TEAM MIKIE-Adventures in Kidney Transplant

2010 is here!

2010-01-02T13:38:00.001-08:00

These images I shot in our back yard on the night of New Years day! Magic!

Happy New Years to you all! Also just a little bit of extra good news. Our friend Denis after 7 or 8 years on the kidney transplant waiting list finally was moved to number one and received a kidney a couple weeks ago in San Diego. He is recovering well and we are so happy for him and for his family. We are also thankful for the donor!

Mike is headed to India for a month

2010-01-02T13:31:00.000-08:00

Mike has been doing great with his recover and his numbers are beyond good. We are so happy for him. I think he needs to get away and get back to his love of travel. He has been invited to be a guest artists/ scholar in New Delhi for a month. He leaves in three days and will be in Chicago on route to India. We are all very excited for him.

While he is gone I will be redoing the house. Painting bedrooms and organizing stuff. Part of my New Years Resolution. Alex and I will miss Mike but it will be great for him and we will ge to hear all the amazing stories when he returns.

Yet another new chapter in the book of our lives! Will be updating you with images as I get them from him.

Happy 2010!!!!!

Amy and Bob Pece film featured at GCAC

2009-07-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

Come join us August 1st at Grand Central Art Center for the Erase Stigma exhibition. Amy Caterina and Bob Pece have a great series of interviews on film that are featured.

Amy is doing really well and is back to making art full tilt. Hope to see you at the exhibition

125 N. Broadway

Santa Ana, CA 92701

714-567-7233

Amy medical emergency

2009-07-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

Donate Life at CSUF Run/Walk 2009

2009-04-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

OC Register Article for Donate LIfe Event tomorrow!!!

2009-04-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Mike and Amy keynote speakers at event!

Transplant recipient to join Donate Life Run/Walk
Lino Angel will accompany Huntington Beach donor family on Saturday at Cal State Fullerton
By BARBARA GIASONE
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

FULLERTON Liver transplant recipient Lino Angel, 43, has been conserving all his energy to jog alongside his donor family in the seventh-annual Donate Life Run/Walk Family Festival on Saturday at Cal State Fullerton.

The fundraiser, benefitting the Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, is the largest event of its kind in the nation.

Angel will be among 235 friends and family on the festival's largest team, "Celebrating Scott Davis", when they take to the Titan field at 9 a.m. to remember the Huntington Beach teen who died last June in a skateboarding accident.

Davis' family donated the youth's heart, pancreas, two kidneys and a liver to five separate people.

"It was a miracle to get the liver, and I thank God every day that I can breathe," said Angel, a Downey resident and father of four who will accompany their parents and grandmother in the fundraiser.

Davis' father, Bill, said the family has met only one recipient – Angel – and that was by coincidence. Angel's son and Scott Davis wrestled in the same high school league.

"This fundraiser gives our family closure for Scott's accident," Davis said. "Someone got Scott's good heart."

More than 7,000 residents, business representatives and city officials will also participate.
Keynote speakers include Newport Beach Fire Dept. Capt. Chad Ponegalek, who will honor firefighter Kevin Pryor – a seven-organ donor in June 2008 when he died after fighting wildfires in northern California; Cal State Fullerton Professor Mike McGee and his living kidney donor, CSF alumna Amy Caterina; KIIS-FM's Manny on the Streets tissue recipient; and event founder Kathleen Hostert of Fullerton, who donated a kidney to her husband, Craig.

Celebrity guests include Kris Jenner, Khloe Kardashian and "American Idol's" Chikezie.
Forty-five vendors and health screenings will also be available to families until 12:30 p.m.
Information: Log on to khostert@onelegacy.org.
Contact the writer: 714-704-3762 or bgiasone@ocregister.com

Register for Team Mikie today or you can sign up the day of the event.

2009-04-13T20:36:00.001-07:00

Please come and join us for the Donate Life walk next Saturday the 25th of April. email andreaharris1@mac.com for information or directions. We hope to see you at the event!!!!

Donate Life event today

2009-04-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

Amy and Mike spoke at the Donate Life rally today at CSUF. MIke participated last year and was very sick at the time. This year he looked healthy and was feeling great. Remember to register for Team Mikie this year the walk is just a couple weeks away. Alex and Amy are designing the new team tee-shirts. Come and join the team and walk with us.

Congrats to Amy and Mike for a job well done!!!

Come Join Mike, Amy and I for a party you do not want to miss!

2009-02-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

Mike is the facilitator for the CSUF Grand Central Art Center and I was director for the past 10 years! Amy is featured in the exhibition! Music, Food, Drinks and a chance to catch up and just have some fun!

Please join us for this special event......

Donate Life Run Walk 2009!

2009-01-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

I am working on setting up the Team Mikie page for registration for this years 5K/1K Run/Walk
When: Saturday, April 25th, 2009
Where: Cal State Fullerton.

Im in training and I KNOW you want to join Andrea, Mikie, Alex, Kevin and I for a breezy lite jog around the campus!

Check here for more details and stay posted!!

amy

Celebrating 10 years of the Grand Central Art Center

2009-01-07T22:02:00.000-08:00

Well, we are excited to announce the CSUF Grand Central Art Center will be celebrating it's 10th year anniversary. We are mounting an exhibition that highlights the years and all the amazing artists we have worked with and exhibitions, publications, prints, programs and more that we have accomplished. Mike McGee was and is the facilitator for the project and worked hard to make it a successful arts center. I also directed the space for ten years so it was my baby and I love the art center dearly. My staff, our Forum board members and I worked our tails off and it was a labor of love! I am working to bring together and exhibition that will be a best of what we brought to Orange County and more. Also, Steven Ehrlich will also be presenting an installation in the project roof that opens the same night. Should be a blast.. Steven is the architect who did the redesign on CSUF Grand Central Art Center and is also very famous for being one of the best architects in California.

The reception is February 7th from 7-10 pm. It will be a big party and we hope that you will come out and help us celebrate. We will have another big part on March 7th if you miss the February date.

Also just to get you up to date with Mike and all his health stuff. He is doing great this week. Much better although still very tired. He is teaching intercession and doing well with it. I am doing well also. Working at the new job and so far all is going well. I will be opening another big show at OCC in February as well and will post the details in about a week. I am still in the mix of organizing it currently.

That is all for now and I wish you all a good night! Hugs....

Meeting in Huntington Beach

2009-01-04T11:14:00.000-08:00

Our dear friend Shelley is in town and we are headed to go meet with him. He is going to share some information about some artists from Lebanon with us. Shelley has been living in Beirut for more than one year and is doing some very important legal work for the government. We are very proud of all his efforts. I will post images later today.

Today is Sunday and the end of Winter break. How sad... but we are all getting ready for new challenges and adventures in 2009.

Shorty leaves home

2009-01-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

I am doing a drawing each night. I am really excited by the progress and I am really in the grove to finish this book. New year and new energy and focus.

Image from kids book

2009-01-03T00:49:00.000-08:00

This is my book project. I am creating it for Shorty (aka Alex) with help on the writing by Mike. It is our family project. I am doing all the drawings and braille parts to the book. I am also writing the story but Mike will clean up my mess and make it amazing. He is good at that.

Check out this new image from Shorty Hits the Big Apple! to be compete in 2009 for sure.

Shorty dreaming about the Big Apple... New York City!

Mike and I starting off the year right

2009-01-03T00:39:00.001-08:00

We are into the new year and happy to be out of 2008. We attended the most wonderful party on new years day at Jon Gothold and Janice Lowry's home. They rock and know how to show people a great time. We ate mexican food and Mike's amazing salade. We played music and watched a light boy performance. It was amazing.

Mike is getting better and so far no new infections in the last week. He is looking and feeling great. I stay up late sill and work on stuff but he gets his rest and is doing all the right stuff to stay healthy.

I actually am planning to slow down in 2009 and get in better shape. Yes... But no not like a resolution or anything. Just plan to take better care of myself. I need to keep up with this healthy man of mine and that crazy little biy who is not so little any more.

Picked up Amy and Kevin from LAX tonight and they just returned from Ireland. I will ask her to start posting images and stories from her adventure.

Much love to you,

Andrea

Happy Almost New Years

2008-12-30T23:39:00.000-08:00

This is a drawing I did of Mike as a bird talking to Alex ( aka Shorty) about all his world travels. Shorty is all fired up and ready to have some adventures of his own!

We feel lucky to have each day and happy with life as each day it is a new adventure. 2008 has been a glorious year, hard year and one year we will never forget.

May your new year be full of adventure. Filled with love and happiness. I know we will be living life to the fullest and we hope you will join us in doing so.

