Twenty Four At Heart

Viagra

Well, like many of you I'm absolutely swamped with "to-do's" right now.  I'm at PT in the mornings for my bum arm.  I have about an hour break and then I pick my son up from school and go back to PT so The Torturer can work on his ankle.  (He's now in an ankle brace and can limp walk without crutches.)  In other words, I'm living at PT - or so it feels.  I might just bring my toothbrush and stay there 24/7.

The Torturer loves me.  I'm sure of it.

In the meantime, family has arrived for the next several weeks and there's a lot to do at home.  Plus, of course, there's all of the holiday stuff going on.  (Parties and parties and maybe a few more parties!)

I explain this to you with the hope you'll better understand I'm utterly exhausted if I miss a post here and there over the next two weeks.  Also, it's important you understand why I'm cheating and not really writing anything at all today.  

Instead I'm sharing this with you:

 

The label that comes with it says:

"If the light stays on for more than four hours, call your erectrician."

It made me smile - I thought you'd like it too!

© Twenty Four At Heart

Shopping as an Event

Less than two weeks ago, I wrote about a shopping excursion I had at the Money Town mall.  (If you missed that post you can read it by clicking here.)   

Just a few days later, I was invited to a "Holiday Shopping Event."  This "event" took place at Money Town's Nordstrom department store.  The store closed down to the general public earlier than normal and then reopened for customers with invitations only.  I'm not sure, but I believe all Nordstrom stores hosted these events for their "special" customers.

I think maybe you just had to have purchased something once in your lifetime from Nordstrom's to get invited? 

Strictly for blogging purposes, I knew I absolutely had to go.  I wanted to give all of you a glimpse of the Money Town women fighting over handbags.  I snuck my point and shoot camera into my purse and drove to the mall.  I was shocked by what I saw there.

There were people lined up as far as the eye could see just to get into Nordstrom.  The people you see in the above picture were just a small number of those waiting.  The line went on and on, snake-like, forever.

Eventually I found my way to what I assumed was the end of the line.  To be honest, when I saw all those people waiting like a herd of cattle, I just wanted to turn around and drive home.  

Being the dedicated blogger I am, however, I stayed.

After quite a bit of time, I approached the entrance to the store.  That was when I realized people had to show their invitations to be allowed in.

What invitation?

I know they meant to invite me!  In fact, I think they actually did invite me, but I might not have read the invitation.  Especially the part that said I'd need to bring the invitation to get in.  

I definitely had gotten a phone message or forty saying they'd like me to attend.

I informed the lady at the door I "forgot" my invitation.

"You'll have to go to that table over there," she said, pointing me across to another line.  

I sighed and did as I was told.  After a short wait, I bullshitted my way through the door.

I may be shy, but when I'm in a tight spot I can bullshit with the best of them.  There was no way I was going home after waiting in that incredible line to get to the door.

Once inside, I was afraid if anyone saw me taking pictures I'd get kicked out.  I'm apologizing upfront for the lack of photos, and the poor condition of the ones I do have.  I had to be very surreptitious about the whole camera-taking-photos thing.

There was a lot of alcohol provided.

I'm sure the more people drank, the more they bought.

There was also music.  Nordstrom always has someone in the store playing piano to create a more exclusive ambiance, but in this case they went a little further.

   

The music was actually very entertaining.  I'm not much of a shopper, but I really like music.  I would have preferred to just hang with the musicians and get their take on life in Money Town.

More than one person brought their dog.

What's up with the dogs at the department stores?  Seriously?  I'm a tremendous animal lover, but even I don't think it's appropriate.  What if someone is allergic?  What if someone steps on your pet?  Do dogs really belong there?  Is this a Money Town thing?  Another example, perhaps, of the rich thinking they can do whatever they want wherever they are?

There were a lot of people there.  Almost all of them were drinking.

Some of the women wore amazing outfits to shop in.  I was not one of them, of course.  Also, I wasn't very successful in capturing any of them in a photo.  I did get a couple shots of more "normal" people though.  By "normal" I mean none of the ones in the photos below were at all unusual by Orange County standards.

