The Caregiver & Dysfunctional Families: How are you doing?

^ weird not wired haha!

Hoping that in a couple of weeks, the "new" site will be familiar enough to all that we want to keep using it. Having gone through a couple of format changes on AC in past few years, seems the site always loses a few regulars each time they change. I'm sure they're making changes for good reasons (I hope so!) but it's... WEIRD, like Sharyn said. hmmm

Hope you’re right Ali. I can’t read this. Have to use a magnifying glass to read who is posting. Plus the whole thing is too light. I need the darker colors.

I don't know!!! Maybe this is a new business practice.

The denturist sent the invoice, which was higher than she quoted me on the phone. Ooops, I forgot too tell you the soft liners are more expensive than the hard ones. Originally she was going to send me a quote before she did the job, then she went ahead and did it and sent me the invoice. I called a different plumber and he was ready to schedule me in without giving me a quote at all. No thank you. Send me a quote and a pic of the faucet so I can see if it is the right one.

If I don't have fm pain tomorrow I may be able to go downtown and pick up the one I want, if they have it, and get then first guy to install it. He is the cheapest so far. It shouldn't be this complicated.

I hear the concerns with the new site. I had a few blips but they seem to be sorted out. I am still finding my way around and that will take a while, I know. Using an cell phone to access the site would be a problem for me. If facebook can keep the same format,it seems to me anyone should be able to!!!

Take care all!

Got word earlier from my cardiologist. My ultrasound and blood work are okay. Got approval for a week’s vacation as long as I don’t go too far afield, don’t use public transportation, etc. So we’re going to spend a week in a cottage on the shore at Prince Edward Island. Be good to see some different scenery. Hoping to catch a singer that we both like at a pub where she regularly performs - Otherwise no itinerary - simply rest.

Yay, Becky

not too sure of the distance, but look up the red shoe pub - I think it's near PEI

Ms Madge, I looked up that pub. I don’t think it’s too far from where we’re staying. It’s at Cape Breton. Will try to check it out. Sounded good and the food sounded interesting. I’m supposed to limit my exposure in crowded public places, but maybe early evening or late afternoon before it gets too crowded.

Ms Madge, We’re going to stop in Cape Breton on the way home next Saturday. Tonight going to The Triangle in Charlottetown to see Kelly Mooney, one of our favorites. This is a great area. Shore is beautiful. Cottage we’re renting is exactly as advertised. Charlottetown has lots of nice restaurants including one dedicated to chocolate🙂 Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Greetings, Everyone!
I have been off line for a good while and need to catch up.
I hope you all are well, and in good spirits.

I am having a great time here in Korea. All my worry and anxiety was for nothing. I mean I would have frequent panic attacks just thinking of packing, getting the ticket, looking at the itenerary.

I again, realized how much I missed my mother. Even though we didnt have the best mother daughter relationship. I was accustomed to calling her on every trip I made and late nights during my shift. I know that she would get a thrill sharing that I was in Korea visiting my son and would love seeing the pictures and videos laughing at the antics and how the grands were growing up, all the dancing and prancing....

So I have dreams, I guess working out my concerns. I dream my room was open and things were moved or taken, changes made in the house. Confrontations about "now you see" realizing that there is no logic to my sister's thinking and knowing she want to blame me for any revelations about my mother's care while I am away.

I left a note for her that I would be gone a few weeks, to please give my mother the meals on wheels and freeze the unused ones. Also to feel free to use the chucks on floor for the dog mess.

He had started doing his busiess on living room floor. So that was added work. I dont think she or my nephew were aware so I know they have had a lot of discoveries pertaining to the needs and care of my mother. I am anxious about the affects of it all will pertain to me.

I had some guilt about leaving. And yes, this was a much needed break. I am a lot more relaxed and have real smiles and laughter in my life.

Nothing is perfect but I am so grateful to spend this time with my son, his wife and the grands. He had days filled. we went so many places and did a lot of things. I still have another week and I am embracing the love, and happiness.

I also got a laptop, finally. Dont know much about this technology but I got simple one not so expensive. I have to take it to a guy on my block to download my movie app and games. Well....... I can go on and on. It felt good seeing the site and getting on see the familiar names.

I have much love for you all and send rays of love peace and happiness.

