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When Cultures Collide, Love and Romance
Favorite thing: A verse from an old song comes to mind...it can be heaven, or it can be hell. For certain, the dynamics that make a marriage between any man, and any women are as much at play here in Bali as they are anywhere else in the world. Without doubt, the word love, which incidentally does not exist in the Balinese language, but is called cinta in Bahasa Indonesia, is a verb. As a verb, it means action.
A mixed Indonesian/Western marriage can, and often is, a perfect blend of seemingly endless cultural differences. In this bond, both parties can grow within each others' culture, and discover sides of themselves that in their separate lives may have passed by.
Bali is the ultimate narcotic, and her powers are unmistakably understood by those who visit her every year. Bali is also the ultimate seductress, so it is not so unusual why so many visitors fall in love with her, and her women and men.
Endless stories of love and romance between Balinese and Westerners abound. Often, these stories end as tragic words on a script writer's page, but more often the magic of Bali prevails on both who share a cultural divide, and a great union is formed. That is Bali.
My photo, to illustrate this point is of my wife Eri, and our three boys, who are, from left to right, I Wayan Bima, I Nyoman (Komang) Ari and I Made Rama Wishnu...who was having a bad day!
The second photo is more recent of course, again taken with mom who never seems to age.
- Family Travel
- Spa and Resort
Favorite thing: While in Ubud make sure you pop into Kenko for a massage.
After walking all day it's a wonderful opportunity to have your legs and feet feel normal again.
Being a reflexology massage it's interesting to find out what those painful spots on your feet mean!
After they have finished with your legs & feet roll over and your back will be massaged (no need to take clothes off).
It is finished off with a neck and head massage as well. Heaven :)
A cup of ginger tea is the perfect way to come back to reality.
This one hour massage cost me 75,000rp. What a bargain.
You will find Kenko in Jl Raya opposite Ubud market or in Monkey Forest Rd next to Komaneka Resort.
- Women's Travel
- Budget Travel
Ubud Tourist Information
Favorite thing: The Ubud Tourist Information is a great source of information and the people that manned the desks are very helpful. They offer also tours that are competitive prices, all written in the bulletin boards.
If you want to know on what cultural shows are available on the evening, they can easily give you info and direction.
The location is just next to Ubud Market, and almost opposite of Ubud Palace.
Rest & Relax - get a massage
Favorite thing: You will have to experience a Balinese massage. No..no.. not once but everyday! ....if possible.... Its so good and worth every penny! You can get it from the shop, the hotel/resort or you can arrange with your landlord to have the masseur/masseuse go to your lodge. A variety of choice of massages at different range. You can have the simple balinese massage or the sophisticated spas with treatment of exfoilation scrub, steam, floral bath and many more...
Most of the massages will run from 45minutes to 1.5hours - cost about usd10 to usd15 while the spa treatement will take about 2hours or so - cost about usd25 to usd35.
Therapeutic Massage
a) Balinese massage - 60minutes (long kneading strokes, deep tissue massage, acupressure)
b) Aromatherapy massage - 90 minutes (treatment of essential oils with massage)
Beauty Treatment
a) Javanese Lulur (Mandi Lulur) - 120minutes (traditional, luxurious massage followed by exfoliation paste with blend of rice, tumeric, sandlewood and a touch of jasmine, leaving the skin gently scented. Finished with yogurt application and a warm flower bath laced with rose petals)
b) Milk bath - 120minutes (soothing massage followed by herbal scrub and milk body mask. Warm milk bath scented with fragrance of sweet rose flowers)
c) Boreh Bali Massage - 120minutes (traditional spices of temulawak roots, clove, ginger, rice to warm the body followed by a flower bath. Treatment is concluded with a massage for the back, neck and shoulder)
d) Mud Body mask - 120minutes (Full balinese massage - body mud mask, body steam and finishes with a cold flower bath laced with rose petals)
e) Bunga Mawar Facials (Rose Flower) - 90 minutes (Use of essential rose oils, floral waters and special rose petal mask. The facial includes a cleansing, exfoilation scrub and steam. Warm towel steam throughout the treatment)
Recommended : the Mandi Lulur or the Javanese Lulur!
Fondest memory: Aww..... how else can i express it...
- Romantic Travel and Honeymoons
- Women's Travel
- Spa and Resort
The Palace in Ubud.
Favorite thing: The palace is located in the center of this village. Landmark. If you go to inside of this village in the late evening, the sunset shines on the tower of this palace. So the mystic mood..
Anyway in this palace some Balinean entertainments are held everyday 19:00-
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Favorite thing: The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, located at Padangtegal, Ubud is one of the must visit places when you are in Ubud. It is also known as Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana. This sanctuary is inhibited by a specie of monkeys called the Balinese macaques. The forest serves not only as important component in the spiritual and daily lives of the villages, it is also a site for several research and conservation programs. The monkeys are very important to the Balinese culture - it is reflected in dances and stories such as the Kecak dance and the Ramayana, in statues, carvings and folk tales.
Besides being a dwelling place for the macaques, the forest also house 3 temples : The Pura Beji (Holy Bathing Temple), The Pura Prajapati (funeral or cremation temple) and the Pura Dalem Agung Temple. You can spend at least half a day here, exploring the surroundings and watch the monkeys
Address : Jl. Monkey forest, Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali
Phone : +62-361-971304
Email : email@example.com
Website : www.balimonkey.com
Opening hours : 8am - 6pm
Entrance Fee : 10,000/Rp
Fondest memory: watch the interaction between human beings and monkeys.
- National/State Park
- Eco-Tourism
- Family Travel
Balinese massage amongst the forest
Favorite thing: Ubud is away from the noise of Kuta, and it's a fantastic base to explore traditional Balinese lifestyle. The villages and rice paddies are just a stone throw away where you see the locals minding their own business.
Fondest memory: Want nirvana? Having traditional Balinese massage amongst the dense forest and flowing river, complete with aromatic oils. Priceless. Attached is the picture of the massage table.
our middle name is ... 'transport'
Fondest memory: i can not help but smile everytime remember about greetings from local that we've got while staying in ubud. first, a smile and continue with "transport?!!" of course we do understand very well, these were drivers who offer us a trip and transportation. but sometimes we like to make jokes like, "no, no, no .. we are @rie and nick, bukan [not] transport." yes, they're very friendly :)
- Road Trip
- Backpacking
- Arts and Culture
Helpful tourist info staff
Favorite thing: The friendliness of Ubud residents is matched by the helpfulness of its Tourist Information staff, who go out of their way to giving you great information for almost everything. Performance schedules and tickets, organized tours, spas, and even where to have a taste of authentic local cuisine - name it, they have it!
All these with their genuinely warm Balinese smile!
Ubud's Tourist Information Office is located at the heart of the town center - corner of Monkey Forest Road and Jl Raya Ubud.
- Arts and Culture
Genuine Balinese culture
Favorite thing: Spa at Zen, good food at Pesto Bali, nicer and cheaper floral-printed shorts (compared to those you find in Kuta), scary and aggressive monkeys in Monkey Forest, ceremonies almost everywhere ... just about everything we found in Ubud !
Fondest memory: 'Bukit' is Indonesian / Bahasa for "Hill" - Ubud is in the hills, on the slopes of Gunung Agung volcano.
Food was very good and ranged from dirt cheap to 'high on the hog'.
Ubud is nice for yummy food, Balinese dancing shows, and lots of crafts stuff to take home. And if you hire a car and escape into the centre of the island, there are temples to visit and quiet lush green paddy fields and cute little villages. In the north the beaches are more pebbly, but it is peaceful, and there's some good diving (a nice wreck near Tulamban) and if you're feeling strenuous (unlikely on a honeymoon perhaps!) climb the volcano for sunrise... hard work but well worth it!