 

There were waiters walking around with platters of appetizers too.  I saw more than one person spill a drink on sales merchandise.  I wonder if the store later regretted serving food and drinks?  Or maybe they made so much money off the inebriated shoppers, it more than made up for it?

Sigh ... there's nothing like the holidays with the Money Town crowd!

© Twenty Four At Heart   

Still Beautiful To Me

** Today is a continuation of yesterday's post regarding the work being done by the Plasticos Foundation. **

Pretend for a moment ... you are a 19 year old girl.  You're beautiful.  You live in India and it's your wedding day.

Your wedding day!  

You're on top of the world and your heart is filled with joy.

On your wedding night your dowry is delivered to your new father-in-law.  

Your father-in-law receives your dowry and realizes it's not enough for him to buy the new motorcycle he covets.  He erupts in anger.  In his rage, he throws acid on your face.  The acid sears your skin - melting it, if you will.  From the mouth down your beauty is destroyed.  You can no longer bend your neck due to burn contractures.

You've been maimed for life.

Your father-in-law goes to jail for thirty days, bribes an official, and is released.

You live disfigured and in shame.  One day you hear a team of American doctors are volunteering their time to come to India.  For the first time, you dare to hope your body might be restored, at least in part.  You are selected out of hundreds of people hoping to be aided by the doctors. 

This story is only one of many touching stories from India.  When the Plasticos Foundation traveled there, they were surprised by the number of burn victims they saw.  Some of the patients had been burned accidentally by kerosene lamps or cooking accidents.  Many were the victims of horrific domestic abuse.

Their stories, their injuries, are unforgettable.  Here are just a couple photos to give you an idea of the shocking cases Plasticos found waiting for them.  I know these photos are unpleasant to look at, but that's exactly why it's so important we do look at them.

 

 
 
 

 

In addition to many burn victims there were also children suffering from birth defects.  Children with fingers that were fused together preventing them from being used.  Children with arms that did not work or cleft lips and/or cleft palates and other deformities.

 

The local doctors did not have the training to help these people.  The patients did not have enough money even if the doctors had been trained.

The Plasticos Foundation performed over 80 surgeries at no cost to the patients and trained the local doctors while they were at it.  

 

The training of local doctors allows hundreds, if not thousands, more patients to be helped after Plasticos has departed.

What did receiving this help mean to these people?  Here are a few pictures of patients shortly after surgery.  

 

  
 
 

I could write post after post about the Plasticos Foundation.  Every patient is another story waiting to be told.  My heart has been touched deeply by what this organization is doing.  I hope your heart has been touched too by reading about their wonderful work.

If you feel so inclined, you can make a donation to Plasticos using the Donate button on their website.  I have, why don't you?

© Twenty Four At Heart

Changing Lives - Touching My Heart

I like to have fun here on Twenty Four At Heart.  I frequently make fun of myself as well as Orange County.  Today, however, I'm opening my heart to you in a way I never have before.  I want to share something special with you.  It's something that touches my heart deeply.

Many of you remember I went through breast reduction surgery last summer.  I did this at the urging of my orthopedic surgeon post car accident.  I ended up with smaller boobs and bionic nipples which provided me with all sorts of blog fodder.

The surgeon for my breast reduction was Dr. Larry Nichter from the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery.  

Several months after my surgery, Dr. Nichter invited me to my first-ever plastic surgery party.  I detailed the events of the party in two posts for you here and here.

What I didn't tell you is, I came home from the party with a DVD.  A few days after the party I sat in my family room watching the DVD and bawled.  The DVD exposed me to stories unlike any I'd ever seen before.  Today, I'd like to share a portion of what I learned with you.

Dr. Nichter began a foundation called Plasticos in 1999.  Plasticos is a volunteer organization dedicated to providing life-changing reconstructive plastic surgery to people who are unable to afford it on their own.  The organization has made trips all over the world helping people (mainly children, but adults too) who would never have the opportunity to live a normal life otherwise.

Perhaps I was touched by the first DVD I watched because I have my own disability to grapple with as a result of my car accident.  Whatever the reason, the knowledge Plasticos is helping people achieve normality and overcome obstacles in their lives is a cause I care deeply about.

This little boy is named Jose. 