Happy New Year! Much love to you all.

Also, get ready to walk and run with us in April. Amy is getting ready and we want you all there to support Donate Life!

High winds and rain and only a minute of blue sky

2008-12-22T00:18:00.001-08:00

Back from Kauai and ready for the Holidays

2008-12-22T00:08:00.000-08:00

Well the trip was relaxing and rainy. They say it is the worst storm they had seem in Kauai in quite some time. We nailed it and got to experience the storm. The ocean was red flagged so no swimming with the fishes for us. We did some sight seeing and ate out a bit and relaxed a lot. It was actually good for us since we have all been on the go this last semester. Mike did well and was only tired a couple days. Glad we went but glad to be back home in our own beds.

Christmas is almost here and we are all done with shopping I think. Make your donations to Donate Life this holiday and to your local food banks, toy drives and other favorite charities. This holiday is going to be hard on so may and we should all be thankful for what we have and give back when and if we can.

Love to you all and Happy Holiday.

Closing Celebration and Holiday Party

2008-12-09T21:48:00.000-08:00

Join us Friday the 12th of December for a Holiday Party

Natural Connection

an exhibition featuring work by Elizabeth Turk, James Lorigan, Karen Brown, Amy Caterina and Eric Stone.

Orange Coast College

Frank M.Doyle Arts Pavilion

2701 Fairview Road

Costa Mesa, CA

714-432-5738

Off Merrimac, right off Fairview next to the Art Center.

great art and refeshments !

Go to facebook and become a friend!

2008-12-06T14:22:00.001-08:00

I am on facebook .com now and it is a great way to chat and share images. It is free so log on and join me today. I am listed under Andrea Lee Harris. I have not talked Mike into joining but Amy Caterina is online also. See you there..

These shots are of Alex as a tiger! Never grow up... just grow!

Inspired to do great things!

2008-12-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

An artists I know named Alex Gray painting this portrait of President Elect Barak Obama. I love it and it inspires me. It reminds me about the power we have as individuals and the power we have as American and as humans. I love the scientific nature of this and wanted to share it with you!

Mike and Amy celebrate 6 months this Sunday. We are all very excited. Mike is doing well and just got over another slight infection and course of antibiotics. He is tired but getting stronger again. We leave for Kauai with doctor approval on the 13th.

posted by Andrea

I cooked all day and we ate like kings

2008-11-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

Mike was under the weather so we stayed home. Kevin and Amy are pictured with Alex and Mike getting ready to eat. The book was great even though I messed up on the turkey a bit. I sorted out the problem with the help of Mike. He is a cook in the family and I do my best.

We are home resting for the long weekend.

Heard on the news today that during Black Friday... The big shoppers day that a man was trampled at a Walmart store. I need to say that people need to slow down and realize that no sale is worth all this. Another man assaulted a shopper with a gun in another store. What is going on! We have so much stress in our lives already and this is not making things better. I hate hearing this stuff. This is small stuff that we can manage ourselves with some respect for others and less hysterical behavior. There are people loosing their lives all over the world and some stupid shoppers can only think about cheap deals and hurt others in the process of being greedy. Slow down and think about what matters. I know our friends do care for others. Lets spread the world and make this holiday a wonderful experience for all. Take care of your family and neighbors and care about your fellow man, woman and child. Love you all and send you the best this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

We are all shopped out for the holiday. Resting and taking care of Mike. We spend last night in the emergency room again. Mike had a high fever and was feeling really tired. Doctor gave him new medications to help with the infection (They are still trying to sort out what he has). We will stay home and take care through the weekend. Amy is coming over with Kevin for Turkey dinner tomorrow. Kevin is making the mash potatoes and they are from his secret recipe. I am making the rest. Alex is helping with the pie!

Amy is already training to run the Donate Life race in April. I will walk it but give her all the moral support I can muster up. Mike will hopefully be there as well. Much love to all.

Amy and Mikes Kidney turn 35!

2008-11-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

We had a party this past Sunday for Amy and Mrs. Kevin Hill Kidney at a great Italian joint! Several friends attended and we all enjoyed some great food and conversation. Happy Birthday Amy! We gave Amy and Kevin a new bed to celebrate the big day. Knowing they will be sleeping better is a good thing. They both work very hard and need to have a good rest. It is also kind of an early wedding gift. The bed is amazing. When we went to pick it out we tried out a few and bought the best one. Amy wanted to nap in the store and the sales man had no problem with that. As a bonus he gave her a stuffed bed mite to take with her. Very cute! Maybe Amy will post pictures of her party and the new bed and bed mite!

Ciao!

The holidays are coming soon!

2008-11-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Mike is doing great. So well that the doctor has given him a early release to travel. We have decided to go on an adventure in December for a few days. Thanks to our dear friend Shelley who generously donated his place to us in Kauai! Yes, we are headed to Kauai and will be staying in the most amazing place. See the images from the website! If all goes well and Mike stays healthy we will head out for a six month and xmas celebration in Kauai. Just Alex, Mike and I. Can't wait. We are all exhausted from all the new work, old work and recover time. This is going to be a major treat.

Aloha! and Thanks Shelley!

Thomas A. Harris - we love him and miss him

2008-11-18T20:50:00.000-08:00

Tom and his wife Judy had an amazing and fulfilling life together. He was a man who did everything he ever hoped to do and appreciated each day. He and Judy had two great kids who are now adults and three grandchildren. Tom enjoyed his family, boating, the mountains, mechanics, and gardening. Tom was loved by all of us and will be missed more than I can say. He passed away on November 12th due to complications from heart surgery. He was Alex's grandpa and my father in law for 12 years. All our love goes out to Judy ( Grandma), Mike, Hilary, Ahn, Ethan, Alex and Elizabeth and the entire family.

Justice Thomas A. (Tom) Harris was born in Fresno, California, on September 21, 1939. Both his father and grandfather were practicing Fresno attorneys.

Harris attended the University of Southern California (B.A. 1961) and Stanford University School of Law (J.D. 1964). During college and law school vacations he worked as an investigator for the Fresno County District Attorney’s office. Harris was admitted to the California Bar on January 12, 1965.

Justice Harris served as a deputy district attorney for Fresno County (1965-1967). Thereafter he engaged in the private practice of law until mid-1985. He initially practiced criminal defense and family law, later specializing in general business, probate and estate planning.

Upon appointment by Governor Deukmejian, Harris became Judge of the Municipal Court, Consolidated Fresno Judicial District, on June 14, 1985. On March 20, 1987, Governor Deukmejian elevated Harris to the Fresno County Superior Court. While on the superior court, Harris served terms as Presiding Judge of the Family Law and Probate Departments.

On August 7, 1990, Governor Deukmejian nominated Harris as Associate Justice, Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District. Harris was confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments on August 21, 1990, and has twice since been confirmed by the electorate.

2008-10-15T08:30:00.001-07:00

The Donate Life Walk/Run 5K/1K is Saturday April 25, 2009.

Im going to RUN this; its true. And for those of you know me well, you know I used to teach cycling at the gym and take great pride in the biceps I call my GUNS.

My friends Andrew O'Melia and Shannon Faseler are helping me get ready: I now own a sports bra and running shoes. Judith, my dietician at the Renal Center, has got me back on fruits and veggies. (Please dont tell her about the flourless chocolate cake I had last night. Man, it was good.) Im trying to walk at least half an hour everyday, which may not sound like alot but with teaching 6 classes and 4 shows coming up in November, it is a challenge.

And Mikie is running too.

Join our team.

-posted by AMY

Mike has been having a little trouble again.

2008-10-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

He is not headed to the hospital we hope but he is getting new tests. There have been some incidents in the last few days and the doctors think he may be having some neurological issues. I have been told this is common for Kidney transplant patients. He had an MRI today and there was good results. He has to be on a heart monitor for a 24 our period this week and than some more tests.

Keep good thoughts out for him. Your always here for us and it helps a great deal. Thanks

Andrea

Also featured at the Arts Pavilion in Nov. and Dec.

2008-10-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

Karen Brown, Eric Stoner, Kiara Kitagawa, Amy Caterina and James Lorigan

Arts Pavilion job is moving along

2008-10-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

I am spending two plus days a week working at my new job at the Arts Pavilion. So far all is working out well. Lost to learn many new people to meet and a few challenges already.

The College is beautiful. Like being on a mini vacation. Really, you will need to come see it for yourself.

My first show is coming along. Some artists that I admire. I hope you will all try to attend the big November opening and December closing holiday party!