- Budget Travel
Amandari Paradise
Favorite thing: We were only in Ubud for two days and one night, but found a bit of paradise at our wonderful hotel. I've never felt so pampered in my life. Our pavilion room was simply gorgeous. We were offered a cool drink as soon as we arrived, the stereo was playing balinese music, the marble floor were cool to our feet, and the room was incredible. We could have stayed forever.
Fondest memory: Dinner at the Amandari resturant was u nforgettable. The open air resturant overlooked the hotel's infinity pool. A three piece balinese orchestra played as we were served a sumptuous dinner. The most romantic place we have ever been.
- Spa and Resort
A place of culture
Favorite thing: - Sitting on our porch drinking bintang.
- The walks into the middle of knowhere.
Fondest memory: Monkeys, smiling faces, the boy who tried to sell us a newspaper each day, the calls of "transport, transport" and the friendly banter with the shopkeepers.
What's going on in Ubud???
Favorite thing: A found a web-site
that lists certain events
and activities in Ubud.
Thought I'd post it and share.
News Ubud
- 1
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Show Prices
Show Prices
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Instant Answers: Ubud
Get an instant answer from local experts and frequent travelers
- Book online.
- Hotels.com See maps & reviews for over 140,000 Hotels worldwide!
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On December 24, 1968, Apollo 8 emerged from its fourth lunar cycle on the first manned mission to another celestial body. "Oh, my God," cried astronaut Frank Borman as the spacecraft emerged from the moon's dark side. "Look at that picture over there! Here's the Earth coming up! Wow, is that pretty." Crew member William Anders grabbed a modified Hasselblad camera and shot what has become an iconic photograph. In countless reproductions, Earthrise depicts our planet in the distance, a blue-and-white spot rising above a cratered and ashen lunar landscape, set against the blackness of space.
Laura Kurgan's Close Up at a Distance: Mapping, Technology, and Politics opens on a reproduction of Earthrise and of another iconic image of Earth, the Blue Marble photograph, shot four years later from Apollo 17. These two
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MLB Games
NL Division Series: Washington Nationals at St. Louis Cardinals
173 of 180 | Show all photos
St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Holliday (7) is congratulated by Lance Berkman, right, and others after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Thursday, July 26, 2012, in St. Louis. The Cardinals won 7-4. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)


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Sheraton Madison Hotel
Retreat to one of our 239 guest rooms and suites. All rooms feature a flat screen TV, the celebrated "ahhhhh" of the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® Bed, as well as wired and wireless High Speed Internet Access for your convenience. Wake up to freshly brewed coffee with your in-room Starbucks® one cup coffee maker – it's free.
Located on preferred floors, Sheraton Club guest rooms offer upgraded amenities, free bottled water, and complimentary fitness center access. Club guests also have special access to the Club Lounge. A relaxing, upscale space, the Club Lounge offers complimentary breakfast, afternoon hors d'oeuvres and a variety of beverage options. The Club Lounge is open daily. Take advantage of the private Club Lounge where you can connect with friends, meet with your team, or simply relax by catching your favorite TV show. Need to get some work done? A copier/fax/printer and complimentary office supplies are ready to go.
After a day of friends, family, or business, there is one more thing to savor at this Sheraton: the welcome of our guest rooms, which are completely smoke-free.
- Hairdryer
Bed Features
- Cribs (Upon Request)
- Rollaway Beds
- Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® Bed
- Wet Bar
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- Room Service
- Refrigerator
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Room Amenities & Services
- Smoke Detectors in Room
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- Iron/Ironing Board
- Wake-up Service
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- Radio/Alarm Clock
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Room Features
- Accessible Room
- 100% Non-Smoking Guest Rooms
- Non-Smoking Room
- Suites Available
Internet Access
Free internet is available via a variety of our brands, booking channels and membership tiers. Learn more
- Wireless High Speed Internet Access in All Guest Rooms (Complimentary)
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Robotic surgery approved for some gynecological proceduresUPDATED 2:28 PM EDT Jun 24, 2013
The Federal Drug Administration recently approved a new robotic surgery for certain gynecological procedures.
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Gwendolyn is a 32 year old loving wife and devoted friend from Willowbrook, IL who desperately needs a heart transplant, and your help. Her journey thus far has been incredibly difficult, and one health concern after another has plagued her since she was in her mid teens.
In 2002, at the age of 21, Gwendolyn was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a type of lymphatic cancer that affects the lymphatic and immune system. She was treated with surgery and radiation therapy, but unfortunately her "cure" would end up causing nearly as much long-term damage as it did short-term good.
Gwendolyn's cancer was successfully subdued and she entered remission in late 2003, thinking that her battle had been won. Unfortunately she would spend the next 5 years dealing with a variety of health problems from chronic bronchitis, kidney stones, hiatal hernia, ulcers, infections, etc. Tragically, in 2008, after a long history of health problems, Gwendolyn came down with double lung pneumonia. After nearly two weeks of hospitalization and antibiotics, she was diagnosed with heart failure due to a prolapsed mitral valve caused by scarring from her previous radiation treatments. During a diagnostic test, Gwendolyn reacted poorly to the anesthesia, and during the procedure her heart stopped unexpectedly & was dead for near 2 minutes. She was successfully revived, and from that point forward kept her health in control with a healthy diet, cardiology checkups, and medication. Gwendolyn showed improvement from 2011-2012, and once again thought that she'd beat the odds.
In May 2013 while at work, Gwendolyn suddenly fell ill and knew immediately that it was her heart. She was taken to the ER at Good Samaritan Hospital, and after a week of tests and second opinions, she was transported to Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn to receive specialized care for advanced end stage heart failure. Within 24 hours, a Left Ventricle Assist Device (LVAD) was implanted, the following 2 days they needed an aortic and mitral valve replacement to combat her cardiac failure. The device caused problems with the right side of her heart and an external Right Ventricle Assist Device (RVAD) was implanted for the majority of her stay. She endured four separate heart surgeries, was under sedation for 8 days, and remained hospitalized for over 2.5 months. Gwendolyn is now on the national registry for a heart transplant and hopes to get "the call" at any moment.
Gwendolyn has been a responsible & caring member of society for her entire adult life. She's worked throughout most of her ailments and provided for herself & her two younger siblings as if they were her own children, being their surrogate parent for over a decade. Before her heart failure, Gwendolyn was a dedicated volunteer to many organizations. She participated and volunteered for causes that she believes in and has been active with cancer research fundraisers, Look Good Feel Better, Toys For Tots, World Vision and has even helped organize fundraisers for neighbors in need. She's always the first to jump in, the first to say "yes," and the first to rally a team for whatever cause she's involved with.
Before falling ill for the third time, Gwendolyn was blessed to be able to marry her biggest supporter, her caregiver, and love of her life, Bob, in October 2012. With all that Gwendolyn has been through, the last thing that she and Bob should be worried about now is how to pay the bills. Between May 2013 & October 2013, Gwendolyn's portion of medical bills, prescription costs, insurance premiums, and co-payments, deductible & co-insurance have added up to over $150,000 and the couple is drowning in medical debt. When "the call" finally comes, the costs of her heart transplant and related hospitalization, home care, & recovery will further add to what feels like an insurmountable debt. The average cost of a heart transplant surgery, pre & post op testing, & recovery ranges between $750,000 - $1,000,000 and depending on your insurance a good majority of that expense is the patients responsibilty.
As friends of Gwendolyn and Bob, we've started this campaign to try to play a small part in helping to alleviate their financial stress. We want them to be focused on Gwendolyn's health & recovery, and not on unrelenting creditor calls and a flood of medical bills.