Hey I do want to mention that I texted my nephew about leaving with no answer. When I got here my son says he called him with no response. A few days later he texted him and told him I was visiting. Then nephew responds, saying he did not answer number he didnt know. BS. My son has texted him several times from the K number saying who he was.

I just don't get it. I practically raised him. He and his brother were like brothers to my son. In the community the church with my mother. I took them on all kinds of trips and events when they were growing up. I still find it hard to believe what we have become as a family. We all lived together for years when they could not set foot where my sister lived with her boyfriend. I am far very far from perfect but I never said a word against my sister or did anything to hurt anyone. I just can't understand how we got this way. I am having a hard time accepting lt.
I have a problem letting go. The good memories lead to how did we get here.

The therapy has helped in a lot of ways. But I still have a long ways to go. Not to mention being middle aged, concerned about my health, my own aging process and issues, wanting to have someone to grow old with laugh with and to share with.

Anyways, it feels good to be able to share some of my innermost concerns.

Oh yes, my visit was for my son;s birthday. We went to a resort, a cruise ship on land by the ocean. It was an awesome three days and we bought fireworks he was able to set them off on the beach that night after a boat ride and dinner. It was well deserved and just wonderful.

Rays of light love and peace to all.

Duck, Have a safe trip. Enjoy the time with your son and grandchildren. Take good care of yourself.

Dduck, you have Fun! You So deserve it! Enjoy those Grandies!

Thanks Becky and Stacey.

I am still trying to figure out this new format. It a little wierd and frustrating trying to figure things out.

Well I am really having a nice time. My daily routine is getting out going to get groceries, or something needed in the house or for work, a new wig, something. Now I wake up at 4am which is 4pm back home. Everyone is sleep. Today is another down day tomarrow we go to Seoul again and then for a sea food lunch to my son's job.

So I go a little stirr crazy at moments because I am always on the go once I get up. Mainly figure out what to cook then go get it becuase I cant leave food in freezer. Or cleaning, or fighting pest.

The jet lag is over. And for a change I really dont need melatonin to fall asleep. I left my supplements home by mistake and thank goodness I have not caught cold or conjestion or sinus issue so I am feeling really blessed.

I get these spasms in my legs sometimes and pain when I sit too long along with stiffness and pain with walking when I sit too long. These issues are greatly diminished, Thank goodness!! I am smoking a lot less also and when I do , it rarely a whole cigarette. That may be becuase I have to leave premises to smoke. I didnt even go on balcony last night for my few puffs.

Wrote a few postcards, I have 2 more to write. I am always thinking of my mother. I feel a little twisted that I cant call and see how she is doing. My cousin who is like a niece the one with cancer would hear and tell me if anything happened. By the way she still has the shortness of breath and getting transfusions like every two weeks. I have moments where I get so sad wondering her fate. Deep inside I feel this battle may be her last and she and my son were on the phone and I heard him say I will tell her (meaning me, we were walkingfrom store) when I got to car I was almost in tears and started to say dont tell me nothing if its not good. He finally said she was feeling better. But next day she text she was still short of breath and going to see doctor. They still have not found the source of the shortness of breath. she says her abdomen is swelled, she looks pregnant and she can only walk a few steps at a time. I know Chemo is very draining. And with all the new innovations there is not telling what combination of sideeffects will prevail. I wish there was something I could do. I just pray and try to be there for her, encourage her make her laugh and listen to her vent. My aunt who is also her aunt my mother sister is just like my mother and sister and gives her a lot of stress for so many years. Her daughter is pregnant 18 and now living with this aunt after she and boyfried fell out.

Whoa, I started to gointo a detailed history and had to delete it. I get carried awaysometimes and tend to ramble. It's all meaningful to me but would most likely be a very agravating. LOL

Anyways, this is a lovely leisure moment for me. I am sittling here with my new laptop lol, (no emoji). By the time everyone wakes up, I will have gone back upstairs. I usually fall asleep watching my shows on the phone.

Then I get up and watch shows with the grands. This is my time on the main tv. I enjoy the kid shows and movies. Some movies my client watches daily overthe four years I have been workingwith her so thats when I go out have a smoke and a few cocktails and watch a movie onphone or talk with my sonwhilehe is grilling or get on line.

My mother is always in the back of my mind. Twisted or nephew dont answer when I call from home so i know better than to play my self and try to call especially since I had the nerve to up and go away. its still weird not being able to call and hear her voice or rambling.

