or two.
Have a great week and I'll pop in and let you know how I am getting on. Might even get a chance to pop in during the week.
Claire xx
All the very best with your eye surgery, Claire. Maybe while you're recovering you could whip put the 'Beware Pirates' Set (if you have it)and get all creative. PS: I love the gift box and matching card for your niece - very funky with the Sweet and Sour DSP.
Posted by: Bronwyn | June 06, 2011 at 08:23 AM
eek alright! Hope the surgery goes well Claire. My Mums had cataract and glaucoma surgeries so know what you are going through.
Love the Sweet and Sour specialty card and box combo too.
Hugs
xx
Posted by: Delys | June 06, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Lovely gift set for you niece. All the best with your eye surgery...my aunt had cataracts removed from both her eyes and afterwards she was able to drive again, because they had stopped her from this independent activity...she said she saw heaps better after the op and of course healing time. Thoughts and prayers are with you.♥
Posted by: Mae Collins | June 06, 2011 at 09:11 AM
My grandmother was one of the first people to have the artificial lens operation at 84 yrs of age. She was classed as legally blind and after the operation I took her a bunch of white flowers with one red rose in the middle. Her first comment was what a beautiful red rose. My mother also had the op with great success. So don't worry Claire they do a great job and we will soon be seeing your beautiful cards again.
All the best Pauline.
Posted by: Pauline Gilbert | June 06, 2011 at 12:13 PM
All the best with your eye surgery Claire, I will be thinking of and praying for you. I understand about the vomiting with the anesthetic I have the same problem. I know that your guys will take good care of you when you get home.
Love and Hugs Sharon xxoo
P.S. if this is the kind of work you do with one eye think how gorgeous everything will be with 2. You are amazing!
Posted by: Sharon | June 06, 2011 at 05:35 PM
mmm, I think that was me telling you about what the patients say at work with the dust and wrinkles...all the best for Friday.
Posted by: Kathryn Mangelsdorf | June 06, 2011 at 06:03 PM
I hope the surgery all goes well and you are seeing clearly very soon xxxx
Posted by: Ellen | June 06, 2011 at 06:16 PM
All the best with your surgery Claire. I know I took my vision for granted until I was blessed with Hudson. Not any more!
Posted by: Tina G | June 06, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Adding my best wishes for your surgery and recovery. It is nice to read you have such a lovley family to support and take care of you.
Great card and gift box too - looks like the owl didn't mind the wait lol :-)
Posted by: Sherylee | June 06, 2011 at 09:34 PM
Best wishes , I am sure all will go well! I love owl projects.
Posted by: Phyllis S | June 07, 2011 at 05:15 AM
Don't stress Claire. I was totally terrified 12 months ago at the thought of someone touching my eye but it was no problem - very quick - no after effects from the sedation - very little pain and boy you can see everything again. The hardest part was putting in the drops myself.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kelly | June 08, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Thinking of you Claire, hope all goes well with the procedure. Just think how great it will be to have your sight back again!!
Love
Rach
Posted by: Rachel | June 08, 2011 at 04:08 PM
All the best for Friday Claire..... will be thinking of you......
Fi
Posted by: Fiona | June 08, 2011 at 06:26 PM
Dear lovely Claire,
WOW what a big week, so tomorrow it's all a goer! I'll be praying for you and your family as you get thru it all and out the other side! You'll be totally fine and I look forward to hearing all good things here shortly!
Smiles and Hugs SHarnee :)
Posted by: Sharnee Torrents | June 09, 2011 at 03:29 PM
LOVE the colour! On a dreary grey day bright pink is just what the doctor ordered.
Glad to see you came through your surgery well too :)
Posted by: Vanessa | June 14, 2011 at 02:18 PM
So glad to hear that your surgery went well and you can see much better.
Your owl is gorgeous in those bright colours and jewel eyes!
I think Monet had cataracts didnt he? that's why his paintings had somuch red, yellow and green in them. Thanks for the reminder to see my optometrist again.
Posted by: Nerida | June 15, 2011 at 09:56 AM