2010

This new year is starting with mixed expectations.

Lisa's alimony has been cut in half, but I expect to be gaining a driver's license soon. That will increase my options for employment and allow Lisa to ride rather than drive to her appointments.

A representative at the Tax Collector's office informed me that if I can get proof from New York State that I ever held a valid license there, I will avoid all the testing and will not need to start with a learner's permit.

A few nights ago I began worrying about Lisa's respiratory health. When she slept, her breath gurgled so profoundly that it sounded like she was drowning in her own excretions. She already suffers from sleep apnea, and combining that with chest congestion concerned me. I kept waking her up and telling her to cough up the mucus.

And so I went to the local CVS and bought guaifenesin caplets. I briefly considered a liquid concoction but the dosage of the effective ingredient was quite low - and I assumed that there was alcohol in it. Since I cannot drink alcohol and may need the medicine myself, the liquid was out of the question.

Her breathing has since improved, but she has laryngitis.

Tomorrow is the one-year anniversary of Sage's death. Every morning I say hello to her as I pass her grave in our backyard.