Its hot and humid here. The nights get cooler almost nice. First mosquito attack last nite. lol.

Rays of love light and peace to all truly from my heart.

I am continuously gracious for this forum and all you wonderful folk (((((((HUGS)))))))

Hey all! I just wanted to pop in and say hi! And tell you I haven't been around much because I am madly trying to get ready for our Joni Mitchell show August 1. I'm sure things will be a bit calmer once it's over, but right now, every spare second I have is consumed with practicing. (Literally, there's nothing in my head but Joni Mitchell - even when I'm sleeping!!!) Which feels good! And challenging, because we're doing the songs as she wrote them (with all her weird guitar tunings, quirky timing, and vocal styling....and not skipping over her "jazz years" either, which....oof! That stuff is tricky!). Being challenged feels good, too! I mean....being challenged with MUSIC feels good. Being challenged by my mother.....meh. Lol.

So I haven't disappeared....just on a bit of a hiatus, I guess, while my 2 cohorts and I try to master the material in time for the show! Big hugs to you all!

DDDuck are you taking advantage of the shopping there? I only went one time to Seoul for the weekend. Room, air and tour was included - business trip. I had great fun shopping at Itaewon. I loved all the unusual trinkets one doesn't see at home. My business associates went crazy over the purses. Whenever my BIL was stationed in Korea, he would buy those thick bed comforters. It was quite inexpensive. To buy it here on island was like double the price. I don't use the air con in my bedroom so I was never interested in comforters. I know Itaewon is a tourist area but … sometimes it's great to be a tourist!... By the way, I recalled walking down to a basement, and was surprised that there was a mini shopping area down there...

We went to eat lunch at a restaurant. The waitress asked if we wanted bread or rice with our meal. She was quite shocked when we all said rice. Eh! We live in Asia not North America. Our main staple is rice not bread or mashed potato.  sigh.... in another restaurant, they only had metal Round chopsticks. I may live in Asia but I'm terrible with wooden squarish chopsticks. Imagine using a round metal one! … {blushing} same thing happened with a Hong Kong business associate. He took us to lunch - in which they had round metal chopsticks. My Filipino partner was an expert with the chopsticks. I was struggling with mine. I gave up trying (and trying and trying) to lift up my noodles. It kept sliding off the chopsticks. When I gave up and looked up, our Hong Kong business associate was watching me with fascination as I tried (unsuccessfully) to try to eat the noodles....

Enjoy yourself! Have fun! Put aside the worries. Because no matter what, it will be waiting for you when you return home. So, you might as well enjoy yourself.

Dori, break a leg and great musical challenge.
DDuck enjoy your family.
Becky hope your vacation is restful and restoratitive for you.

Has as anyone heard or know what happened with Jessiebelle?

Hi Book! ((((Hugs))))). I just asked DI about Itaewon. We went there on third night in town. It was wonderful. I didn't see the purses. It was great shopping, They have everything. We went to Osan songtan yesterday I bought a nice LV bag to go with a wallet purse my son and his wife got me for Christmas I was thrilled. Not in to that type stuff really but I needed a bigger bag to carry phone and I always have this large purse with folders and papers. So I needed something nice for the rare times I meet friends for dinner or whateer.

I did pick up a few change purses with Korean paintings for I in Osan also. Yes I saw the silver chopsticks!! Wow. I tried many times to use and cant get the hang so when I saw them I was tempted to get a pak but I had such a stressful time organizing junk in my room I told my self don't you dare. When I had a small window garden I would use the wood ones for support.

We are going to a movie and Korean barbeque this afternoon. I walked behind house yesterday and noticed a bike in back. So this am I think about taking a ride thought about the humidity and heat and changed my mind. LOL.
So stircrazy mode had me folding laundry. They have lots with 3 three children. So I try to take a load off daily and fold a few things.

Oh and yes those comforters are the best. My son sent me the most beautiful one for my birthday. I have not used it yet. I get hot even in winter. summer is nude city for me. Its almost like a fur coat, so pretty. I am sleeping in oldest grands room and she has a pretty pink one which I gladly use with the AC. No AC home. I gave away two when I moved back into my mothers. I had a nice sears Ac in basement which worked beautifully but the electric lines are not upto date I use Iron while my little heater is on in winter and circuit breaker goes off.