 

I'm sorry this picture is so pixelated, but I think you can see enough to understand Jose was born with a cleft lip, and palate, as well as deformities to his ears.  If Jose had been born in the United States, he would have had surgery to correct his deformities in his first three months of life.  Jose was four years old when he met the doctors from Plasticos.

 

This is a picture of Jose shortly after surgery.  You can see he still needs to heal from his surgery. 

You can also see a remarkable improvement.

Plasticos takes their efforts one step further than similar organizations.  When they travel to third world countries (India, Laos, Vietnam, Cuba, etc.) they teach the doctors in the host country how to perform the surgeries themselves.  When the Plasticos staff departs a few weeks later, the doctors they leave behind can carry on with their new knowledge and skills.

What is the saying?  Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.

I don't know this gentleman's name, but can you imagine living into adulthood like this?

And then a team of American doctors from Plasticos visited.  Right after surgery he looked like this:

 

Plasticos works on a lot more than just cleft lips and palates.  I've watched videos of people with hands, arms, and legs which did not function prior to surgery.  Some of the patients are born with abnormalities, some have been involved in accidents, and some are victims of violence or abuse.  All of their lives were forever changed by the Plasticos team.

In the time since I watched the initial DVD I was given, I've viewed several DVDs of other Plastico trips.  (There have been 51 trips in all.)  I've also talked to Dr. Nichter about his organization on the phone at length, and interviewed him for over two hours in his office.

I'm not exaggerating in the least when I say I'm in awe of him.

(I bet he's blushing right now!)

But seriously, I am.  

Did I mention Dr. Nichter was named the Child Help Humanitarian of the Year for Orange County?  The work he's doing with Plasticos is valiant.  When you learn he frequently writes checks to cover Plasticos expenses himself, you realize he's even more remarkable.

The girl shown in the picture below is fourteen.  She was burned severely at age two in a cooking accident.  (Her family cooks on an open fire.)  Since being burned, her leg hasn't been able to function.  The burned skin was constricted.  She walked with the aid of a stick for twelve years.

 

Shortly after surgery she was able to take her first steps since the age of two:

How fortunate for her.  Can you imagine walking for the first time in twelve years as a fourteen year old?  What is it like to learn how to walk again?

The majority of Plasticos' patients are children, but some of the stories of adults touched my heart incredibly.  In many cultures, a deformity results in being ostracized.  As an example, in some countries people are not allowed jobs, or to marry, if they have any type of abnormality.  

Dr. Nichter has taken his expertise, and with a team of doctors, nurses, and staff, he's set out to make a profound difference in the world.  He's succeeding.  Thousands of peoples' lives are dramatically better because of the work Plasticos is doing.  Children who had been ostracized and shamed are now able to hold their heads up and walk with pride.

Tomorrow I will share with you the story which has moved me the most.  It's about a young woman in India.  It was her story that caused me to cry when I watched my first Plasticos DVD.  It's both a heart-wrenching and uplifting story.

Perfect for the holidays, don't you think?

In the meantime, if you're interested you can watch a short video on the Plasticos Foundation by clicking here.  And/or if you'd like to help Plasticos they have a donate button on their website or you can simply click here.  (Donations are tax deductible.)

P.S.  Because I know someone will ask ...  Each Plasticos trip costs around $50,000.  Every donation, no matter how small, helps.  

P.P.S.  The Plasticos Foundation is in need of warehouse space here in Orange County.  If you're an Orange County business and might be able to help, please contact Plasticos.

© Twenty Four At Heart

Seriously CBS?

The other night I was sitting in my favorite over-sized leather chair.  I was trying to fight off my turkey coma (caused by eating copious amounts of turkey and trimmings).  I was staring into the depths of my laptop as I guiltily contemplated the many emails I've neglected recently and really must get caught up on.  

In the background, the TV blared and I ignored it.  I'm not much of a TV person, but Briefcase is.  When he's home, the TV is usually on.

My attention was suddenly caught by a man's voice saying (rather loudly) from our TV, "Pap smears save lives."

Startled, I glanced at the TV.  A very handsome Josh Pais stared back at me with Christmas bells jingling in the background.

For a moment, I questioned if I had really just heard what my brain and ears knew I had.