If you're able to help with a donation of any amount, please click the "give now" link on this page. If you cannot donate online, please feel free to send a check, money order, or even a few dollars to the address listed below and reference "Giving for Gwendolyn." Even $1 helps and is appreciated. Gwendolyn Westlund 11s514 Rachael Court Willowbrook, IL 60527 If you have any questions, or would like to support Gwendolyn with a non-monetary gift, please feel free to contact me via email at firstname.lastname@example.com.
If you are unable to donate but still want to help, please share this campaign and help us spread the word.
Thank you and God Bless!
Special Thanks to Rob Baker at Photogenic Chicago fb.com/photogenicchicago for the stunning "before" pictures he took of Bob & Gwen at their wedding in October 2012.
Update post 6/29/15 by Gwendolyn WestlundWell, I'm feeling extra run down lately. It seems my bi pap mask only fits well the first week and then, despite proper care, if I move in the slightest it starts leaking horribly and wakes me up anyway. I'm not sleeping and when I do, I am not sleeping well. My joints are extra achy and my migraines and constant sneezing have suddenly returned.
I mentioned in my last post that I talked to my transplant psychologist about this and panic attacks. The team was supposed to get back to me about changing some meds, but I still haven't heard anything. I'll call again tomorrow, but it's relly frustrating when I'm trying to focus and I'm constantly needing to chase after my doctor's and team about test results and med changes.
You have to advocate for yourself. It's exhausting but you do. It's disheartening too, because I love my team and realize they are busy, but every patient matters, especially when you get phone calls constantly about the money you owe them and they you can't even get a phone call to check in.
I think my doctor appointments will need to be pushed back again. Next week is not panning out with rides the way I anticipated. Hopefully I can still get in this month. I assume my biopsy is at the end of July, no one has confirmed either way, but when I know, I will update with that and any news of doctor appointments.
The Relay for Life Westmont & Downers Grove were both successful and I am honored to have been the survivor speaker, but I think I over do it sometimes. Unfortunately I don't know until I've already overdone. Not the worst thing in the world to run myself down trying to do good things and I won't stop. I realize that's my choice but I can't in good conscious be in this world without paying it forward to my donor and family and God. Sorry if you don't like that, but that's why I am here.
Rant over, sorry all. Not my usual sunshine self today. Tomorrow will be better. I see the babies, that always puts a smile on my face. I'll also be finalizing plans for Recycled Life: Paying it Forward blood drive/organ donor event in August. Need to get my gusto going for that, it'll be a long weekend & I'll need my energy.Sorry for being down, I usually try to keep myself positive. Not everything is sunshine or roses and there are not so fun side effects to meds and transplant. I need to get into rehab again too but like most things it's nearly impossible with no rides. Working on it, working on it for all tx patients. Things will get better and I will change it myself somehow. Be well, God Bless, and I'll update in the coming weeks. I'm ok, just a little blues.
Update posted 1/16/2015 by Gwendolyn Westlund
Well, it's been about a month since my last update and as usual it's taken longer than I imagined. I spent the end of the year trying to fit in every appointment I could and still, didn't get all of them done. I feel like no matter what I do sometimes, everything gets dragged out for one reason or another.
The coolest news is that I'm starting to do some awareness events!!! I'm using the page to gain support for organ donation education and awareness, help friends, and support foster care initiatives. I'm currently working on something fun, progressive, and educational in the community and if all goes well will be able to tell people more by the end of the month.
My hematology appointment just left me with more questions than answers. While I'm glad no bone marrow testing needs to be done, the new thing is the genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer. Unfortunately it's somewhere around 10,000 dollars and insurance will only cover it if Gram has the carrier DNA. She has to get tested first, since she had that kind of cancer. Not the end of the world, just 3 more steps to getting one thing done.
The OB/GYN was roughly the same. Though all my tests came back negative, which is awesome, I'm still dealing with the Nexplanon implant and getting approval for another option. This constant period is way not cool! I guess the Depo shot is the only thing that would give worse side effects. I'm trying to get clearance from the team and infectious disease to get the Mirena instead.
I managed to get my second sleep apnea study done and the order for my machine & prescription for pressures went in before the end of the year, but the appointment to set up everything was finally just set today. Someone will be coming next Wednesday in the morning, over a month after the order was made. I wouldn't be so anxious if it were just for the exhaustion & fatigue, it's also because my oxygen levels get too low when I'm sleeping and it's potentially damaging my new heart and other organs. Even if this doesn't solve my sleep and fatigue issues, the apnea machine has to be used & the sooner the better.
The Urologist went fine, but they can't exactly pin point the cause of my kidney stones, it may be a need for more citric acid, they're giving me a pill form to try or it may be my medications. We'll do another analysis in a few months. Just seems like with this whole thing it's an extra 3 steps for everything and nothing gets done until you make two more appointments. I've had Doctors and Nurses say, it's a full time job just being sick or recovering! Yes it is!!! It's exhausting. The calls, the emails, the scheduling, the double checking with schedulers and insurance, and billing departments and getting the round around three times before you get answer on any one thing. Add nervous breakdown to the list? No...I will not!Biopsy at the end of Decemeber was Negative!!! Awesomeness! They took my predisone down to 2.5mg daily, but my prograf levels went up so I don't know that my body is feeling any different. I'm still getting fog brain and this disconnected feeling, I still have tremors and migraines - though not as bad, and the random nerve spasm. Don't get me wrong I'm so grateful to be here and I'm getting a little better everyday, I'm just ready to be BETTER! To be me, to take on more. My body doesn't love that idea quite yet.
Infectious disease gave me clearance for the trip in February so that's exciting!!! I've got all my shots taken care of and just need to go in one more time for a final check up before the trip and then check in when we get back. I just need to be cautious while I'm there too. Masks, sanitizer, water shoes, spf, sun hats, the works.
I'm so nervous and excited at the same time! I've never seen anything really, well that's not true. I've been to Vegas once to celebrate my remission, a week at Disney World courtesy of my amazing father-in-law, weekends in Wisconsin with Bobby, and Arizona several times to visit family. This will be my official full length vacation with relaxation, shows, dancing, music, dinners, activities, and the ocean!!! I'm going to see the ocean!!! My father-in-law is awesome! You get a new heart, you survive, and you get a cruise for your birthday, Christmas, heart anniversary present. Check it off the bucket list. The first time in my life I need a passport. I'm super nervous though about all the medical stuff, just trying to be as prepared as possible! Extra meds, a list of hospitals, the emergency insurance in case we have to get me back to land, we should be good.
Between that and all the awesome things I'm working on for organ donation awareness and registration and blood drives, the foster care initiatives and care kits I'm trying to get people to sponsor for the kids in foster care…2015 is already off to a pretty amazing start! Can't wait to see what great things unfold as I continue to follow my path! All I can really ask for is better health and more strength & energy as the year goes on. Please continue to pray for me and us for good health, safe travels, & continued support for our medical needs and helping others! Next biopsy isn't until end of March, but I will update again soon! Still monthly blood draws and one or two doctors. Plus I'll have to report on the pay it forward projects!
God Bless & Be Well.
Update posted 12/18/14 by Gwendolyn Westlund I've been informed by a great many people that they'd like to know my story from the beginning; I didn't realize I hadn't been detailed in my cancer and history leading to the CHF and really thought it would sound like complaining. My apologies this is overdue, I've been working on it for three weeks. It's a lot to remember and I had to ask some people to fact check. That said; let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. I had always had some kind of issues with my health. In Jr. High and high school it was always something, my weight would yo yo with no change in diet, I would be extremely fatigued, have stomach problems, migraines, etc. Into my Jr. year of high school, I would develop more extreme swings in weight, sleep patterns, and dizzy spells. This would go back and forth for years, increasing as I went from a senior in high school into my very early twenties. While I begged my physicians to figure out what was wrong with me, & insisted on testing, I went through blood tests, scans, MRI's, upper & lower GI imaging, with no answers.
