So, I just spent a full weekend at our new and improved Oakville hospital.  Yup, that’s right.  It most definitely wasn’t how I wanted to spend my precious Friday or Saturday night!  Let’s face it, we all love the weekends, and when things don’t fall into place exactly as planned, it can make one a tad cranky!

The whole process was a bit comical, as are most things in my life once I start spewing all the random details.  That being said, unlike the little magazine I write the odd giggly article for,  I can really say anything I want here, nice or not so nice, but…I’ll spare you the gory details.

So yes, to say this new hospital is a bit better than the old one, is an understatement.  It’s a further drive now for yours truly, but that’s ok.  I was too busy trying to deal with the fact that I had to miss my Friday “one and done” to worry about the commute.  I felt like I was at an all inclusive, so no biggie.  I just waited patiently for my bags to be taken to my room, and shown where the pool facilities are.  (I really have to get a life)….

Upon check-in, 😉  I was provided a #roomwithaview and quickly managed to figure out my television viewing for the weekend, (on the flat screen mounted on the wall, no less).   I watched HGTV My Beachfront Bargain Hunt on a loop.  As an aside, I now want to call my agent, and get him sourcing me some summer homes south of the border.

My mommy arrived at some point with 7 new magazines for me to read, (real treat as I rarely do that anymore), and of course my wonderful hubby arrived baring gifts and a change of clothing.  (He brought my toothbrush sans toothpaste, which I found rather adorable).   My girlfriends were constantly texting me, asking for updates, but my only request was not to come visit.  Just don’t, no need.   They did!  Of course they did.  I’m a lucky girl.  Flowers and a adorable stuffy!  “Try and keep us away” she said!  Awww..

After the visits subsided, it was time to rest.  I was hooked up to an IV, so maneuvering around wasn’t the easiest.  I was on a new and improved ‘moving’ bed designed for people that needed to ward off bed sores, but quit frankly, it was bothersome.  Just when I was about to nod off, the darn thing would start whirring like a blender, inflate, and bam, I’m moved into a new position.  This continued throughout the night, and because you are not allowed to turn off or unplug this expensive unit, my IV pole and I ended up curled in a ball on the green plastic guest couch!

That really didn’t help either because the with no warning, the night nurse would saunter in, and with no apologies, flick on my light, and begin to draw blood.  My beauty rest was definitely taking a beating!

Morning came and I was starving.  I called down to room service (haha) and was about to place my order when she reminded me of what I could and could not have.  Damn, the new hospital and it’s processes are working! I really wanted to order the grand slam breakfast, complete with home fries and bacon, but was delivered a tea, warm beef consommé and green jello!  Stupendous!

Sunday finally arrived, and with a nod from the Doc, I was all systems go!  Ready for check out.  Or was I?

Weird as this may sound, I was secretly hoping perhaps for one more night as I found myself using this hospital stay as a time of reflection.  I guess it takes something scary to make you stop, reevaluate and appreciate what you have.

Your mind can take you to the most scariest of places, so when things turn out much better than you first thought, it really can make for an “Aha moment.”  I’m not screaming anything from the rooftops like Oprah, but just realized that in this life, we are given choices, and chances.  This hospital stay gave me the time to ponder and provided me with that ‘flash of understanding’ in which Oprah speaks of.

I arrived home, and by day two, had more visitors – they were relentless.  I was trying to convince them I was feeling fine, but they didn’t listen.  They came with lunch, flowers, and home made soup.  Again, I’m a lucky girl!

I have so much more I want to accomplish in this life, and although it took a little scare like this to knock some sense into me, I am forever grateful for my life, my family and friendships.

To all my American friends, I do want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, and once you give me the go ahead, I will decorate my tree.  Whether or not my house is already fully decorated for Christmas, is not up for discussion.   Please enjoy the bird and all the fixin’s.  You deserve this holiday, you really do!

Count your blessings, not your things, and always be thankful.  I know I am.

With much love,

Leslie-Ann  xoxo