A handsome man surrounded by jingling Christmas bells doesn't normally discuss pap smears.  (Especially on TV while many of us share a relaxing evening with our family/kids surrounding us.)

Don't get me wrong.  I agree, pap smears do save lives.  One of my neighbors died from cervical cancer and I'm very aware of the importance of the test.  I'm in no way disagreeing with the idea of pap smears, their importance, or even the fact that Public Service Announcements on TV about them might help save lives.

(And also?  Don't even get me started on recent women's health issues such as the new mammogram and pap smear guidelines!)

But Josh Pais?  Pap smears and jingle bells?

As my brain was trying to fully wrap itself around what I was seeing and hearing, Josh Pais continued.

"This Christmas impress her.  Give her the gift that even Santa can't deliver."

<Background: ho-ho-ho-ing as the commercial fades out.>

I gasped!

"Did you hear that?" I asked Briefcase as he re-entered the room.

He hadn't.

"CBS thinks you should book a pap smear for me this year as my Christmas gift," I informed him.

I grinned and added, "It's the gift even Santa can't deliver."

Briefcase rolled his eyes.

A sudden vision of Santa poking between my legs came to my mind.  I shook my head violently trying to dispel it.

I'm sure Briefcase was contemplating my reaction if I woke up Christmas morning to find out my big! surprise! gift! under our Christmas tree was an appointment for a pap smear.

In my mind I can hear him saying on Christmas morning, "There's a pap smear in a box for you 24!  I even put a big red bow on your extra special pap smear!"

Then he would beam at me with a smile on his face and I would start stripping off his clothes right then to show my appreciation for his gift.

Do ya think?

Or maybe not?

Here's the PSA.  I knew you'd want to see it in it's entirety.  (It's short, I promise!)

Watch CBS Videos Online

If you're a man ... would this PSA convince you to book an appointment for an important woman in your life?  You might save her life.  Of course, by choosing a pap smear as her gift you might be risking yours!

© Twenty Four At Heart

Monday Will Be a Big Day!

Next Monday is my 24th birthday and I'm planning a celebration for you!

I'm so excited!

I love birthdays and I think I could use need some fun this year.  Things have been too stressful lately. 

** Don't miss out - make sure you stop by on Monday! **

In the meantime, I'm going to be busy taking care of my son over the Halloween weekend.  I imagine we'll be watching a lot of movies together.  The poor kid has had a very rough month.

Of course, I might need to dress up a little to scare the Trick Or Treaters.

 

I'm so attractive! 

Happy Halloween!  I hope you have a fun, safe holiday!

© Twenty Four At Heart

Ghost-like

I'm feeling a little spooky.  One more week until Halloween!

© Twenty Four At Heart

I'm Mentally Confused - I Think?

I am not normal.

I don't know why that is?

I've been home all week caring for my son who was diagnosed with H1N1.  He's sleeping a lot.  I think he's getting better.  He's on a lot of medications and drinking tons of fluids.

As you may remember, the doctor also felt I had caught H1N1 and put me on Tamiflu.  I didn't even feel very sick.  One of the possible side effects of Tamiflu is mental confusion.

Seriously.

Am I not mentally confused enough already?

I have been so scattered.  I can't seem to think in a straight line.  Thank goodness I've primarily just been at home playing nurse because I think I'm a danger to the world and myself right now.

Have you gotten a confusing email from me?  Have I responded to an email you sent me twice?  Or not at all?

I honestly don't know what the hell I'm doing right now.

Two days ago, I desperately needed a few things at the grocery store for my son.  It was raining.  There were no cars in the parking lot.  I parked right in front of the store.  I bought the needed groceries and then spent fifteen minutes looking for my car in the parking lot when I was done.  

Yes, I did walk right past my own car several times in the process.  

I know I'm blonde ... but, really?  

This is not like me.

I am an efficient, organized, woman.

I think.

Or I was?

That same day I was discussing music with a friend.  I couldn't remember the names of songs.  I couldn't remember which artists wrote which songs.  I'm a total music buff.  Finally, I decided to stop discussing music because clearly, I really know nothing at all.  

Except, I think I do.

Or, at least, I did prior to taking Tamiflu.

I won't even tell you about my attempts at cooking.  I *might* be forgetting things like turning the stove on ... or worse, turning the stove off.  