Orange Coast needs our energy and we need to light up the Pavilion and show the students what great experience they can have enjoying arts and meeting new people. So, come and enjoy with us.

November 12- December 12, 2008

Elizabeth Turk, Kirara Kawatchi, Eric Stoner and Karen Brown
Main Gallery
James F. Lorigan– Paintings
Project Room
Amy Caterina – We need to ask the trees for permission
Young Gallery

Opening Reception: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 4-8 pm.

Closing Party: Friday, December 12, 2008 7-10 pm.

Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion/ Visual and Performing Arts

Off Fairview on Merrimac Way in Costa Mesa CA.

park in the last lot D.

Leaf Drawing by Elizabeth Turk!

Donate Life 2009

2008-10-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

Just go contacted by Donate Life for 2009 Wal for Life today. They are starting to get warmed up for another amazing event. I plan to have another team Mikie group meet up and go out to rise funds fir Donte Life. I hope all who have read this blog will join us on Saturday April 25th 2009. I will be in touch with another team to register with for 2009.

So hang tight.

Much love!

Andrea

Donate Life 5K Run/Walk
and 1K Fitness Run

What: A non-competitive Certified 5K/1K Run/Walk to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation while benefiting Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.
Who: All runners and walkers, dialysis patients, transplant recipients, organ donors, donors families, allied health professionals, students, CSUF students, and CSUF alumni are invited to come out and participate! Donor families are invited to make their own patch for the OneLegacy Bridging Lives Quilt

When: Saturday, April 25th, 2009. The race celebrates the last days of National Donate Life Month.

Where: California State University, Fullerton campus, around Memorial Grove. 800 State College Boulevard, Fullerton, CA.

My Mom flew in for the event

2008-09-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

OCC celebrated 60 years. It was a great event and we all had a wonderful time.

We partied at the Westin South Coast Plaza.

Attended the OCC Gala last night

2008-09-28T09:00:00.001-07:00

IVC Professor gives the greatest gift of all - Life

2008-09-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

IVC Professor gives the greatest gift of all - Life

Taking a new job at OCC

2008-09-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

I have decided to take a new position with Orange Coast College as the Director for the Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion. It is an amazing opportunity and I an excited to take on this new challenge. I will be starting soon but will be at GCAC until November 15th. For 10 years I have been at CSUF Grand Central Art Center. It has been an amazing time in my life. I however need to make a change. This new position will give me a more normal schedule and time off to spend with my family. Much has changed but much will stay the same. I will still be involved with GCAC and still in touch with you all.

Wish me luck!

posted by Andrea

Making fun of Amy is so much fun!

2008-09-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

Love ya Amy!

A little under the weather

2008-09-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

Mike is doing very well but a bit under the weather in the last week. He says he needs more sleep. I must confess I stay up late working and that keeps him awake. I have much to do and currently am finishing one last book for 2008.

Alex and I were joking with Mike and sent him this image. Feeling funny!

We had a big opening on this past Saturday at GCAC. it was packed and so many people had a great time. Come see Mel's Hole at Grand Central Art Center if you get the chance.

Much love to you all!

posted by Andrea

You only live once

2008-09-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

Tonight Alex and I went out and traded in our car for this Smart Car! Yes, it is small and totally and completely small. I mean small. 41 miles per gallon. Loaded with all kinds of small yet very cool features. Mike said go for it so we did. You only live once.

Alex is in love with this car and it is a fun car to drive. ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM

posted by Andrea

My guys last night!

2008-08-30T21:22:00.001-07:00

Kev...Alex...Amy...Alex and so it goes!

2008-08-30T21:10:00.001-07:00

Hand Off She's Mine by the English Beat from One Step Beyond..... That is a on the ipod right now when I write this to you. I am just rolling along tonight going though images and trying to catch you up on all the adventures and lives of the famed Mike and Amy.

Kev and Amy took Alex out for the day and once again had more fun than any person should have the legal right to have. These kids just play and play and take funny photos all day long! I love these shots.

Kev and Amy are doing great. Very much in love and taking care of one another. Life is good and all is well in our world. We knock on wood and thank our lucky stars everyday for the life we have.

MIke and Amy ride like the wind

2008-08-30T20:59:00.001-07:00

Mike and Amy got the go ahead to start riding bikes again so they have been going out on a regular basis and riding together. It has been a great thing for both of them. They feel great when they come back tired and inspired.

Amy always complains because she is talkative the entire ride and comes back way more tired than Mike. She says he is such a good listener.

I told her that is his strategy. Let her do all the talking and he conserves his energy. That way he is back barely tired and it makes him appear to be in better shape than her.

He is a real smarty like that. They have really bonded over the donation and recover. I am so happy for both of them.

Foil Boy

2008-08-30T20:54:00.001-07:00

My son is a creative genius. He wrapped his face with foil the other day at the Art Center. It looked so cool that I had to share it with you all. I love kids and especially this one. He always makes the day an adventure.

He left balls of foil all over my office and I just left them as it made me feel like I was part of his creative process. Actually, Alyssa my assistant was working up some cool ideas with him. She is a great inspiration to him.

Alex is surrounded by artists! Lucky sucker.

Celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary.

2008-08-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

How amazing is this .... I just started to write this and the song Golden Years comes on the ipod by David Bowie. I love this song.

Mike and I celebrated our big 3 year wedding anniversary. I got teary when he presented me with a delicate ruby ring and thanked me about being by his side through all this years health issues. He is my best friend and my love and I am so lucky to have him with me. We both can't believe what a miracle it has been to have the kidney Amy donated to him. It is working so great to make his healthy and well.

Mike took me to a french dinner and a drive around Balboa Island. We just drove and listened to the radio and enjoyed the night. I want to have my fifty year anniversary with this man someday. We will be old and crotchety and still in love!

Back from a break

2008-08-30T20:31:00.001-07:00

I went away for a bit... stayed home for a bit and worked a great deal this summer.

I am back and back into the swing of the fall semester. New exhibitions, new artists, more fun and games in the world of art. Mike is back teaching and is doing amazing. He is stronger with every day. Amy is back teaching six classes and hanging in there. Alex is back in school and now in the 3rd grade. He is thrilled and asked to go to school today which is a Saturday. Wow how things change.

I am listening to Miss America by David Byrne right now and rocking out. Next up Orlando... Coming (Deep Remix). I have a ipod that Amy made up for Alex and I must say she has great taste in music or at least this mix is very uplifting. She has a wide range in her music library so you never know what you will get on this ipod.

The images above were taken at Huntington Lake above Fresno CA. I went up for a couple days to relax and just be! I rented a fishing boat and went around the lake. Olive (my Dog) and I took off and we stayed in a cute cabin together at Lakeshore. Very cozy! Watched the jays fight in the trees, played in the water, ate dinner with a wonderful stranger named Richard and got to visit Alex for a bit as he was staying up there with family.

As child of a divorced family Alex has vacation with Mike and I and vacation with his Dad and Ann, cousins and grandma. I showed up on his vacation with his Dad for a few hours which was real nice. Mike cannot travel yet so he stayed home and held down the McGee homestead. What a sweetheart.

Amy has a happy scar!

2008-08-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

When Amy and I went to her doctors appointment last week we surprised Dr. Chamberlain. I drew a happy face on Amy with a sharpie marker. The happy scar!

He laughed and we laughed and he took a photo of her. It was great fun. He gave Amy a clean bill of health and told her she could get back to her normal life and start

doing exercise again. It was very encouraging. Amy gave the transplant center her autograph on the OC Weekly article for her show and everyone was happy.

Amy has been getting back to life and teaching, moving and working on art and press etc. But, there has been a bit of a cloud over head these days. You see one of the things we never prepared for was Amy feeling uneasy, sad at times and feeling a sense of loss due to her kidney donation. She has just pushed forward and recovered so well that we never thought about that part of the recovery process.

It is not unusual for a donor to feel twinges of loss and some sadness after donation. Once all the pain subsides your body and mind are still recovering from the trauma of the whole event. Amy has said time and time again that she would do it all over again in a heart beat to save Mike. But, her body is healing still and it has been hard at times.

She has experienced lack of sleep due to vivid dreams which have lead to fatigue and more stress on her body and mind. She worries about Mike and thinks about visiting her kidney in her dreams. She and I laugh about it but we are also try to deal with it in a way that will ease her mind and help the healing process to continue in a positive way. She says she does not want me to worry about her because I have enough to worry about with Mike. But, I care for both of them dearly and worry about both of them. There is no turning that off.

She and Mike are connected in a very deep way. She has trouble hearing it but she did something that most people would not do or could not do. She is a brave and wonderful lady and I have deep feeling of gratitude for what she did for Mike, for me, for Alex and for everyone who loves Mike. It is an amazing thing.

