(no subject)

So I took my dad to see the doctor yesterday. A good gastroenterology specialist, supposedly one of Top Doctors in Chicago (as testified by a plaque in his waiting room). Dad was impressed by the professional treatment - a far cry from his regular GP, who didn't seem to have much of a clue what to do with him anymore. Anyway... the doctor thinks most of his problems (stomach pain, indigestion, even the blackouts) could be the result of a failing gall bladder. Which is not that uncommon at his age. As well as perfectly treatable. But he prescribed a number of tests to confirm the diagnosis. So there will be more appointments. I'm glad I have plenty of vacation time available this year. Of course, my sister & brother-in-law will take him to some of those appointments, too - but it wouldn't be fair for them to shoulder it all. It's a long drive for either of us - and I'm the one who gets plenty of paid time off (both my mom and sister are self-employed, so if they skip work, they lose money). I only wish I had a car that didn't threaten to fall apart any minute... but let's not tempt fate here by even mentioning that. *shuts up*

I have seen a few people on my flist do a summary of the past decade in their lives. I wasn't going to do one (I think the decade actually ends in December 2010, doesn't it?)... but what the heck. ( Here's a super-short version. )