To put it mildly, I'm no longer trusting my own judgment on anything.  I have to take Tamiflu for three more days.  I don't know how long the drug will stay in my system after that.  At what point might my mental acuity return?

In the meantime, the other day it rained until afternoon.  Then the sun came out for awhile and the clouds cleared.  Not long after, the sun began to set.  I looked out our back window at "my" mountains.  They looked so beautiful and so vibrant in color.  

The mountains often look pink or red or purple as the sun sets.  This time they looked even more purple-ish.  I was amazed.  I took a photo.  Then I wondered if they really looked that purple, or maybe it was an illusion born out of my druggy confusion?

Aren't they beautiful?

© Twenty Four At Heart

Dr. Phil & The Mommy Wars

Last August I went to a taping of the Dr. Phil show.  The show aired yesterday.  Many of you emailed me to let me know you saw me on TV.  A few of you sent me emails with opinions on the somewhat controversial show.

I intentionally didn't tell you ahead of time I would be on TV yesterday.  I was secretly hoping they would cut me out of the episode.

Why?

I am basically a very shy person.  The idea of all of you watching me on TV freaked me the hell out.  Also, I was very nervous when all the cameras came out of the ceiling and walls to film me.  My voice wavered and I may have stammered a lot and I pretty much looked like a loser.

Plus ... omigod ... have any of you ever seen yourself on a 50 inch flat screen?  Holy hell!  Where's Dr. Nichter when you need a shitload of immediate on-the-air plastic surgery?

Some people knew they were going to be filmed when they went there.  They got their hair and make-up professionally done.  I was just there.  Dr. Phil talked to me during a commercial break and then asked me talk on camera for a few brief moments.

The episode was on the mommy wars.

They wouldn't let us take cameras into the studio so these photos are all pictures I took of my own TV screen yesterday as the show aired.  

No bitching about photo quality, okay?

Dr. Phil wanted a controversial show to improve ratings so he intentionally pitted working and stay at home moms against each other.

I didn't like the whole concept of mom against mom.  Here's a very crappy photo of me looking serious while talking to Dr. Phil.  All those lines across my chin and neck are from the TV.  I swear.

I didn't know what the show was about when I went to the taping.  I thought it was going to be about bloggers.  The most successful mommy blogger in the country world was a guest on the show.  Some of you know Heather Armstrong as Dooce.  I sat in the row behind her during the taping.  After the filming concluded, I met Heather and her husband, Jon, and their new baby, Marlo.  Heather was very nice.  

The primary spokesperson for the stay at home moms was Jessica Gottlieb.  Jessica voiced strong opinions when she had opportunities to speak on the show.  Dr. Phil called Jessica "sanctimonious" and "judgmental."  I don't think Jessica agreed with him on either of those descriptions.

So what did I have to say while on the Dr. Phil show?

Really, I didn't have much to say.

"Can't we all just get along?" or something along those lines.

And yet?

I'm practically a celebrity now, don't ya think?

© Twenty Four At Heart

Surfing Dog Contest

Early Sunday morning I dragged Briefcase out of the house to go watch the Surf City Surf Dog contest held at Huntington Dog Beach.  My husband may not have been too enthused.  It's horrible being married to me.  If I weren't in his life, Briefcase would have slept away his weekend.  (I'm really a lot of fun.  I swear!) 

The money raised by the dog surfing contest goes to help charities.  What a great concept.  The dogs have a blast.  Their owners have a blast.  The money raised is given to charity.

I had just arrived and the competition had yet to begin when I met, and fell instantly in love with, George.  Briefcase didn't have a chance against George.  Even though he looked a little hungover, George won my heart over the moment we met.  (Please excuse the sand on his nose!)

George is a landseer Newfoundland.  Newfoundlands are often called gentle giants.  They have incredibly sweet dispositions.  George and his owners are from Canada.  When I first met George I thought he was at Dog Beach just to watch the other dogs surf.  Later, to my delight, I discovered George would be competing in the surf contest.  George had learned to surf just the previous day.  George loves the water and his owner, Colin, thought George would enjoy competing.