So, the plan is that we are trying to make sure she gets rest, she and Mike make time to get together and hang out and chat about iphone applications and other tech stuff that they enjoy, she gets time to herself and time with Kevin. It is all a balancing act. I know we will get though this OK.

It is hard to think about so much all the time. We have been under so much pressure for so long. But, the clouds are clearing slowly and we are all alive and well.

Speaking of well, Mike got the thumbs up that he is clear of the E coli in his blood. The doctor told him he could get back to exercising and even ride his bike again. So tonight we went on a long ride and it was amazing and beautiful out. We celebrated and rode through the streets until it was dark out! He rode past me at one point and said with a smile.....I'm Alive!

posted by Andrea

go rilla

2008-08-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

If you get the chance check out the bike show at Go Rilla gallery.

2215 N Broadway, Suite 200 | Santa Ana, Ca 92706 | USA | T: (714)277-4701 | F: (714)435-1583 |

Alex was impressed by this half lego bike in the front window. It is a great space and and fun show.

Also check out our new stencil show at GCAC featuring some great work by local artists!

Don't miss it!

Also on the Mikie front.... He is doing better each day. He is done with his antibiotics and we are waiting to see if the E coli is all gone. Today he went in for blood work so we should know soon. Mike is getting out more and driving his new car about town.

Amy is busy teaching and doing Amy things. Her next big artist workshop os on August 9th so please plan to attend and learn to knit if you can. he show is up for another two weeks so come and check it out before you miss out.

posted by Andrea

I Met R2-D2

2008-07-30T22:39:00.001-07:00

Alex talked me into going to this thing called Midnight Madness at Toys R Us the other night. He was unable to come with me and no one else was available. I was there by myself to get him some of the new Lego Star Wars toys they released that night.

Well the highlight was meeting R2-D2. It was a robot version and all the kids flocked to get close to it. I ran over and took a shot so I could prove to Alex that he actually was there.

I am not a huge Star Wars fan like Alex and Amy but it was cool to see R2-D2.

There were more adults than kids in line to get the toys. I met many fans and it was an interesting experience.

The next day Alex saw the same toys I stood in line for at Target. I really did not need to say up until 1 am and wait in line for three hours. But, three hours is worth it when it is for the one you love. He was impressed.

posted by Andrea

Foot Surgery and a New Ride

2008-07-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

Mike went in to the doctors and had a planters wart removed from his foot. They told him that with the anti rejection drugs the wart would grow very large and become uncomfortable. When he went in today the doctor was very impressed at how brave he was and how the pain did not seem to bother Mike. Mike said that after having a transplant nothing seems as painful anymore.

Mikes reaction to the E coli is much better. He has a few more days of antibiotics and he is done. His cough is better and he is out more with a higher level of energy the last two days.

I wanted to do something special for him so I talked with him about getting a new (used car). Something really nice that he could be proud to drive to school and around town. I admit Alex and I trash cars and we like to eat in the car an bring all our stuff around with us. This car is just for Mike and will stay clean and beautiful just how he likes it.

We found a nice one through Carmax and they were great to deal with. The sales man Naveen in Costa Mesa treated us like gold and it was so easy to get it. Mike drove it home and was so happy. I love it when he smiles. It has been a long time and so it was a great thing to see.

He can't drive it with the top down in the day because he can't have the sun on his skin. But during the morning and in the evening he can have some topless fun.

The new Mike is his new car! Life is good!

posted by Andrea

Amazing Article Today OC Weekly

2008-07-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

Amy Caterina Goes Green at Santa Ana's Grand Central Art Center
BY GREG STACY
Thursday, July 24, 2008 - 3:03 pm
Really Going Green
Amy Caterina’s door into summer
Photos by Eric Stoner

What happens when you feed the animals Miracle-Gro
You don’t go looking for profundity in the lyrics of U2, but one of Bono’s lines from Achtung Baby does have the bitter sting of truth to it: “Every artist is a cannibal/Every poet is a thief/All kill for inspiration and sing about their grief.” Paul Gauguin split on his wife and five kids. Late in life, Edgar Degas drove his friends away with his anti-Semitic rants. Maybe nobody ever called Pablo Picasso an asshole, but they sure as heck could have. Yes, there are plenty of nice grandmas out there filling canvases with pictures of wee puppies posed in baskets full of fresh-cut flowers. But the artists who do the really interesting stuff tend to be moody divas at best, total jerks at worst.

Amy Caterina is a really interesting artist. She is also, somehow, a sweetheart. I can call her a sweetheart with some confidence, despite having never met the woman. She’s become a darling in the local art community after donating a freaking kidney to a gallery-owner pal. This wasn’t her kid or her dad or even her husband, just a friend. Would you do that? No, you would not. Because you are not as nice as Amy.

Her website is full of photos of her smiling friends helping to craft the pieces for her shows, and these photos illustrate two things: 1) Amy has many more friends than you do because she is nicer than you are, and 2) Amy is so nice that she would never even think of trying to hog all the credit for her shows—she wants everybody who helped to get a little shout-out.

Amy does not kill for inspiration and sing about her grief. She throws little art parties for her pals and hands out her kidneys like it’s no big deal. I couldn’t give this woman a bad review even if her art was total shit. Who could say a word against her?

Fortunately, her art is totally not shit. This is beautiful, transporting art—good stuff from a good person.

“This used to be real estate, now it’s only fields and trees” is Caterina’s debut solo show at the Grand Central Art Center. The title comes from “Nothing But Flowers,” a Talking Heads song that begins with Edenic imagery—two lovers enjoying the lush countryside, only to slowly change into a post-apocalyptic tale as all of our mysteriously abandoned Pizza Huts and malls are swallowed up by vines and daisies. Caterina has brought David Brynes’ vision of a verdant Armageddon to Grand Central’s Project Room, using photos, video, sculpture, and yards and yards of “Fun Fur” from the craft store.

As you enter the space, it is dark like nighttime, but there are patches of cheery sun on the ground, and a totally incongruous square of bright, noonday sky is aglow overhead, like a door into summer. You wander among rolling, unmowed hills, where cute, cartoonish animals appear to have been frozen mid-frolic, as the grass crawled up their little legs and encased them before they could get away. It’s creepy yet beautiful and kid-friendly—part Disneyland topiary garden, part eerie dreamscape.

The narrator of “Nothing But Flowers” feels stranded in a world without Dairy Queens (“I dream of cherry pies, candy bars and chocolate-chip cookies!”), and there is something undeniably forlorn about this installation. As much as we may fuss over our gardens, plants are not our friends. They were here long before we were, and after we’re gone, they’ll be happy to grow over everything we were and encase it all in layers of tangled vines, dotting the Sydney Opera House with a million little mushrooms and disfiguring the face of the Lincoln Memorial with a beard of toxic mold. We can scorch the Earth all we like, but in the end, the fields and trees will do what they want with our real estate.

In August, Caterina will be hosting a free workshop, and visitors will knit projects to donate to a local dialysis center. (Jesus, this woman fits way too much niceness into a day. When does she sleep?) Go enjoy her show, help her knit stuff for a good cause. There’s plenty yet to see and do before the inevitable day when the grass grows up out of the ground and encases you mid-frolic.

Amy Caterina’s “This used to be real estate, now it’s only fields and trees” at the Grand Central Art Center, 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, (714) 567-7233; www.grandcentralartcenter.com. Call for hours. Through Aug. 24.

Thanks Greg!

posted by Andrea

2008-07-21T22:22:00.001-07:00

First day back in the drivers seat!

2008-07-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

Mike drove himself to the doctors and than disappeared for about three hours today. Come to find out he went shopping for stuff at Target. He is feeling better. I worry about him but he is getting back to his old self again. He is weak still and tired but feeling stronger each day. He said his hands are not shaking as much which is a good sign.

Alex and I worked around the house and went to lunch. We also went to see Hell Boy at the theatre. It was really fun and we both enjoyed ourselves. It was fun to chill out for a bit. The theatre was pretty empty on a Sunday. I wish Mike could have come but he was tired. We can only take him to movies when it is less crowded. Monday night is a good time.

Tomorrow I work and getting apartments ready for new tenants. I also plan to work in the studio and paint for awhile. I am still trying to get it fixed up. I have only done a couple paintings in the last six weeks and hope to get back to working on things real soon. I am still tired myself from all this and find that I have very little energy. But that has not stopped me form working on fixing up the house and making books and doing exhibitions stuff. I just keep going! If I stop the monster will devour me.