Things were getting worse, I was too weak to drive my car and was experiencing black outs in vision, thus losing days at work increasingly. Unfortunately the high-end department store I worked for a "top 100 to work for" was less than understanding and my department manager actually said I needed to figure it out or suck it up, because with no diagnosis, it was my health or my job. This was heart wrenching, I had the job I wanted and I was good at it. I was a counter manager at one of the leading high end department stores in America, with brands I wanted to work with & was good at selling. I was the youngest counter manager they'd ever had and I earned it. I always had a doctor's note, but not an official diagnosis and this would be my downfall? NOOOO! I needed someone to figure out what the heck was wrong and fix it fast!!! Meanwhile the Doctor's labeled it as depression, aggravated by hypochondria & a mild chronic fatigue syndrome, but that was an unofficial diagnosis with no treatment available. They recommended Zoloft. I told them I wasn't depressed, at least not before they kept blowing me off & calling me a hypochondriac. I'm begging, someone to help me! Take a tissue sample, anything to rule out cancers, nerve disorders, something hard to find?!? Help because I know my body and something is wrong! But, yep, I sure as hell was depressed now. *Sigh* Well, one day at work had a bit of a black out with my vision again, felt a migraine coming and was rubbing my neck and base of my head and at the bottom of my neck, I felt a bump. A very large, round mass sticking out the side of my neck, almost like I'd swallowed a golf ball. I ran to the next cosmetic counter and asked one of the older women, someone I knew to be a mom and grandma, if it was a swollen gland. She said not like any she'd ever seen & I had suspected that'd be her answer. I saw the doctor the next day and they actually said to me "it may be a swollen gland, let's wait a few weeks to biopsy, it may subside." A side note looking back - I cannot believe the amount of crap I let employers and doctors get away with in the stupidity of my youth! I want to punch a 20 year old me in the face. Please for anybody reading this, make sure you educate yourselves and your children on their rights as employees and patients! We all need to realize that doctors are really educated, highly paid, employees. Our employees, they are contracted per service per client and can fired, just like anyone else. If they aren't doing their job correctly it could very easily cost us our lives! Be careful, be educated, and speak up. 20 year old me, Ugh! Apologies for the side track. Back to the "swollen gland", the next day was a huge event for the cosmetics department and we were booked with appointments! Things were buzzing and everyone running around, makeovers galore! I was 20 going on 21 and the youngest counter manager this store had ever had. I was not going to quit! My body decided to defy me. I blacked out and went down in the stock room; my neck had swollen twice its normal size on the left side - where the lump was. I was taken to the ER and the doctor there said he didn't want to panic me, but he thought it may be a lymphoma. I said "THANK GOD", he looked at me paralyzed by shock and I said "it's just nice to finally hear someone say it's something other than in my head, I figured it was cancer." They scheduled the biopsy for the next day. I finally had a diagnosis; stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 20, and started treatment one day before my 21st birthday! Work was less than pleased, I called to make them aware that we had finally found the issue & it was malignant. I went in a couple days later to fill out short term disability paper work and was told my position had been closed & therefore I had been terminated, not fired, terminated due to lack of work. I was three weeks shy of a year, making me ineligible for FMLA. My managers did not come out of their office. No one sent a card or message, nothing. It was quite sad and pathetic actually. Well, speaking to lawyers later in life, I realize I should have sued and probably wouldn't have such a continued financial burden, but that wasn't the case then, I was given bad advice by a relative I trusted & considered my counsel. However, I was lucky enough to have said counsel make a phone call on my behalf and get my position reinstated long enough to get my Cobra and disability benefits enforced, which I'd paid for so I was grateful enough for that. The oncologist told me I was very blessed that Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a highly curable cancer and a slow moving one. To be a stage 2, it must have been there for some time already! Hmmm...Like since high school? However, since it was a stage 2 and it had gone unnoticed in scans and blood work until the tumor showed itself, and being that the lymphatic system runs throughout the body, I was advised to do one heavy round 5 days a week for eight weeks from above my ears to my rib cage and a second round 5 days a week for 6 weeks from below my ribs to below my pelvis. I fought it at first with a concern for having children later and was told very bluntly that a dead woman couldn't have babies. Pretty harsh for a young woman who'd day dreamed about what her 3 or 4 children would look like, with her husband & their "normal" family, their small but warm home in suburbia, & of course the family dog. A fantasy she'd had since she was 11, as most girls do. What can I say I was 21, I also thought by some miracle, my father set aside money for my wedding or college and I was supposed to be married by 23 and a baby on the way by 26! Oh to be young and naive. Anyway, I had always been sensitive to sun, medications, even a sip or two of alcohol. That said the side effects of radiation treatments were described as very minimal and nearly never occurred. The first day I experienced extreme and violent vomiting which would continue on a regular basis. Anemia, constant colds, flu, sinusitis, migraines, chills, cold sweats, loss of appetite, body aches, hair loss, and radiation burns which led to charred black cracking skin on my neck, chest, & underarms. The radiation burns, were apparently accelerated by my lotion and deodorant, which it said somewhere in the 20 some odd page booklet they gave me in fine print. It didn't occur to someone to say anything while they were complimenting me on how I was the prettiest little cancer patient they'd had and how great I smelled all the time. What's wrong with people? The burns and scarring I would find would come to haunt me in other ways.
I went from my heaviest @ 165-170lbs on a 5'2" petite frame to 97lbs - a weight I don't recall being beyond the age of 10 years old. I was buying clothes at the Gap Kids, which I have to say I thought was pretty freaking sweet, considering my previous low had been about 130lb. Finally I was the skinny hot chick, and all I had to do was almost die...okay, well that part sucked, but I try to look at the glass half full. But then there were the burn scars, thank God when I went back to work two years later I found a dear friend and a man I would later work with for 5 years and later on and off throughout my career. He gave me a product the company I ended up working for made and said the main ingredient is what they keep organs in prior to transplant because it has such great oxygenating properties, it revitalizes and restores and detoxifies. I checked with my doctor at the time and he said that was correct. I don't know if that's they case anymore but it worked! That and some mild exfoliation treatments and it completely resurfaced my top layer of skin at least to the naked eye. You can still see the scar tissue when I do any kind of self tanner - as it fades I look like a spotted leopard because it still grabs the scar tissue. Anyway, two things that would later come back into play, future scars and organ transplant, kind of freaky now that I'm writing it out. I stayed thin for a long time and had a lot of issues with constantly catching colds, flu, pneumonia, infections, etc. & I would be hospitalized periodically.
In March 2008, after an original diagnosis of sinus infection, I drove myself to the emergency room and I was admitted with double lung pneumonia, my body wasn't able to get rid of it. I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I had complained that I felt heavy and very fatigued to my doctors and they said it may be chronic fatigue syndrome something to that affect. After two weeks of oxygen, swelling, IV antibiotics, and a losing battle with pneumonia, they finally came to the realization that I had Congestive heart failure and a prolapsed mytro valve brought on by scarring from radiation therapy. My ejection fraction was 30%. The angiogram didn't show blockage, however my body did not like the anesthetic and I coded. I was dead for about a minute and a half, you'll come to learn that I use a three minute rule now. I didn't know what happened and when I woke, I told the nurse I felt like they drop kicked me! They couldn't tell me what happened until my doctor was there. From then on I warned anyone performing a procedure that I was nearly allergic to anesthesia and narcotics due to the severe reaction my body has to them. Doctor's tend to think they know more than you and these little warnings are "cute" unless diagnosed by another physician as an actual allergy, so make sure you're taken seriously.
