Blessed be the beasts

I took Darcy to a Buddhist Pet Blessing last weekend. For some reason, when I tell people I did this I also have to explain that I'm not Buddhist (or anything in particular for fuck sakes). Their reactions make me a bit uncomfortable. You'd think I just told them I was gay or something.

I saw an article in the Hamilton Spectator last Friday and decided, impulsively, that I had to go. Summer is almost gone and I've done very little on impulse recently. The opportunity to take Darcy to the Royal Botanical Gardens and get blessed in the presence of the relic of Shakyamuni himself was one I couldn't pass up. I don't know how anyone could for that matter. (Why would you not want to dissolve bad Karma and speed your pet's path to enlightenment?) To my knowledge, the Buddha doesn't travel much and I think it may be a while before he's back in Hamilton (like another 2500 years maybe).

One friend was supposed to bring her dogs. She backed out at the last minute after her mother decided that it all seemed cultish(?). Flatlinegirl considered bringing a cat or two but decided not to after realizing that there could be some vaccination issues. She did bring her bf and kids though and we made an afternoon of it. She says she has pictures but it looks like I won't see them until she gets her computer issues sorted out.

The picture above was taken by another friend I happened to meet there. That thing being held over my head actually contains some remains of the real Buddha. Both Darcy and I took the blessing. Afterward, Darcy was given a symbolic piece of red string with an eternity knot to protect her health and we circumambulated the tent three times clockwise. I chatted with FLG and co as we walked around. I think Darcy used the time to contemplate compassion towards all sentient beings...

We checked out the rest of the relic tour afterward. On display were remains of many believed to have achieved enlightenment. It was interesting but not as much as the blessing which was a bit surreal and strangely calming.

I just realized Darcy's harness and leash match the monk's robes.

P is for Prednisone

I had to see my family doctor because my specialist is away and he left no alternate arrangements for his patients while he's fishing at the cottage, painting in Venice or whatever the fuck he's doing.

I got a prescription for prednisone which is a relief and a bit scary at the same time. It's pretty serious stuff and it's the first medication I had to take that potentially has serious side effects. But I'm so sick I'll gladly take it. I don't care if it makes my bones brittle or if it gives me mood swings. I couldn't possibly be more cranky these days anyway.

It's my second day on it and I've noticed a lot of secondary symptoms subside. My joints don't ache anymore which is a good thing because my arm was hurting so much I thought the screws were coming out of my plate and I'd need surgery again. I don't feel light headed and I can concentrate better. I still need to use the washroom a lot and that might take a few days to change. That's ok with me because it's the long weekend and I can stay inside if I need to.

My dad used to say

if it wasn't for bad luck he'd have no luck at all. I don't usually buy into defeatist mantras but on a day like today I think I understand him.

I'm still sick. My extra medication is lovely but it only reduces pain and allows me to walk to the bathroom instead of run. I've yet to sleep more than 2 hours uninterupted since I started taking it. I called my specialist and his receptionist said I can't see him before November 23 (2005!). I told her that won't do and explained my situation. She can't do anything at the moment because the doctor is on vacation. I'll hear back next week.

I called my family doctor who is also away today. He'll be in tomorrow morning so I have to wait another day to get more help which I badly need. At some points I need to visit the washroom every ten minutes. I hope I'm doing better when I have to go pick up D from work or else he's going to have a long walk ahead of him.