I think in a few weeks I will take Alex up North to see friends and my parents. This is really our only time before school starts back again. Reading class starts tomorrow for Alex and we are looking forward to it.

Mike gave Alex his old iphone and now they are laying in bed playing Poker against each other. Alex is winning a great deal and I can't figure out if he is really that good, lucky or if Mike is letting him win. All I know is they are having fun and Alex really needs time with Mike. They missed each other a ton!

posted by Andrea

Boy up a tree

2008-07-21T21:59:00.001-07:00

Fitting in a little summer fun in Laguna. After seeing the dentist we headed to the beach and walked around and looked in the stores. Alex climbed this tree even with the Laguna Beach Police standing just over my shoulder. What a rebel.

Thanks to all who participated in our knitting event!

2008-07-19T20:01:00.001-07:00

Creatnine 1.54 and many thanks

2008-07-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

Mike had his stint removed and the procedure went very well. He did labs today and they came in low at 1.54 which is an amazing number to have. He is feeling better but still tired. We are taking good care of him. He is excited because he gets to drive again starting Monday. Freedom!

Amy had her knitting event today at GCAC and it was real nice. About six people came out to knit and crochet. We are planning to make sections for blankets and donate them to Children's Hospital. We are going to donate them to Renee, who has been a major part of this project! She will pass the blankets along to Disney's Crafty Critter Program. They work with CHOC hospital and make matching donations.

I am taking Mike to dinner now and will be posting more images and stories soon. To all I thank you for all your help and support. To Kathleen Costello you are amazing and generous and we love you! Thank you!!!

-posted by Amy and Andrea

HOME!

2008-07-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

Mike got home today at 1:00. He is tired but so so happy to be out of the hospital. The doctors have him on oral antibiotics now... some real strong stuff to clear him up. They say if this does not work he may have to go back into the hospital, but they are hoping he responds well. He will be laying low and resting over the next week or so. I am just so happy he is here.

Friday he will have outpatient surgery to have a stint in the kidney removed. He will also go on to have more labs taken to see how he is progressing.

When he was in the hospital he heard that two other patients were in for complications not associated to their kidney transplants. With immune suppression lots can happen if you are not on top of it. Lucky we have the best doctors and Mike is well cared for. Thanks t all the nurses for caring for him this past five days. You are all wonderful.

Tomorrow Alex and I will do work, continue to clean up around here and make it better for Mike and try and fit in a little summer fun. Shorty (aka Alex) has been at doctors and hospitals and so on and this has not been the best summer so far for him. He has seen good friends but he needs some fun time with me so we will have an adventure.

I hope we have less excitement in our lives for awhile. I need to rest as well.

posted by Andrea

Just got back from the hospital

2008-07-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

I just got in from visiting Mike. He is looking better and they say he may get out late tomorrow. They think the E coli might have been laying dormant in his old kidneys or in his prostate. I guess these things can happen.

He and I sat tonight and watched these shows about home improvement. I told him I was coming straight home to redo the entire house and it would all be done by the time he got home. Just like on TV. Well, I am actually sitting here drinking water and thinking about going to sleep. Oh well, best intentions count for something.

Amy is home from teaching and we had a conference call with Mike, Robin, Lloyd, Amy and I. It was fun to talk to everyone. Amy is doing great and getting ready for saturday to do her workshop at GCAC. Please come and join us for some afternoon fun with her if you can. I will be picking up lunch and it should be a fun day.

Well, good night all and thanks for all your support. Thanks Mitchell and Elva for visiting Mike today. It really made him happy to see you both.

Amy installation listed number 1 as best art event in OC July 4-11.

2008-07-15T17:38:00.000-07:00

Visual art
1. 'This used to be real estate, now it's only fields and trees' - Amy Caterina presents a multimedia installation including a simulated landscape via video, photography and knitted objects. The exhibit also explores Caterina's Pseudo-Sod series, where she transforms yarn into a knit replication of grass that covers the floor and several sculpted animals. Opening reception is 7-10 p.m. Saturday. The exhibit runs until Aug. 24. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays and until 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Free. Grand Central Art Center, Santa Ana.
2. Paul Brigham and Logan Wood- Brigham's paintings, above, reflect his Eastern influence as he paints bird, bees, bears and flowers against abstracted backgrounds. His silk-screened images, mark-making and color-fields create a constant change that is found in nature, as well as the physical and spiritual dimensions of landscape. Wood's sculptures seek new adventures as a way to revive everyday life. Her clay, wood and metal sculptures capture the traveler both mentally and physically. Exhibit runs until July 30. Gallery is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. Sue Greenwood Fine Art, Laguna Beach.
3. 'Red Strat' - Fullerton Museum Center will unveil a mural/mosaic in honor of Leo Fender. 6 p.m. Thursday, on the southwest corner of Harbor Boulevard and Commonwealth Avenue, in the alley behind 107 S. Harbor, Fullerton.
4. 'The Marvel and Measure of Peru: Three Centuries of Visual Histories, 1560–1880' - Exhibit features Martín de Murúa's "Historia general del Piru" (plus a related manuscript chronicle by Murúa) textiles, books, watercolors by Lima caricaturist Pancho Fierro, maps and photographs. Tuesday-Oct. 19. Center hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays and Sundays and until 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Free admission (parking is $8).J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Center, Los Angeles.
5. Will Koffman Opening - The featured artist of July, Koffman's bleach drawings and paintings will be on display. N.S.U., Neon Maniacs and Bad Parents will also be part of the night. Opening reception 6-10 p.m. July 11. Free. eVocal, Costa Mesa.
Contact the writer: mralston@ocregister.com

Pictures from a months before the surgery

2008-07-15T17:30:00.001-07:00

Mike is actually smiling under this mask

2008-07-15T17:28:00.000-07:00

Amy paying a visit yesterday and playing with the new upgraded software on the iphone.

Escherichia coli in the blood

2008-07-15T16:20:00.003-07:00

They diagnosed Mike today as having E coli. They are not sure how he got it but they are working to clear it up with a new strong antibiotic. He also has a dry cough that they think may be an additional virus and they are checking it out to see what they can find.

His x rays on his chest and sonogram for his kidney looked real good today. I brought him Greek food for lunch today so he got out of eating hospital food which he hates. He is hungry again and eating better now.

The doctors say he is responding well to treatment and he may be able to come home and another day or two depending on if they can get everything under control. he will be on oral antibiotics when he gets home and I am sure asked to rest and lay low for awhile.

This image is off the internet of E coli rods. Nasty little bacteria. Alex and I are doing well. I spent part of the day redoing the bedroom to get ready for Mike's return home. I can't wait to have him back home!

posted by Andrea

Update on Mike

2008-07-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

Today the infectious disease doctor came in and informed us that Mike will be staying in the hospital until they can fully determine what he has in his blood. They should have results of more blood cultures by tomorrow. Mike had a high fever again last night and did not sleep much so he is pretty beat. The doctors said they could not believe he walk into the hospital like he did when he was admitted. Usually people this sick cannot walk and are very lethargic. But, Mike is very strong and so he is holding tuff with all this.

They said he is responding well to the IV antibiotics and if all goes well tomorrow with his diagnosis they may let him come home soon.

Alex and I miss him. We shopped and are cleaning the house to get ready for him to return home. The dogs are desperate for their Dad! It is hard to be home knowing he is back in the hospital but we are OK and visiting him often.

Amy came over to see him at the hospital and made him laugh and it really cheered him up. We are all resting and waiting to see what tomorrow brings.

posted by Andrea

Portrait of Mike from today

2008-07-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

It looks like he is sad but actually he was playing Poker on his iphone. And for part of the time he was winning!

I know he looks older here than he really is but I have not drawn for a few weeks and am out of practice. He is really very handsome in that hospital gown.

We have not sat still long enough for me to draw in weeks. But I had fun passing the time just sketching him.

Alex and I came home and will head to sleep. The infectious disease doctor will see him tomorrow. So far all we know is that his fever was 100.1 as of this evening, he is tired and that his body needs some help fighting an infection in his blood. We will learn more tomorrow.

posted by Andrea

Mike was admitted to the hospital today

2008-07-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

Mike is back in the hospital and back in the same room we had before. He is not taking visitors at this time as he is resting and they don't want any new germs introduced to him at this time.

He has a rod shaped bacteria in his blood that is aggressive so they are treating him with IV antibiotics and trying to figure out exactly what kind of bacteria he has. It takes time to test him and diagnose him properly. Once they figure out what he has they can better pinpoint how to proceed and treat him. He will be in anywhere from one to three days one doctor told us. But we are not sure about any of this yet.