Before I tell you about the rest of the surfing dog contest, let me tell you a little bit about George.  George is a rescue dog.  George was abused for the first year of his life.  It's hard, and heartbreaking, to imagine anyone abusing a loving dog like him.  His current owner adopted him from a shelter about six months ago when George was only one year old.  George knew instantly he had found safety and love with Colin.  The love between the two of them is palpable.

There were a lot of spectators at the surf contest.  They watched their peers surf, and they kept themselves busy between heats also.

Here's a picture I took later in the day.  George is outfitted in his life jacket and he's headed out to compete.  Colin is leading him out to catch a wave.

George wasn't the best surfing dog of the day.  He's new to the sport.  Also, unlike the experienced surfing dogs, he did not have a custom made doggie surf board which lessens the likelihood of the dog falling off.  George loves to swim though.  He also loves to be on the surfboard, and even enjoys surfing.  What he doesn't like is being away from Colin.  When he sees himself surfing away from Colin he wants to jump off the surfboard and swim back to him.  Considering the abuse Colin saved him from, can you really blame George for wanting to stay close to him?

There was a lot of media coverage of the dog surfing contest.  This camera man very matter of factly asked this dog if he thought his chances were good for a win.  I didn't hear the dog answer, but his posture seems to indicate he felt confident.

The dogs competed in surfing heats.  The smallest dogs competed first, followed by medium sized dogs and then large dogs.  There were some pro-surfer dogs competing too.

The judges made lots of notes.  Dogs got more points if they surfed alone and their owners were not on the board with them.  If a dog was tied to the surfboard they received less points.  If a dog rode a wave all the way into shore they got a lot of points.  If they stood while doing so, instead of sitting or laying down, they got even more points.  Besides the length of a ride, dogs were also scored on their confidence while surfing and the size of the waves they rode.

Here are a few shots of the dogs surfing.  The first is a bulldog named Dover.  Bulldogs seemed to do very well surfing.  There were several of them competing.  They are heavy and low to the ground which helps a lot with balance.

This next photo is of an Australian Kelpie.  Her name is Abbie.  Abbie is a very good surfer.

This next photo is fuzzy (my apologies!) but I thought you'd want to see it anyway.  It's a dog that loves to surf to shore facing backwards.  I think she got extra points for "trick" surfing.

Here's a golden retriever surfing too:

There were a lot of great surfing dogs throughout the day.  By far, though, George was my favorite.  He couldn't wait to get out in the surf even if he's a novice to the sport.  Here's a picture of George sizing up the competition.

When the day was over, George looked a little exhausted.  He had a blast, but several hours at the beach will wipe out anyone.

To be honest, I was pretty tired by the end of the day myself.

© Twenty Four At Heart

A Plastic Surgery Party - Part 2

** Today's and yesterday's posts were not sponsored by the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery.  However, they can easily bribe me in the future if they'd like to!  **

Yesterday I wrote about the Plastic Surgery Party I attended at the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Huntington Beach.  The party was hosted by Dr. Nichter and Dr. Horowitz who have offices in both Huntington and Newport Beach.  I described the opulent food spread, the champagne, the raffles and the wonderful gift bags provided to each guest at the end of the event.  If you haven't read that post yet, you can go here to do so.

Today I'd like to share with you pictures and stories of some of the people who attended the party.  I went to the party expecting many opportunities for snarkiness.  Instead, I met a lot of "real" people with great stories.  Were there some bimbos there?  Yes.  I talked to some people who had undergone far too many surgeries from multiple doctors.  Not everyone knows when to stop with the plastic surgery.

Everyone I asked did not agree to have their picture taken.  I'd like to extend a huge thank you to those who were willing to let me take their photos and/or share their stories.

As I entered the party, I was followed by this group:

I didn't have an opportunity to talk with them about what procedures they have had done.  Looking at this photo it's easy to speculate.  I won't though.  I'll let you do that.

One thing I'd like to mention is the doctors can make improvements on someone's appearance but they can't make a butt-ugly person beautiful.  Plastic surgery is not a magic wand.  As Stephanie, the consultant at the center, told me ... the results of each surgery are dependent on the original canvas.