I spent the next five years working with a wonderful cardiologist, changed my diet, took my cardiac medication and was very compliant because it all kept my heart in check, despite the drop in my blood pressure, dizzy spells & fainting. These side effects though worth it in the long run, would not do me any favors with future employment. I would be hospitalized with heart failure at least once a year, usually overnight or a couple days for a "tune up". They'd get fluid off of me and get my blood pressure stable and send me back out. My ejection fraction at one point got as low as 25% and I was told if it reached 20% they would have to put me on a valve transplant list. I let them change my meds, worked out, really stream lined the diet, quit any remaining bad habits and managed to get my EF back up to 40% in 2012 and a goal of 60% by 2014 1year after my wedding so we could attempt a family. What's the saying? "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." Couldn't be more true.
So September 2012, finally a great job with potential and good people. October 12, 2012, I marry my soul mate. Literally one of my best friends, my geekmo, my catspajammas, & the love of my life. Things are finally looking up. February 2013, it gets better! The office manager is moving out of state and leaving on great terms and will train me as the new manager! A raise, a great title, a job with even more potential and I love it. I love the bosses, I love my job, I'm happy with the money, I work extra hours because I truly want to do a great job! What's that other saying? "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is."
May 9, 2013: I say to my company's VP very calmly "don't panic, I'm okay, I just need someone to drive me to the ER for a tune up, worst case scenario I'll be back tomorrow." Famous last words! My first time back was yesterday, December 17, 2014 to volunteer for a holiday party the company puts on every year for the Off The Street Club in Chicago. One of the things I love about them.
This brings us through the various cardiovascular surgeries, LVAD, the coma, the lengthy stay in the hospital, a couple more near death experiences, and eventually the heart transplant and the escapades that ensue from that point on.
Lots of doctors appointments and a biopsy before the end of the year and I still need to do a quick cost of care recap. So look for another update or two coming very soon.
As always thank you to all of our loved ones and supporters!
Be well & God Bless.
Gwendolyn W.
*Patience for patients and family, for your family to understand that you are not suddenly well & patience with yourself in the recovery process. There will be ups & downs, two steps forward, one step back & it may take awhile to discover who you are again and what you want to do with your new life. For some longer than others & more ups than downs, etc. Be not afraid!Never give up and educate yourself.Don't be afraid to ask questions....before & after transplant
To the family: be patient, let the patient know their body, nobody knows it like them - let them decide when they are well or not; to the patient push yourself post transplant and pre tx take care of yourself as you will need to be strong to heal quickly:)
*Doctors are not always right, and don't often listen to you. You need to understand your health so you can ask questions and advocate for yourself!
Listen to your body. It will tell you things that your doctors will not understand. Be thankful for everyday you are given. It is a gift, not a cure. 37.5 years and still learning. You never know everything. You learn & grow every day. Be humble, you are never smarter than the next person. Listen to others, because they will also be listening to you.
*Transplants are not a CURE but a treatment with challenges of its own...med side effects, limitations, rehab, dietary & evironmental restrictions & rules...
Ask questions Ask questions Ask questions. Stay strong pre-transplant and keep your faith.
*Know that you are going to experience feelings other than gratitude, happiness, and faith. But it's ok & to be expected. There will be times in the journey that will make you question your worthiness and attitude. But you will get over it. It is normal and it's ok to feel those things.They should give prior warning to the medicine causing mood swings, and a variety of other side effects that will alter life as we know it.
*Each day when you feel that you're at the end of your rope, miraculously the next day there is a thousand more feet of rope. So hold on. Transplant gives a whole new definition of normal.
*To the family I would ask that they search deep down in the crevices of their soul & try to imagine what their family member is going through. Offer patience, love & understanding. To the patient, your life may be completely upended, but surviving such a trial will make you appreciate life in ways that many will never understand. That is the gift you receive after the trials of transplantation.
Congrats on your listing. Now comes the wait.... Be patient, get all the info. You can, have others with you when you meet with the Dr.s (it's always good to have 2 sets of ears), ask them about all medications and their side effects, and get things in order. Not to be doom and gloom, but I made sure to have everything in order...Just in case. Good luck to you on your journey!!!
*When my daughter was awaiting her TAH..so very ill...I remember her nurse told my privately. ."She's going to go through a lot but just listen to her and support her because when it's over she's going to come through and be fine"..She did come through..a TAH and 6 months later a heart transplant...and I learned to listen...2.5 years later she's happy and healthy..and I'm totally honored to have gone through that journey with her
Never give up!
*There are no bad questions. When being given instructions, record them. Post transplant memories are sketchy, some times... :-)
*Stay positive! Seems so trivial, but getting dressed was an effort. Probably the worst thing for me was watching my husband watch me--dying. I knew I'd be okay, but he didn't have that peace. It almost broke him apart. I will never forget how hard it was on him. Loved ones feel so helpless and need support too.
To family members know if the patients mood changes its not you its meds. This is one I struggled with.
We are all different, each transplant is different, and always ask questions of your doctor.
*Take someone with you to your appointments, record it if necessary, easy to miss or forget some things.
*Congrats!! Umm piece of advice...although tx is a good thing you need to look at all angles of it the good and bad. But especially that sometimes you trade one disease for another, set of pills for another, side effects, etc.
*Keep a note book...write down EVERYTHING...this gets you ready for doc appts, keeping track of symptoms...meds, side effects, blood work...new meds, old meds, diet, blood pressure...mood swings, fears...just write and write...a new mole, trip questions, just anything you can think of...
:)Connect with others to make sure you utilize every avenue!
~ Really wishing we had read through UNOS & Transplant support groups & reached out for advice prior to all of this. It's often very isolating. Everyone is very supportive in the beginning & are so overwhelmed that you're alive & have gotten this gift that they often fade away quickly. Not out of disrespect or lack of caring, but just as a weight has been lifted & they are able to return to their own "normal". It's hard to celebrate a 1st heart birthday when you're really not feeling like you've accomplished much or that it's a big deal. It's depressing to not drive, be stuck in the house, & your only social life is your best friend & mom taking you to Doctor's appointments. I'm so very grateful to be alive & I find that trying to pay it forward and raise awareness for organ donation & patient awareness and rights. It's small things in the scheme of things, but I will never be "normal" again. I can't have babies because carrying one will likely kill me & I probably can't use a surrogate because my eggs are damaged from stress to the body, years of medications & radiation treatments, plus the risk I put myself at just retrieving the eggs because no one told me to harvest prior to transplant. I can't take a vacation on a whim or eat what ever I want...& what's funny is I'd really love a strawberry crepe or salad I don't have to make at home. I MISS STRAWBERRIES & BLACKBERRIES!! I can't do a lot of the volunteer activities I used to do because they involve small children & my imune system is suppressed. I'm tired after showering and getting dressed...most days I wear yoga pants & a tshirt, so the days that involve a blouse & nice jeans or slacks are extra exhausting! I have an amazing husband who is extremely sensitive to all of this & great friends too, but not everyone gets it. I can be grateful for all that I have & know how very blessed I am, while I still feel exhausted with aches & shooting pains and migraines and mood swings and fat and puffy and all around gross and sad & cry some days because the white picket fence and two kids with a freaking puppy isn't gonna happen!!! But lord how I'm blessed! I have Bobby, Pam & Matt & my light - my niece Evie, my Mom, my Papa Bear, Jerry. In-laws who love me and are kind, I have one of my sisters at least half way in my life & another amazing niece I get to see weekly. I have Rob and Stacy & Kenny, Billy & Heather, and other amazing friends. We belong to a wonderful church, Parkview Christian Church, with Pastors that go above and beyond & wonderful members like the Reh family & Thompson family. I have causes I believe in and I am willing to fight for and I am getting more involved with....and next February I'm going on my first all grown up vacation - not a family trip with driving, lunch boxes, and children - a VACATION, courtesy of my all to generous father in law, & I'm going to see the ocean!!! Cross one of the bucket list. Bottom line, I'm lucky to be alive, I know how extremely blessed I am & I am grateful everday, even the bad days...I'm trying to pay it forward and I guess I just really need some patience and understanding...I am not just magically better. Think how you would feel if it were you or one of your children or your spouse! I pray it never is. For anyone who actually reads these - thank you & as always please share the post, ask your friends to reshare or tweet or email. Maybe it'll give perspective to some other patients and families. Be well & God Bless.Gwendolyn W.