I will be at the hospital with him and update the blog as I find out more information.

Mike was so sad to go back in but they are treating him really well and we hope he will be out soon.

Because he is on immune suppression drugs it is important that they treat him in the hospital. His new kidney is holding up real well and has not shown signs of negative effect.

Wish him well. Thanks and I will send more info soon.

posted by Andrea

Just go in from the emergency room.

2008-07-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

Mike had been feeling bad all day. His temperature went up to 99.5 and so the nurse on call,(Paula) who has been so helpful to us, helped to screen his symptoms with Dr. Ruzics and put him on some Tylenol to help with his fever. They recommended bed rest all day, so Mike slept and rested. By about 7:00 pm his temperature had gone up to 100.5 and so we called the transplant center again. They asked us to go to the emergency room. We were there from 7:45 until 12:00 am. The did a chest x-ray, blood work and other tests. They think he is fighting an infection of some kind so they gave him antibiotics by IV and we will put him on more oral antibiotics starting tomorrow. It could be his old kidneys have an infection or maybe bladder or someplace else. The antibiotics they gave him will work all over the body so this will be the best bet to clear things up.

Everyone is the emergency room was amazingly helpful. Thanks to Julia and Josey our nurses and to the doctors. I am defiantly writing a letter to the hospital. They have been so good to us through all this and it means so much.

One of the reasons they let Mike go home tonight was that is Creatnine went to 1.65 tonight. Amy's kidney (Mrs. Kevin Hill Kidney) is just amazing and really performing for Mike. They said if his numbers were high or get high or if his symptoms get worse he will be hospitalized and they will fight the infection in the hospital. We will call the doctor Monday to see what we do from here.

So, glad we are home now. Alex is whipped and so are we. Time for bed and rest and hopefully Mike will have a good night and feel better tomorrow.

When Mike got the transplant the doctor said, this was only the beginning, and he was serious. This is going to be an ongoing challenge to get Mike well again. We are up for the challenge and will fight every step of the way.

Thanks for that amazing kidney Amy! We have the best chance in the world because of that amazing kidney! Love ya.

posted by Andrea

Real Orange TV aired tonight

2008-07-11T00:19:00.000-07:00

Real Orange, the only nightly broadcast television program for and about Orange County airs on KOCE public television, weeknights at 6:30 and 11:00 PM, and weekday mornings at 8:00 AM. Hosted by Ed Arnold and Ann Pulice, the half-hour programs explore all aspects of Orange County lifestyle, business, health, technology, family, education, politics, culture, the arts, and much more.

Amy and I were on tonight and it was very exciting to see her amazing installation shots.

(Photos by Eric Stoner). I have recorded the show and will post our segment in the next day. It is such an honor to receive publicity for the exhibition and receive great support and kudos to Amy for her amazing gift to Mike. Her donation is giving him a new and full life. He is looking and feeling great and each day gets better. I feel so lucky to have this life and to have so many wonderful friends. Thanks to all at KOCE for making it an enjoyable experience.

Also, tonight Wendy and I finished Aspects of Mel's Hole, which we have been working on for so long and it is absolutely gorgeous. It is 144 pages and when you see it you will love it. I Guarantee it! I am very excited because this book was so complicated and intense. Many thanks to Wendy Peng, an incredible designer who is really a powerhouse.

Tomorrow I go into the art center and help Dennis get the artist in residence studios ready for Amy to present her artist workshops as part of her exhibition. Amy will be holding free workshops from 11-4 on the 19th of July and one in August. I will post the August date in the next day. If you want to learn to knit, enjoy some great snacks and meet a wonderful artist and person you should try to attend. Email: caterina.amy@gmail.com to register. Space is limited.

Last note for the night is this. I wanted to thank Cathy Kubo for sending me the recipe and encouraging me to continue on my cooking adventure. Thank to our friend Tom Dowling for coming out to get Mike and taking him out on the town for lunch. It really lifted his spirits.

Also, thanks you Susan ( Mike's sister) for cooking for us tonight and for your wonderful company. Thanks to Lloyd (Mikes Dad) for also coming and enjoying dinner with us. As you can see we are not starving with all this loving care!

Please enjoy the video!

posted by Andrea & Amy

We did the KOCE Interview today

2008-07-09T23:42:00.000-07:00

Well... Amy and I went and did the interview about Amy's artwork and the kidney transplant with KOCE Real Orange News. The show will air tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. on your PBS station. It went real well and Amy did great. I got stuck a couple times talking but it all worked out well.

When I picked Amy up for the show we found that we had both worn the exact color brown shirt so before we went to the station to be interviewed we stopped an got a bite to eat and she bought this amazingly cool black top. So we were not twins for the taping which was good.

We met the Assessor for the County who was featured on the show as well. He was talking about property taxes going up while property values go down. I get his letters for my house and it was interesting to hear what he had to say. I guess he is getting a great deal of mail right now from many home owners.

The great news today is that Mike's Creatnine is at 1.77 today. That is the second lowest its been since the surgery. He was so excited. We celebrated by going to the movies to see the The Love Guru with Mike Meyers. Funny but like all the other movies he does. Funny and silly!

I have been working late into the night trying to finish three major books. One is at the printers as of today. One will go off in two days and the other in about two weeks. Ouch... this has been a hard time for publishing. My mind has been so tied up that it has been hard to focus. But, I am focused now and things are getting done. I am proud to say these books

are absolutely wonderful!

I enrolled Alex in a summer reading program through UCI Extension. He has been having trouble reading so this will help I think. Also I will will attend the classes with him so I will learn how to teach him to read better. I do the phonics book with him now and that seems to also be helping. I was a slow reader in school and took a special class when I was his age. I'm not worried about him, he will get it soon and than he will fall in love with books as I did.

I wanted to say a special thanks to some amazing friends at CSUF who paid to have our house cleaned over the past month. What a help it has been for us. Thanks so much to Joyce Leong and the Art Alliance, Larry Johnson, Jackie Reynolds, Cathy Arthur, Debra Winters, Marilyn Moore, Joanna Roche and Rochel Junn.

posted by Andrea

Cup Cake!

2008-07-08T23:24:00.001-07:00

I decided to make cup cakes to see if I could do it yesterday. Well they came out OK. I had left over batter so I made a small cake with it as well. I decided that I need to do more cooking projects with Alex so for the first one I chose is the unhealthy idea of cupcakes.

My next attempt will be healthy food for us. Maybe dinner or some yummy snack. Alex won't eat this cake since he has always hated cake. Funny he is the only kid I have ever known who hates cake. He and Mike both like only healthy stuff. I am the junk food lover in this family. No, I will not eat all these cup cakes but I will sample some. I mean I have to taste my work to know if I am on the right track.

Yellow cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles... Just in case you were wondering! Yummy......:)

posted by Andrea

Life goes on and on!

2008-07-08T23:11:00.000-07:00

Mike and Alex got out of the house and we went on a drive Sunday. Headed to the coast and ended up at Laguna Art Museum. The current exhibition is wonderful and we all enjoyed ourselves very much. I recommend taking the trip over to check it out for yourself. Art is a big part of our lives so having Mike back in the gallery was a great thing for his moral. Meg Linton did a great job curating this exhibition and Greg Escalante and all the others who helped make it happen also did a great job.

Alex hated the hula girls pictured in the background of this image. They freaked him out. He loved much of the other works. It is a great show to bring kids. A real unique experience for them.

We are all doing real well and can't believe it has been almost one month since the surgery. Mike has amazingly good lab results and his Creatnine is about 1.9 now but seems to be staying between 1.8 and 2.0. Mike and Amy are both doing great. Amy is back to her teaching as of yesterday. It is hard to do as she is still tired but I know how she loves to teach and misses the students. I am very happy she is back in the swing of things. Also, her exhibition went off amazing. So many people came to the opening and have been giving wonderful feedback to Amy and all of us at the Art Center. Tomorrow at 3:00 we will be featured on Real Orange KOCE TV. Amy and I plan to go in and talk about the exhibition. The show will air Thursday and I will post the times once I know the details.

I have been busy working trying to catch up on finishing book projects and curating a couple exhibitions. I am also still spending time taking care of Mike and Alex. Life is good!

posted by Andrea

Opening Night!

2008-07-06T12:28:00.001-07:00

The opening reception was amazing! Thank you to everyone at the Art Center for all their support and ingenuity with the installation, and thanks to all my friends that helped install the grass floor, while I rested upstairs in the AIR apartment.

If anyone has any questions about the exhibition and workshops, please email me: caterina.amy@gmail.com and check out the latest on www.freerangeknitting.com

Also, any inquires on purchasing a critter or deer, please email me for price.