Sharyn you are absolutely correct about all those issues waiting for me and will be there so enjoy my self.
I enjoy the peace, its kind of weird laying back on a sofa and watching a good show. I just gave up my tv time. Had a good time figuring out chromecast and playing shows and movies from my shjowbox** app on my phone. Some things have lag which is aggravating, I caught a few good ones and found a few kid movies and shows that will play.

Even posting now is a luxury I am enjoying. If I was home Id have to wait until work and post.

Booklvr if you think of anything else, I am all ears. I have about 6 more days here. my son put off going to Seol yesterday for tomarrow. which is Thursday here. jWe will also be going to an aquarium. Also while in Itaewon, we went to a nice restaurant, TomyTula, the food was great!!!!!!
The night life is awesome. It was wonderful, they really love children here, I mean like crazy. Men Women, teens,Elders all show a lot of love to the childen. cant say that when it comes to adults. some of the natives are very friendly and embracing and some have learned behaviours that are not so nice and took a while to sought of adjust to. I wont talk straight talk so as not to offend anyone here unintentionally.
. Same issue anywhere you go in every race and culture.


Dorianne, sounds like you all are getting ready to JAM!!!!! I can feel the aura just reading your post. I don't know the artist but I am absolutely positive she is awesome. My clients father is a musician who has played with some famous groups in US. The mother downloaded I think its a group called Curve and me and my girl love it. I play the playlist in the mornings when I get her ready for school.

I played the guitar when I was in grade school. I asked for it. Got it for chrismas and then hated the lesson. But I grew to love certain cords and combinations. I played once for a school function and I honestly lost my self in playing it was awesome. I think music is an expression of God. I love all kinds of music. I used to tune in to classical sometimes while driving and sometimes forget the hip hop kids where in the back and get a lot of grunts

Dorine, Enjoy wish I could be there I already know you be baddd!!! (good)
Sharyn Thanks,
BookLvr and Sharyn I realize my mix up. Thank you both.

Well too hot to go out. DI going to make delivery. Oldest is still sleep 12yrs, middle one just woke 5yrs and baby is sleep. Shhhh! I remember my father saying aint going tobe no lounging around on weekends. They have chores my son stays on them with the cleaning. Its fair. Nice to see. My sister didn't have to do anything growing up if she didn't want to and off course she didn't.

Anyway I see my self gaining weight. Eating bacon and sausages and potatoes every morning and this nice soft bread they have here.

Oh I love the elders here and its nice and awesome they are. While shoping the owner was middle aged and cute and fresh. One place I went for shoes I saw and loved but they didn't fit in anysize as I have lymphedema one leg and chronic swelling to the ankle area so its hard for me to find good shoes and when I do I try to get two pair if I can. The shop owner was so accommodating picking out shoes that were properly same taste. I felt so bad that nothing fit. I picked up some clarks and sketchers at the px. I had a nice pair of clarks once and they lasted for ever. Two years ago I got some sneaker ones that later didn't feel good and a swuede like espadrille with leather toe which is still nice but getting loose. This pair I have to lput on when my foot is down and it will fit nicely as I break them in they are very comfortable.

Now I love patent leather, saw a pair in Heritage that I loved but decided to go wait for a sale or price to break,

Nap time. This is great.

Love to all

Duck, sounds like you are having a wonderful time!

Nasty storm here, golf ball size hail. Broke two smallish windows. Thought it was gone here it comes again.😐 need the moisture badly. Flash flood warnings though. Better close windows again. Hey did you know a lint roller tape works great in a pinch when you cant find the packaging tape.☺

So I spotted a bike earlier. Went out for a smoke with out my card, the middle grand came out behind me. She rode her scooter round the house and I decided to grab bike. Rode around complex about 15 times when time to go in I realize we are locked out. Oldest grand upstairs with earphones as usuall. Thank goodness it was cloudy and a breeze. Then I put her on bike bar a we rode than sat back in front waiting. I started teaching her the Our Father till she got tired then we sang a little. I also got on this stari climber in the gym room this morning. I hope it helps and not hurt my leg, knee and hip issues.

I am enjoying my series and loving this new one called Pose. Its about transgender life in late 70's and 80's. The 42nd street scene in NYC back then they called it the duce which is the name of another series wich is not in season same flavor but about the street girls. the other one seems to be a take on "Paris is Burning" a documentary.