Posted July 31, 2014 by Gwendolyn Westlund
Hello all,
Well, my biopsy from July 29th came back negative (zero rejection) and the blood work looks good.Yay!!! Always start with good news!Unfortunately, I've been laid out with a virus and upper respiratory infection since a week ago last Tuesday. I'm still not feeling much better so I'm waiting to hear back from infectious disease to see if they want to run anymore tests. I missed a whole week of rehab. Seeing as between infections & ailments, leg cramps & spasms, I can't seem to get any momentum going or advance in my rehab, I'm hoping my doctors will extend the duration another 4-6 weeks so my body can adjust. Just feeling super exhausted, congestion migraines, and nausea from the antibiotics. Blah.
They tested me for statin intolerance, to determine if one of my drugs was causing the leg cramps, that was negative so we're still on the hunt for a culprit. My potassium is low again so they've put me back on a supplement, that's not the source either. As of now I'm on 5mg prednisone in the a.m. & 2.5mg in the p.m. : )
Good news from the Hematologist, no more blood clots, no more blood thinners! Yay!! Some of the blood results were still questionable so they're keeping an eye on the numbers for the next couple months to determine if the need exists for the bone marrow test, it's looking like it will. Yeesh…I don't even like to think about it.
Still trying to find some form of radiation records, but the hospital says it was over ten years ago so they would've been destroyed. I have one lead left and the help of my Hematologist & Radiology department at Christ so hopefully we'll get something. Also, my Endocrinologist check up went well, thyroid levels are stable, calcium & vitamin D are stable and prednisone induced diabetes is in check. So everything stays the same, except insulin is now only as needed on sliding scale. Yay, again!! Another daily drug to be rid of.
Oncologist check up went well, no signs of relapse, though I'm overdue for my annual mammogram so I've got that scheduled in the days coming. I was told I need to see a Dermatologist as well, for my prednisone induced acne and the severe burns from tape allergy on my chest and full body check for melanoma. Finally saw the dentist for my follow up, another cleaning and two of my six cavities fixed. Also getting fluoride treatments to strengthen my teeth, much like the C clast infusion for my bones. Next appointment two weeks from now, it'll be so much better when it's done.
More Doctors, doctors, doctors…vascular doctor to further investigate the numbness, swelling, and pain in my feet and legs. Neurologist & an allergist to further investigate my migraines. They know one of my drugs causes severe tension headaches but because I already get migraines, I'm more prone to have these headaches turn into migraines. Gastro doctor to check my ulcers and do a colonoscopy – routine, & maybe an upper GI to check for distress from the 25 medicines they have me on daily. Pulmonologist is also on the list to check respiratory funtion and do a sleep apnea study, due to my constant fatigue.
Then one more check up with OB/GYN to determine the possibility of a gestational surrogate, but more than likely will be looking into alternative options or a life of travel…all of these seem like such farfetched dreams at this point. I'm just glad to be here with my husband, Bobby, and watching my nieces and nephew grow up and maybe seeing a little bit of the world. I'll get there….it's just taking longer than we thought and longer than we were told. : (
September, by the end of the month I should be done with phase 2 cardiac rehab – and that's including the extension I'm hoping the doctor will include. Then we go on to phase 3, if I'm lucky – I'm told most insurance companies don't cover phase 3, so we'll see. Also, the prednisone will be lowered again, 2.5 mg 2x daily, slowly getting rid of mood swings, extra lbs, acne, & moon face. Yay!! The big finally at end of the month: The Anniversary Checkup. It'll be the usual biopsy and right heart cath plus an angiogram to check both sides of my heart function. They do it a bit before the anniversary so they can fix any issues prior to my 1 year "heart" birthday, which is 10/25/14. I can't believe I'm even talking about it, these nine months have both felt like an eternity and flown by. They keep saying that one year mark is that miraculous moment for most people where they really start to feel better and like I've said in previous posts, I'm trying to believe that's true & praying so. I feel I still have a long road and only 3 months, but as my doctors are reminding me, not everyone is the same & not everyone has had as many surgeries in a short amount of time. Some heal in 6 months, others take 2 years...if I can get to the bottom of these set backs & side affects and hit a mid point I'd be more than happy with that. Either way, I'm turning one, there will be party hats and a smash cake involved!
I will definitely update everyone in between as I generally wait for biopsy results, but the biopsy's are getting farther apart. I will post in early September to fill in some results from upcoming doctor appointments.
As always, thank you to my wonderful FB friends, nurses and staff, Parkview Church members & fellow patients & their families. My amazing family & friends, my prince of a husband, Bobby, my amazing father-in-law, Bob, my best friend and sister Pamela Rocco, my sister-in-law Debbie Bennett, dear friends Ken & Stacy Kweder, Rob Rathke, Chuck & Sherry Marx, my mom, Debbie Lyons…I don't know that we would have made it this far without all of you. Thank you all for the prayers, the phone calls, the rides, for sharing this page, for the donations, etc. You are my heros. I still have a way to go, but every day I come further into the light. I'm blessed to be here, I'm grateful to my donor family, and I pray each day for strength to push harder to get stronger and to heal completely. I also pray everyone who has helped us in any small way know how grateful we are, that I litterally may not be here without all of you. As always, Be Well & God Bless.Gwendolyn W.
Posted 6/9/2014 by Gwendolyn Westlund
Well, my last biopsy was at the end of May and came back negative…Yay! Blood work looked good for the most part & I've started cardiac rehab. It's going pretty well so far, no major issues. Just exhausted as usual, though the air conditioned setting of the cardiac rehab center helps. The heat seams to really affect me, walking outside when it's over 75 degrees or under 50 just doesn't seem to agree with my body. But I'm doing the cardio 3x and then toning & weights on the other 2 days. So I've started with what most people look for the immediate results. Little bit of fundraising & fun info below and then just a wrap up of what's coming & thank you to all of our supporters. Keep reading…God Bless.
May 16th, one of my best friends, Rob Rathke, went to Anderson's Bookstore in DT Naperville to champion my cause yet again. Paul Stanley was there for his book signing and the cameras were going to be blazing! So Rob pulled out his Paul Stanley costume – which can hardly be called a costume, it's truly a piece of art – and came over so I could "make him Paul". It took me over 4 hours & I had to take breaks every 15 minutes….normally it would be a two hour job, but I got it done. He looked more like Paul than Paul did, people were taking pictures, and asking to take pictures with him, they took video & posted to Paul Stanley's various Facebook pages & websites! Rob went on and made sure to post that this was the reason he did it, to help his friend, his "sister", & more importantly, his makeup artist get better & pay for her meds & bills & get her life back on track. Anderson's donated $100 & said I made the night. : ) Anyone Rob took pictures with got a fundraiser card with my information on it & so did Paul…the real one. His buddy Mike took a good deal of pictures and handed out a lot of cards too. Thanks Mike!