Photos: Eric Stoner

-Posted by Amy

Cover of Today's OC Register!

2008-07-03T14:39:00.003-07:00

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/caterina-mcgee-kidney-2083275-people-art

Thank you for checking out our blog! We are very excited about the article that came out today in the OC Register. Thank you Richard for your amazing writing. I hope this will inspire others to reach out and help others. Life is an amazing adventure and I am so grateful to all the many people who have been here for us. Thank you to Dr. Chamberlain for doing a wonderful job on Amy's surgery. You were not mentioned in the article but we greatly appreciate your professionalism, support and humor!

Make sure to register with Donate Life as a Organ, Tissue and Blood donor. You can make a major difference and give the gift of Life also!

News Update!....... Amy and I have been asked to come on the KOCA Real Orange TV show on Wednesday of this next week. The interview will air on Thursday! We will be posting times you can check it out.

posted by Andrea

We are busy and good....Even these two!

2008-07-02T00:52:00.001-07:00

We are busy installing Amy's big solo exhibition in the project room at GCAC. This is Amy and Alex taking a break. Amy is still very tired and sore but she is a trooper and hanging in there. She rested on all her knitted sections that will soon be sewn together to create a soft grassy carpet. This installation is really coming along. Dennis stayed at work late dialing in the projection and mounting speakers. I will be there all day tomorrow working to get it done with the amazing staff at GCAC.

We are all very proud of Amy and so supportive of her artwork and all that she has done. Congrats in advance Amy. I am sure the exhibition will be packed and a huge hit!

Also, a photographer is coming by to photograph Amy in the gallery with some of her wonderful helpers tomorrow. The OC Register is coming out with a major article on Amy and Mike on Thursday so keep your eyes peeled!

By the way as of yesterday Mike's Creatnine is 1.8 and he has approx. 85 to 90 percent function of his new kidney. He is doing amazing.

Many Thanks to you Heather

2008-07-02T00:42:00.001-07:00

Today we received a card from Heather the librarian from CSUF. She was a kidney recipient December 7, 2007 and has been in touch with us in support of Mike through our kidney surgery adventures. Knowing she had been through this helped me a great deal as I was very nervous as all of you know. Well, today she send a sweet card an with it a special gift for Mike and Amy. It is a Donate Life pin that is cut in two and one half is for the donor and the other for the recipient.

I will bring Amy's half to the gallery tomorrow and I am sure she will be thrilled. When Mike and Amy speak next year at the Donate Life event I am sure they will be wearing these pins. Forever connected.

Amy in her new Perfect Dress for her Opening

2008-06-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

Seeing Kidneys

2008-06-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

I ate out the other day and saw this metal work that looked like hundreds of kidneys. I seem to be seeing kidneys everywhere I go these days.

Posted by Andrea

Meeting with Dr. Segala

2008-06-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Alex has been a trooper and during his summer break he has had to attend many doctors appointments with Mike and I. He brings his legos and works on projects while all this business unfolds. He is so supportive. He has also been on a few plays dates, gone to the beach several times and will be hitting Lego Land and more beach in the next few weeks.

Mike is doing real well. He has been better on his Creatnine at 1.9 and he has more energy. We are at the doctors about twice a week now and they are all very pleased with his progress. Mike is stilled at home most of the time but has been getting visitors. Joe and Catherine came by yesterday and our neighbors have some by to visit also. Mike is able to talk longer on the phone and has been chatting it up with friends over the last week. He went to a movie with me yesterday and did real well. We saw Wanted and it was fast paced and bloody. He loved it.

I'm doing great. less stressed and feeling like I have my energy back. I am working on books and Amy's exhibitions with my amazing staff at GCAC. That show is going to rock and all of you must attend it. We open Saturday the 5th of July 7-10 p.m. It will be a great party.

posted by Andrea

Having a Pain in the Chest

2008-06-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night, early Wednesday morning I woke up with a terrible pain in my chest. I was semi-asleep and trying to wake up, and my chest was was tight, burning, heavy. I have asthma and a myriad of stomach issues, so I finally went back to sleep attributing it to one of those calamities. But the pain stuck around until after noon on Wednesday, and I called the Renal Transplant Center to talk to a nurse. My symptoms could have meant a blood clot in the lung; chances were low but they are so cautious and thorough at St. Josephs that they asked to come into ER and have a chest X-Ray to eliminate that scenario. Alyssa, my co-worker at the Art Center jetted me to the hospital and a few minutes later we were settled into a room watching America's Toughest Prisons / Lockdown on National Geographic channel. I would not have turned the station even if had been more than one remote control for the floor. I love that stuff; and I learned how to make and conceal a shiv from an everyday plastic bag! After some bloodwork I was cleared. Kevin met Alyssa at the ER, and took me home for an evening of pork chops and Bladerunner on BluRay. The doctors said the chest pain was most likely muscular in nature. Since my abs are sort of useless, my back and chest have had to over compensate for them. I cant stand for to long, or my back aches terribly. I am home resting and playing alittle World of Warcraft.

posted by AMY

Mikes sees Dr. Ruziks

2008-06-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

We had our weekly appointment with the Dr. and all went real well. Mike is tired, and his mood is up and down do to bouts of pain he is still experiencing. The doctor told Mike to take it easy and just let the recovery process happen. It will take some time to feel better. Mike's Creatnine is up to 2.0 which is still good but they are keeping a close eye on him to make sure it is not creeping up. They said they will biopsy the kidney if the number moves again to make sure Mike is not experiencing a slow rejection of the kidney. We are taking good care of him and keeping our fingers crossed that he continues on this recovery path.

Mike has lost 20 pounds over the past two and a half weeks. He cannot fit his pants and is very lean. So lean that the other night he was washing his hands and his wedding ring must have fallen into the drain and got flushed away by the water. I checked the pipe trap and it was no where to be found. He was sad because he missed his ring and really liked it.

I decided to go out the the jewelry store tonight and buy him a new gold band. One that would fit him at his new size. He is a new man with a wonderful future ahead of him and so it along seems right that he should have a new wedding ring to replace the lost one.

I came home and got down on one knee and asked him to be my husband. He said he yes with a smile. He loves his new ring. I love him and all is well.

By the way I wanted to thank so many more of our friends for the great cards that have been sent to Mike. Thanks to Theron, Carlota, Marilyn, and Robin for coming by and helping to take care of us. We appreciate all our friends.

First time out shopping for food!

2008-06-24T17:43:00.000-07:00

Amy and I made the big trip out to go grocery shopping after meeting with Judith her dietician.

Trader Joe's staff gave Amy this very helpful ride to get around in which really helped her make her shopping experience a pleasant one.

Thanks to Trader Joes!

Ended up in the hospital tonight

2008-06-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

Mike called my at about 3:00 today and said that I needed to take him to the hospital now. I was a bit freaked out and headed out the door to drive home and get him and Alex. I called him from the car and he said that his Creatnine levels had gone up and the doctor was concerned. To be safe they wanted him to get a sonogram of the Mrs. Kevin Hill Kidney to see if all was OK with her. They said the kidney looks OK but something is causing the numbers to raise so they told us they would talk to us again soon and see us Wednesday at our scheduled doctors appointment.

Mike may be having problems with his bladder which is causing urine to back up into the kidney. This is a serious thing as it can cause damage to the new kidney if untreated. Our doctors are so on top of all this and when they see anything that looks at all suspect they act promptly to have Mike checked out. I love having such good people looking out for Mike. It sets my mind at ease knowing they are on our team.

I can honestly say that Saint Joseph's staff and facility is great. We have been treated very well there. I did however take Alex to the cafeteria for a quick bite while we waited for Mike. The food is not very healthy but it is comfort food. Glad we did not have to stay there for long. Man is that hospital cold! We are home now and Mike is resting. Everyday is a challenge.

Check out www.freerangeknitting.com

2008-06-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

Go to the links button. Once inside the links page push the brown button on the upper right corner for special thanks from the artist. This is soooooo Coool!

Alex on play-date with his girl Arcadia

2008-06-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

Alex is in deep like with this lovely girl. I think she is a sweet girl and she and her Mom Carol are really fun to be around. We had a great day together yesterday running around town. Alex really misses his school friends and it was great to have some fun with both of them.

Amy and Dr. Chamberlain

2008-06-21T11:39:00.001-07:00

Lets Give These Two a Handclap!

2008-06-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

I cant speak for Mikie directly, but I think he would agree that he and i have been treated royally since the surgery. Everyone - family, friends, strangers! (stay tuned for that tale of Brando!) - has gone out of their way to make sure we are exquisitely cared for and happy at rest.