This next picture is of Edna:

I believe Edna said she is 68 years old.  Amazing!  I think my jaw dropped to the floor when she told me her age.  Edna and I didn't have a chance to discuss her complete plastic surgery history.  She did tell me she'd had her eyes done "a few years ago" and more recently she underwent a Lite-Lift™.  A Lite-Lift™ is a modified mini-facelift which can be done in the doctor's office with local anesthetic.  The Lite-Lift™ improves aging/sagging skin around the neck, jawbone, and lower face.

Personally, I think Edna looks great.

My next photo is of Mary Lou.

I don't know how old Mary Lou is.  She told me she wants to have her neck "done."  In fact, Mary Lou really, really wants to have her neck worked on.  She poured out her story to me.  She married her high school sweetheart years ago.  Eventually they divorced and they both remarried.  Her second husband has since passed away.  Her high school sweetheart has divorced his second wife.  All these years, she's missed, loved, and longed for her first love.  He has been the love of her life.  She said they married young and he "wanted her to share him" when they were young.  I guess that means he had trouble being monogamous in his youth.  

In any case, after 38 years of being divorced Mary Lou and her first husband have reunited.  She's giddy as a school girl.  She's in the process of relocating right now to be with him.  Whether or not she ever goes ahead with the plastic surgery she wants, remains to be seen.  Hearing about her happiness, hearing about the love of her life, was heartwarming.

This next photo is of a woman who is seven weeks post-tummy tuck.  She also had liposuction done on her stomach/hips/back.

She is still wearing an undergarment around her torso as she continues to heal from the surgery.  She is euphoric over her new body.  Euphoric!  She had twins when she was only 17 years old.  She is now 47.  She said for thirty years she has had loose skin hanging down off her stomach and hated her own body.  At the same time, she recounted a "brutal" first few weeks post-surgery.  A tummy tuck is not something to be taken lightly.  Her description of cleaning her surgery wounds and having drains in her body made me shudder. 

She pulled up her shirt and showed me her flat as a board stomach.  I admit, I felt jealous.  My stomach *maybe* was that flat three babies ago.  Her happiness, however, was contagious.  This woman's self confidence is overflowing as a result of her surgery.  She is so empowered by her new self.  I'm really happy for her.

There were other touching and poignant stories also.  There were stories of massive weight-loss patients (most frequently gastric bypass patients) who came to the center hoping for a new start after losing a lot of weight.  They had skin hanging off their bodies and undergoing plastic surgery provided them with a new beginning to their lives.

In addition, there were women who had undergone masectomies due to breast cancer.  The doctors performed breast reconstruction to help these brave survivors retain their sense of self.  The doctors also work with trauma patients (car accidents and such) to help people return to their former lives.

As I talked with Dr. Nichter, a woman approached and patted her very extended stomach.

"This is not a baby," she said ruefully.  "There is no baby in here."

She wanted his help.  She wanted his opinion.

I moved away to allow them to talk in private.  Later, when asked, he informed me he had told her to schedule a consultation.  I suppose even the best surgeons can't perform fake baby removals in the middle of a party.

I have a few pictures of some of the staff members employed at the Pacific Center.  I think it's safe to assume, they are all able to indulge in an occasional nip and tuck due to their jobs. 

First, here's a picture of Suzanne.  She's a nurse at the center.  She has such a pretty name!  Suzanne has a 23 (or is it 24?) year old kid.  Who would be able to tell?  She looks 23 herself.  I know Suzanne and, in addition to being beautiful, she's a very nice person.  Take a look at her long eyelashes courtesy of Latisse!

The next photo is of Eileen.  Eileen is the office manager.  I love Eileen.  I instantly bonded with her when I became a patient.  In this photo Eileen is working the raffle which took place at the end of the party.  Dr. Horowitz and Dr. Nichter are on either side of her. 

I wish I had thought to take a picture of Stephanie but I didn't.  Stephanie is 57 years old and absolutely gorgeous.  She's a consultant for the doctors.

My last photo is of Pam.  Pam is 67 years old.  Can that possibly be correct?  She's an esthetician.

I'd like to say thank you again to the doctors and all of the people who agreed to have their photos taken and/or their stories told.  I'm sure many of the people featured today will be logging on to read today's post.

© Twenty Four At Heart