You'll notice there are some pictures of him posted with Paul here on the site so you can see. Rob was also highlighted in Naperville's Glancer magazine & its Facebook page & most exciting, The Loop Rock Girl tweeted about Rob's little stunt the other day and included my fundraising link…hopefully we'll see some new visitors soon, she has a large following. Thanks again, Rob…above and beyond.
Well here's what lies ahead, rehab is 3x a week for 3months and my next biopsy is at the end of July. For now I'm at 5 prednisone 2x day. They may take my dose down again after July results. Unfortunately still on blood thinners for now…Ultrasound of legs in two weeks, more blood work, & possibly a bone marrow test depending on what the blood results show, I told the doctor she will have to put me out for that or it won't get done…EEK! Then back to Hematologist for another checkup & plan going forward regarding blood thinners. Also, need to hunt down my old radiation records for new hematologist & ob/gyn. The office I'd received treatment at closed & the doctor is no longer in state. UGH…just more unnecessary work. I also have checkups with the Endocrinologist (my thyroid checked, my calcium, & my diabetes status), the Oncologist for a work up (missed my last annual appt. as I was getting transplanted), annual mammogram, & finally get to go to the dentist! I had to wait at least 6 months after transplant, but they had me get checked & deep cleaned the eve of transplant, been living with these cavities for too long!
Anyway, lots of Doctor appointments…nothing new, trying to schedule what I can while I'm at the hospital for rehab to save trips. If I know anything it won't be until the end of the month, but I will update the page again with anything I know…even if it's just an "all clear".
Thanks to everybody out there who sends love, prayers, positive thoughts, etc. to me and my husband. Thank you to all of you and thank you God!
Say an extra prayer for my husband, Bob Westlund, he is so much more amazing and so much stronger than he knows. I think he's so much more a man & a really good man, than even those closest to him realize. He's had to be everything, my friend, my partner, my love, my nurse, my babysitter, my cook, my bather, he has let me cry and let me yell, he's paid the bills & done his damnedest to make sure I don't see him worry, he's has taken it & done it with more grace than anyone could expect of a man. My husband is a true man, & more than that he is a prince among men. He & my mom have been my main caregivers through all of this and they both deserve so much admiration & respect for keeping it together, being both loving & tough, & I thank God for them every day. Thank you God for my awesome friends and neighbors, Ken & Stacy Kweder for watching over me & helping with rides, schedules, & grocery runs, etc., for my "sisters" Pam Rocco & Tina Beyer for doing all they can to help me with whatever I need & making sure I get to see my niece, Evie. Thank you God for contact with my sisters T & M and allowing me to know my niece, Delilah…it's a true blessing! Thank you for allowing me to meet my niece Amelia & see my nephew Seamus again, to live to see them & be an Aunt to not only Bob's three beautiful nieces, but now all these new little lives…it's more than amazing. Thank you for Rob, my friend, my champion, the poor guy who ends up taking me to the store. Thank you for my extended family, Bob's family, Aunts and Cousins who call and pitch in whenever possible. Thank you to my wonderful FB friends, nurses and staff, Parkview Church members & fellow patients & their families. I don't know that we would have made it this far without all of you. I still have a way to go, but everyday we come further into the light. October is my 1 year "heart" birthday and they say I'll be feeling much better, let's believe that's true & pray for it and hopefully the rest of it, the bills and the other health issues will fall into place.
God Bless & Be Well.
Posted on 12/5/2013 by Gwendolyn Westlund
December 5, 2013
A brief update to bring you up to speed on the happenings over the last month.
I have now had over six biopsies and fortunately have only experienced mild rejection thus far. Though we did need to adjust medications rather agressively a few times and I was readmitted twice, things seem to be calming back down. I have also been dealing with two blood clots in my left leg, along with a significant seroma near my inner hip, both of which will hopefully be corrected in surgery on Tuesday, December 10th. I should not need to be hospitalized for more than a day or two, or so I'm told, but could very well be outpatient.We all know how quickly things can change though, so please keep us in your prayers and we will post again next week as soon as we know how the next surgery goes.
I will do my best to post an update when something important comes up & Bobby will text as needed. In the mean time please continue to pray and/or think happy thoughts!
Just so you are aware subscribing for updates will get you an auto alert when a new post is made, so you are always kept current.Much love, Gwendolyn W.
Posted on 11/01/2013 by Gwendolyn Westlund
November 1, 2013
I would like to start by announcing that I did, in fact get "the miracle call" last week and on Friday, October 25, 2013 at approximately 8am I was given a new lease on life with a successful heart transplant! The stars must have aligned as we were only hoping to be moved up on the list, (giving us better odds for 30 days) and by the grace of God, I got a heart that morning.
Everything seems to be running much smoother with the transplant recovery. Yesterday I had the first biopsy for rejection, results were negative, and so we are off to a promising start. We will try to post updates as they become available but for now all we know is the average hospitalization period for transplant is 14 days. We all know how quickly things can change though, so please keep us in your prayers and we will post again as soon as we have something definitive to share.
As I lay here recovering my heart is filled & I am overwhelmed by the abundance of love and generousity that have been shown to Bob and me throughout the trials with my heart disease. Please continue to share this link and support all of us in this effort!
More than anything I just want to let everyone know how incredibly blessed we are to have all of you and how overwhelmed we are with this gift of hope & love. Over the next year in particular we will likely have a minor bout of rejection, some possible illnesses due to my immunosuppressants, and weekly checkups. I will do my best to post an update when something important comes up & Bobby will text as needed. In the mean time please continue to pray and/or think happy thoughts!
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Low oil will stick around for about 18 months, but Alberta premier Jim Prentice said the region's economy is resilient.» Read More
Discussing the best way to play stocks amid the selloff in the energy market, with Michael Cuggino, Permanent Portfolio Funds.
A measles outbreak to a tiny piece of the American population would drain billions from the U.S. economy, an expert said.
A check on housing, and the outlook for millennial and baby boomer buyers, with Tim Rood, Collingwood Group.
CNBC's Melissa Lee, Meg Tirrell and Herb Greenberg, share a preview for earnings coming out from Gilead Sciences, Chipotle and Disney.
CNBC's Jackie DeAngelis reports where crude oil settled for the day.
"Street Signs" hosts Mandy Drury and Brian Sullivan look at 5 stocks with analyst recommendations, including an upgrade for Manpower by Barclays.
Lower gas prices increases affordability, which can drive car sales, explains former General Motors vice chairman Bob Lutz.
Are lower gas prices having an impact on car sales? CNBC's Phil LeBeau explains the impact to the type of vehicle people are buying during a period of cheaper gas.
Edward Morse, Citi's head of commodities research, isn't so sure oil has bottomed yet.
Discussing the pullback in oil, and the health of current market fundamentals, with Brian Belski, BMO Capital Markets.
U.S. crude ended higher Monday. Here's why one strategist thinks it may have bottomed, and how he'd play it.
Sara Fagen, former George W. Bush senior aide & White House political director, and CNBC contributor, discusses the correlation between the popularity of "American Sniper" and whether it will help Republican candidates next year.
"Street Signs" hosts Mandy Drury and Brian Sullivan look at 5 stocks with analyst recommendations, including JC Penney and GrubHug, among others.
Richard Bernstein,CEO of Richard Bernstein Advisors, says he still believes the markets are in the midst of one of the biggest bull markets in history.
