UP FOR THE TASK
A to-do list helps keep track of important errands and appointments
Attached to my fridge door is a notepad titled Alice's To-do List, a gift received some years ago from my friend Lilian. While some pages are already torn off, here is a look at the items currently on the list and their background story.
CHANGE FINAL TRIP INSTRUCTIONS
A few days ago, my phone rang. It was my former colleague Mary, one year my senior, just home after another hospital stay. During our conversation she peppered me with questions, such as “Have you made a will?” My answer was, yes, I have. “Do you have any relatives in town?” No, only in other parts of Canada. Next, “Have you made funeral arrangements? I have made mine.”
I explained that yes, I have, sort of. I gave instructions for a cousin in Hungary to come to Canada, get my remains and transport them to be buried in the family grave in Budapest, my native city. Still there are problems, as my cousin has health issues and she, too, is getting on in years. “Then you should talk to Bridget,”
Mary advised. I knew she meant Bridget Fetterly of Kane Fetterly funeral home here in Montreal. Yes, the problem bothers me and I will have to make several calls.
SOLVE THE `POD PAD' PROBLEM
Now here is a new one for me, a consistent pain that made me acquainted with medical professionals and illnesses I had never even heard about. Symptoms: stiffness in both feet, pain shooting up legs, all this while in bed at night. First: trip to podiatric doctor, a foot specialist. Diagnosis: possibly PAD (peripheral arterial disease); note written to family doctor advises referral to vascular surgeon, a specialist treating diseases of the vascular (circulatory) system resulting in bloodflow problems. The PAD pamphlet paints a rather scary picture of possible consequences of the disease, even while describing causes and treatments; still, I will seek a “second opinion” hoping to solve the problem.
MAKE THYROID APPOINTMENT
It all started when I told my ear, nose and throat specialist about my difficulties when swallowing. Off I was sent to a clinic where ultrasound test showed nodules (swellings) on the thyroid gland. I was told to see a thyroid surgeon for further examination. Thyroid gland? Nodules, perhaps cancerous? Thyroid specialist? More words and conditions I had never thought about but now had to consider. Fortunately, a further biopsy at the specialist's office showed the nodules were benign, but possibility of cancer lurks and I am to see the specialist in a year's time, which is coming up soon.
GET ANOTHER HEARING TEST
While I have been wearing hearing aids for years now, I got worried when, recently, I could not follow a lunchtime conversation with friends. Perhaps another hearing test could show the need for improved hearing aids.
CHECK READING GLASSES
While my treatments for macular degeneration continue, and I have had two cataract surgeries, I am still able to read with prescribed eyeglasses. Still, reading is not always easy and I will have to ask the ophthalmologist if reading glasses could be improved.
HOUSEHOLD TASKS
Call locksmith to check a defective lock; replace broken watering can; install new venetian blinds to replace ones that collapsed; call electrician to fix table lamp; replace torn shower curtain.
And now, for a happy end, here are a few items already checked off on my to-do list.
BUY ZOOM ESSENTIALS
Bought camera and microphone for desktop computer to be able to join Zoom meetings. Already had my first Zoom experience, viewing a video trip to Paris. With the camera looking down on me atop my computer screen, I was surprised to see myself on the screen. Good thing I had just returned from the hairdresser.
RENEW CANADIAN PASSPORT
Done. Renewed for another 10 years. How is that for optimism?
Good luck with your to-do list, too!