Anyone who knows me, will agree that sometimes it is hard to tell when I'm being nice; or at least my version of nice. Im cranky, recalcitrant, and an Italian from NY. My intentions are not always understandable in my actions. I lack a built in editing program; and my love can be oppressive. Just ask Alexander how hard I can hug. But I love these two; Andrea and Kevin have made this journey possible with their resolute conviction in our success and their unshakable love and patience. Thank you two, Im giving you a hardy handclap. Now if you will excuse me, Im tired from laughing all day.

-Amy

Amy and Mike are doing amazing

2008-06-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

What an amazing journey we have all been on. I am sure Amy will add to these images I have posted but I just wanted you all to see how beautiful they both are!

First time we are all together since the hospital

2008-06-19T21:24:00.001-07:00

Amy in her WOW shirt. Thanks Donna aka Mom

2008-06-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

This is where Mrs. Kevin Hill Kidney Lives Now

2008-06-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

Pedicure Finally!

2008-06-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

The People in Charge of My Care

2008-06-19T10:18:00.001-07:00

Renee and Jacob live in the apartment next door and have been vital to my survival. Last night after a particularly bad argument with my intestines, I needed some white rice. Finding white rice in Santa Ana is an intimidating task to some, but not to Jacob. He strutted right out and brought some back. I dont know where he got it and frankly I dont care. It was heavenly. When Renee got home from work at Disney and Kevin finished up for the day we spent our quality time family hour with Dick Wolf and the cast of one of the Law and Orders. Every time we think we have it figured out, boy they trick us! Although during last nights episode, Kevin did scream at the TV in an indignant tone, "What! do I have to spell it out for you Mariska?"

-Posted by Amy

Smuckers Strawberry Preserves

2008-06-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was very relaxing. I needed it, the day before I had tried to do too much. I was very sore and emotional, so yesterday was a mental health day. I woke up with such a craving for Smuckers Strawberry Preserves that you would have thought I was pregnant. I had dreams about, woke at 400 AM willing the clock to tick the time when the CVS opened and maybe Tracey, would take pity on me and get me some toast and jelly!

Success! First, Gypsy Den, the little hippie joint attached to our building where I have been eating for ten years (out of necessity and for the coconut cake), had white toast. Unheard of! Hippies love themselves some poppy, bran, nut, honey and raisin bread with 8 kinds of oats, but I craved white bread with strawberry preserves. Tracey made the purchase at the pharmacy and as the kids say she "hooked me up." She checks on me every morning and afternoon and I am very thankful for her!

I wonder if Mikie has been eating more Smuckers Strawberry Preserves....hmmmm

-Amy

Just Because He Looked So Peaceful Redux

2008-06-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

I am putting together a last minute mailing list for my show and am short a few addresses! If you would some of the fabulous invites, please email me your mailing address and I will send one out!

Also, in kidney related news, today is my doctor's appointment with my surgeon. The incision is very sore and the nerves across my belly feel slightly fuzzy. Im a little nervous, I havent been outside in a while and it is going into the triple digits today. I will report in later.

This is my sweetest Kevin with my kidney pillow. Im not sure if he gets any sleep at night; he is so cautious not to knock into me. But in the last few days he has made my transition from 24 Vicodin a day to 4 a day possible. I do have some pretty horrendous nightmares, and have these little spasms when I wake. Its as if my whole body is trying to contort into the Praying Mantis position, but locked into place by the arrangement of pillows and blankets. That scares the hell out of Kevin, but he rolls over and pats my heads, and I fall back to sleep.

-Amy

Just because he looks so peaceful

2008-06-18T22:44:00.001-07:00

Support when you have to go see the doctor

2008-06-18T22:30:00.001-07:00

We took Mike to the doctors again today. Alex was close by him making sure he made it there OK.

We have our boy back home and it is great to have him here. We missed his terrible. He just always makes things better and more fun. It is great that Mike is feeling better so Alex does not have to see him feeling sick.

They had a good day together. Mike was so happy to be hanging out with Alex again.

We also got a scare tonight. When I was undressing Alex for bed I notices his stomach was covered around his belly button with about 20 red spots. They look like bug bites or something like that. He also had some on his arm. I was shocked and thought he had Chicken Pox. Well, I was scared because Mike is on all these rejection drugs that depress his immune system. I called the nurse on call to be safe and asked if Mike would be OK if Alex was coming down with the Chicken Pox.

The nurse told me that almost all the patients they care for have antibodies to protect them because they already had Chicken Pox and that Mike would be OK. She said that if it is Chicken Pox just don't let Mike touch him after the spots start to get really bad. Alex was so sad when he saw the bumps because he knows we are protecting Mike from any germs or infections. I told him it would be alright and that Mike will be OK. We are so lucky to have these wonderful nurses and doctors we can call when we are worried about things.

Winner of the Best Get Well Card!

2008-06-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

We received this blue ball today in the mail from our friend Kathleen Costello from CSUF. I love that you can send a ball in the mail like this. Mike got a real kick out of it. Thanks so much!

We also wanted to thank Kyung Sun Cho and Debra Winters and Patrick Merrill for your thoughtful wishes. Also thanks to James and Diana Hill for the Amazon cards. Amy and Mike will be buying books soon.

Thank you!

2008-06-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who has sent flowers, books, and yummies!!

Photos from June 9, 5 AM ish - Photos by Amy

2008-06-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

Mike and Amy are back in Rare Form

2008-06-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

Both Mike and Amy are back to picking on me so I know they are feeling much much better. Tonight Mike went for another walk but feels he over did it a bit. He is resting now and I hope will feel better in the morning.

I am back to working on some of my book projects that must get done asap. Publishing is a great business but it is killing me right now. It is hard to design and get back into the groove after all we have been through this past week and the weeks prior to all this. Details are a killer on these projects.

I am slowly getting my life back in order and plan to have three books complete in the next four weeks and that will be all my major projects in publishing for 2008. After that I start exhibitions and publishing for 2009 which will be a monster since I have another four books and six exhibitions I am working on.

I am just grateful that Mike and Amy are doing so well as it makes doing work much less stressful. My priority is with them but I also must feed the beast at GCAC and make the many wonderful artists I am working with happy. Oh, life is good and with a good nights sleep it will even get better.

I watched 60 minutes on TV last night which talked about sleep and the lack of sleep and how it can really hurt you. I don't sleep much but I am going to change my ways. They say you are more likely to have serious health issues like Heart Disease, Diabetes, Gain Weight and die younger if you are sleep deprived. I am usually sleep deprived. I have been since college and from what I gather it is a real bad way to live life. So, I am going to sleep and I hope you sleep well also. 7 to 8 hours they say and you will be healthier, smarter and sharper on your feet.

I need all that and more. Good night

Poor Mikie!

2008-06-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is a call for help! An intervention!! LISTEN UP friends and family!!!

If you are a fan of the blog, and how can you not be, you know that a few days ago Andrea tried to drag me across the bed (in her futile effort to help me reposition myself in bed.) Then, she cackled, her eyes glowed red, you know the story...

Today, not more than a few hours ago, probably close to when Mikie and I were both dreaming about July 11 and the release of the iphone, I received a frantic call from Mikie!! Andrea had struck again! This time in the form of a sassy slap to the bare buttocks as he innocently tried to dress himself! She saw her opening and went in for the spank. He called me in tears, and i was in tears from knowing the pain of her sadist nature, and she laughed and laughed!

New iphone on the mind

2008-06-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

You know Mike is feeling better when he is surfing the net looking at the information on the new iphone. He is a junky for technology.

We went to the lab today to have blood taken for more tests. We should have results by 5:00 today. We spoke with the transplant nurse and she said that Mike is doing really well. She told us we don't need to call in everyday from now on..... unless something important comes up and his vitals change or he starts to feel bad. We have a follow up appointment Wednesday with the transplant surgeon.

Amy is feeling much better today. I plan to go to work and visit her later. She is needing a visit with Olive the Corgi!

Thank you for Being a Friend

2008-06-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

"traveled down the road and back again, your heart is true, you're a pal and a confidante."

I would like to share some of my recovery with you. I haven't been writing to much because it took me a few days to be able sit up and draw on any coherency left from the vicodine.

I just want to thank everyone who has helped me to shower, dress, eat, and manage over the last 2 weeks.

I appreciate my friends, especially the ones that dont drag me across the bed. I have to keep this short because Im in the middle of a Golden Girls marathon. I think Andrea is Dorthy and I might be Blanche.