Waiting for son to come home, DI baking, makes awesome cakes. The girls just got yelled at so they are nice and quiet watching tv.

Thanks for baring with my post. I know its a bit much.

DDDuck, my favorite memory of my visit to Korea was the Korean Folk Village. Google it. It's a very large area. However, our tour was on limited time (not for the whole day as I would have preferred.) Our tour was of their ancient thatched leaves huts and then as time went by, the Korean built wooden houses similar to the olden time Japan. They even had wax dolls in kimono drinking tea while sitting inside the front porch. Our guide even showed us how people were punished, etc... After that short guided tour, we had short time to wander around - and didn't have time to enter these fascinating very colorful modern buildings!.. That's the one thing I've hate about taking tours. You can't stay too long shopping because your bus is waiting for you to go to the next tour destination.

Hi Glad, ((((HUGS))))!!!. Be safe in that storm. Actually it was unusually breezy while we were waiting to get in. The weather is crazy these days.

Book, I have been curious about the culture and history. My DL explained a little of the culture. It was very interesting. I wanted to know about the wooden bead bracelets and other things. I like the spiritual meanings about things. I think all cultures have some spiritual truth in ritual and systems. I was told that they do not pick up money found in street. My son leaves bags of charcoal, bikes etc in front and back. My DL says stealing doesn't go on here they get punished. Well, in my hometown people used to leave their doors open but basically I think that is out the window in US.

I took a tour to Niagra Falls when my son was young. We were up and out 6am 1 hour here, 2hours there, free time, run run run. it was fun though. We went on this huge wood
ferris wheel with bench seats. Biggest I have ever seen. The man got us to the top and must have forgot us. I was so scared to move, scared to take a shoe off and toss it. Whew, plus didn't want to alarm my son. No choice but to sit up there scenery was great but it was so terrifying sitting up there so high on a bench with nothing to hold on too.

I have to get used to this keyboard it, I keep hitting something act like page end or something.

anyway I bought a purse and one zipper is stuck and the other doesn't even connect. I am twisted and anxious to return it.

My son and I are off to seoul by bus in a few to visit someone in hospital and then have lunch at this seafood place he raves about since he got here.

Much love to all.

Duck -so glad you are having a great time - and cutting down in the cigs, Good for you

Becky - sounds like you are having a good vacay too.

Dori - break a leg,. I think you are having fun and a great diversion from your mother.

Glad - we had hailstorms in the south and maybe some headed this way. You had quite a pounding! Take care..

sharyn - how are you doing. Grief doesn't go away quickly

book - you really enjoy shopping!!!

Got a call from the nh and they are concerned about mother's chest congestion so have ordered an xray. Fortunately that is done in the nh. They will call me afterward to let me know the results. The aide also said they are changing mother's antidepressant to remeron. I asked again if they could reduce her present antid back to what it was and add the risperdal back again as that combination worked so well for her. My understanding at Christmas was that they would remove the risperdal and monitor her. If she showed signs of needing it they would put her back on it. That is what I am asking for rather than trying a different antidepressant which may or may not suit her. The aide said she would talk to the dr when she next comes. I think I will make a call to the community nurse stressing this. She is new and was not at that meeting. Nor was the doctor for that matter.

I am doing a bit of anticipatory grieving, Chest congestion and whatever effects follow sooner or later (pneumonia, heart issues) is likely what will take mother. Despite all the difficulties of a lifetime (or maybe because of them), and despite the relief of being free, I will feel her passing considerably.

Have taken extra rest the past week and it is paying off. My skin issues are gone and my sinuses much better. I had forgotten that sinus pain is part of CFS/FM I don't have an infection, but I do have congestion and pain. Thankfully it is better today.

Take care all. Be good to you.

Golden, thinking of you and mom. Keep us posted. Hope the chest xray comes back clear. Mom is 106, right? That is hard to believe, not many make it that long!

Hi Glad! ((((HUGS)))))! I am sorry to hear about your mother. I hope xrays turn are negative.
I think its awesome how you have monitored your mother and the effects of her meds.
There are side effects of the meds and combinations. I don't know much about antidepressants never even heard of the last one you mentioned.

I feel you on anticipatory grieving. I find myself doing that when my mother's condition changes, her mental status if she seems to move into another stage. I don't even know her diagnosis. Actually I don't think she has one. But if I was involved with her medical care I would hope to be as astute and involved as you are. I know it that part is another area of care giving which is stessul.

A few weeks before I left for my trip, I called and left message for MD about my concerns about her eating and need for a home attendant.I explained the situation as far as being blocked from her care and the person I spoke with said she would give info and put it in for the doctor to call me. He didn't call back. Then when did my toe nails, I did my mothers again and although I think I did a good job with the nails and accumulated crust. When I get back I will call again a mention a need for a regular referral to the podiatrist. I started to text nephew about it but thought better of it.

You are strong and resilient and attentive to your mothers needs and care. I can imagine how hard the worry is on you. I am so glad you got some rest. That sinus thing is monsterous, and stress opens us up to all types of issues. So try and take it easy. I know its hard not to worry, especially about your mother and especially when she is your second or first thought on a daily basis.

I have not been up to date but I am happy for you finding a place and hope residual issues are resoved smoothly.

We went to wrong hospital via gps though we were going to jSeoul. Went to another hospital with the same name. Then I thought to get a few pairs of tailored pants. The seamstress was out and the receptionist explained that I'd be better off buying slacks or suits then having them fitted.
The ride was fruitful as my son and I got to converse on a lot of issues and concerns we both have. I am so grateful for our relationship, and how I have been blessed with him. Also grateful for relationship with Dl and oldest grand it all seems to get better with time. I wish I wasn't so sensitive in so many ways and I had to stop my self from letting the enemy take me to a bad place on certain things. I have learned well, keep my mouth shut although I couldn't help my self in certain instances with the oldest. I had to correct her on disrespect and had to watch that I didn't come off too strong and got good results.

Stress and rejection and ugliness over time has me going from 0 to 100 and thanks to this forum and good friend and prayer I am able to correct myself (sometimes) before I open my mouth.

Hi Glad! ((((HUGS)))))! I am sorry to hear about your mother. I hope xrays turn are negative.

Hi guys , everything's going well with me and mine! Our summer has been HOT! Too hot for me, 92 today, and no end in sight, Ugh!

Golden, thinking about you and your Mom, and hope her chest issues don't turn into anything serious! 106, unbelievable! She's a Real trooper! Hope you're feeling better too! FM sucks, I have it too, but mine has been pretty good lately, knock on wood!

DD, sounds like your trip is Awesome! So glad you are enjoying time with your Son and family, and sounds like you are going to lots of cool places, what fun! You needed that break, for sure!

Glad, goofball size hail, Wow! Hope house build is going well!

Sharyn, thinking of you and your family, so sorry for your loss! Take Care!

Dori, been reading about your upcoming concert, sounds Super fun too! Nice to have an outlet just for you, while caring for your Mom!

Hope everyone is getting rest, while caring for your elders!
Take care all!

Golden, I agree about preparing yourself. As long as your mom is comfortable, that's all one can ask for. {{Hugs}}

I love shopping.  But I'm not a big spender. I cannot see myself spending for a purse over $100.00. Fave sis got me a little Coach small purse (enough to only hold your driver's license, credit cards and cell phone) for $105.00!!! I have no use for it. It's too small.

I love trinkets.  I have touristy key chains, post cards, metal bookmarkers, folding oriental hand fans and a custom jewelry (or real gold pendant) from every country I've visited, except the Mainland US.  I cannot shop frivolously on 'touristy' stuff when I'm shopping with family in the Mainland. All well, my family knows what I love to collect.  So they all buy for me key chains... .My BIL's taste in key chains... uhm is very plain.  Not touristy, eye-catching kind.  But, it's from Italy, so I'm not complaining.  Italy!

My favorite souvenir is the one from Bali, Indonesia. My mom was still normal at the time. She was a green thumb. Her favorites were roses and orchids. When I was in Bali, I entered a sterling silver jewelry store. Nothing caught my eye except these dangling flat but very detailed intricate rose earrings. It's really pretty. I asked the attendant if instead of earrings can they convert the rose to a necklace pendant? When they did, I loved it! I bought it.... FYI, I went to check my souvenir shoe boxes in the closet. ohhhh.. memories of my past travels. I found my travel diary for Bali, May 17-23, 1997. My little diary is still in good condition despite the humidity and numerous typhoons. I'm going to read it now... Later!