CNBC's Jane Wells reports the Pentagon has said it needs more money to update and modernize its capabilities.
Jared Bernstein, MSNBC & CNBC Contributor, and James Pethokoukis, CNBC Contributor, discuss the President's new budget proposal and the taxes he plans to raise to pay for it.
Jeffrey Saut, Chief Investment Strategist, Raymond James, says he believes oil has bottomed and offers up his buying advice for the sector.
Hey, 2016 presidential candidates — Are you paying attention to what "American Sniper" is telling you?
Analysts tell CNBC what their outlooks are for market performance next week and throughout the year.
In a web exclusive, San Francisco Fed President John Williams talks about timing for the Fed's rate hike.


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Viewers: in countries Watching now:
In this course, professional photo restorer Janine Smith describes how to use Photoshop to restore, retouch, and enhance old or damaged photos. It covers evaluating scanned images for imperfections, using the Clone Stamp tool and other Photoshop tools, and addressing common problems and their fixes, starting with the basics (fading, spots, and paper texture) and continuing with more complex challenges (rips, adhesive tape, ink marks, mold, and more). Also included are methods for fixing exposure problems and colorcast as well as advanced techniques in photo restoration, such as replacing backgrounds and recreating missing facial features and body parts. The course includes a project that takes an image from damaged start to restored finish.
The most basic part of digital restoration work may be the little specs and spots that most photos of a certain age have, but the larger rips and tears tend to happen, and a lot of times they tend to happen in the most inconvenient places. Take this image for instance. This large creased tear combination just so happens to be in a place in the image where a whole lot is going on. One good thing about all this is it isn't in an area that would be even harder to reconstruct, like the face. What we do need to repair here is a small portion of the horse and some harness mostly.
Let's zoom out and have a look at the whole picture. I am using Ctrl+Minus or Command+Minus. You can see it goes right through the middle, so we just need to repair a little of that area. It's a good idea to start on the smaller end of a rip and a tear. And the tools you use mostly are your Patch tool, your Clone Stamp tool, and if you have Photoshop CS5, your Content-Aware fill. Begin by selecting an area. Keep to the smaller side; if you try to get too big, you're just going to get big smudgy areas. And work just in a little pieces.
Another hint when you are using your Patch tool is go ahead of yourself with the Clone Stamp tool and prepare areas. When you do this, it's a good idea to work from the top and the bottom, not just try to make one big sweep. Again, work in little areas, and make yourself little bridges that you can then go in and use your Patch tool to select the area, and you don't have all that white area around that will smudge. Just bring it up.
Sometimes you'll have to go over the area again and again to fix the areas, and that's okay, to fix the little smudges. That's a really good way to whittle away the small areas. Now this big area is much the same, just on a larger scale. Again, get your Clone Stamp tool, select an area, and make a bridge for your other tools. If you try to do the whole thing with your Clone Stamp tool you'll probably end up repeating yourself too much, and that's not going to be a good fix.
Let's just do a couple quick bridges here. Try not to make your area that you're making your bridge in too large. Again, it's not a good idea to go in too large an area. Get your Patch tool, select the area, and bring it up, and that's a much better way to fix it. And you can go back and fix any little smudges that occur this way. Larger rips and tears take more patience and care than the small ones, especially when they happen in detailed inconvenient areas. But attention to the surrounding areas and details can make the job easier.
Take your time, take breaks as needed, and whittle away at the large areas to make the big stuff smaller.
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The Imam of the Naqshbandi Order said, "طريقتنا الصحبة والخير في الجمعية - Tariqatuna as-suhbah wa 'l-khayru fi 'l- jam`iyyah" - "Our way is fellowship, and the goodness is in the gathering".
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Arrived in BKK late last night, to a cornucopia of postcards from rounds 25, 27 & 28!! For round 27 I received:
Black Dog - "The photograph Announces..." - An interesting effect, that keeps me wanting to know more about what the images are.
Rai - "National Palace des Invalides, Paris" - Love the colour effect on this image. It suits the subject beautifully.
Lori's - "Yellowstone Park" - one of the places on my bucket list for next time I'm in the US. Nice leading lines from the sand to the mountains behind.
Bluejeh - "Path through Trees" - the trees as a canopy over the path, add an air of mystery to the image. "Where am I, and where does that lead?"
Bluejeh2 - "Creek near Cultus Lake BC" - I love images like this, and the blur on the water makes the spot feel even more serene. (Your paper choice has me thinking of grabbing some to try, as it reminds me of paper from the 50s.)
Only 4 outstanding from yet another super round: afrank, hoffy, Kav & Kc2edh


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Litchfield Montessori School News
Our enthusiastic group of 6th years headed up to the Montessori Middle School on Friday for sneak peek at the Middle School program. In addition to hearth cooking, learning the chemical composition of honey, milking and tending to the goats, the... more
Upper Elementary enjoys the fall weather while working with watercolor. more
Upper Elementary take aim during PE. "As irrigators lead water where they want, as archers make their arrows straight, as carpenters carve wood, the wise shape their minds."-Buddha more
This past Monday, the Montessori Middle School set off to the Sloane-Stanley Museum in Kent. The museum generously opened its doors exclusively to our students. The visit highlighted the important historical role the iron industry played in our... more


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You can now invite anyone to meet at your favorite Starbucks.
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50 year old woman | Choctaw, OK, USA | Seeking men 44-55 within 50 miles
Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
I took some time off this site due to my recent surgery, recovery, and now ready to search again for my Best Friend. First and foremost I'm looking for mutual interest, and a positive outlook is a must. Unlike many, I do know what I want, and that is a committed relationship at some point. I find a man with a sense of humor very attractive. He could take a joke as well as tell one, with sense of humor that is never at someone else's expense, but be clever and witty. I'm looking for a authentic man, one who is honest, kind. I appreciate a man who shows kindness to everyone. A man who's employed and hopefully enjoys his job/career. I grew up with brothers, so I Love Men! I love hanging out with you, and I also know you love your freedom, your time with your buddies. Regardless of what happens, I will always want you to have the freedom, and feel free to do that, to take your time with your friends. I know and get that you need "man time". I'm looking for an affectionate man. Fun loving, easy going man. Someone who is unpretentious, authentic man, one who can make me feel safe and protected. A sensitive man, but not overly emotional. Protective without being smothering. Intelligent, and confident. I suppose one of the top things that I do admire in a man is a great communicator. Which in the online dating world is most important since all senses are removed but written communication. I would describe myself as a realist, goal oriented, stable, spontaneous, adventurous, romantic - I laugh often, and easily, at myself, and at life's absurdities which coincidentally I find in abundance. :) I love spending time outdoors, whether it be walking the dog, gardening, or just a nature walk. Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the cool weather, you would find me outside more than any other time of the year. Mornings I awake before dawn, take my coffee outside on the back porch and watch the morning sun rise. The hues of yellows, gold, and purple feed my soul, give me hope and reminds me to take time for now, to be present and live in the moment. I have two adopted children who are my world and do take priority in my life, so you won't find me doing high risk activities such as bungee jumping or sky diving. Although, I have no problem what so ever safely watching your crazy jumping! :) Thanks for stopping by and reading my profile! Smile baby...today is going to be a Great Day!!
Cooking , Dining out , Gardening/Landscaping , Movies/Videos , Exploring new areas
Billiards / Pool, Inline skating, Swimming, Walking / Hiking
Some other viewpoint
Z{{Cta}} {{#if HasMoreInfo}} ?{{CtaSecondary}} {{/if}}
|What she is looking for
|5'5" (165cms)
|5'9" (175cms) to 7'11" (241cms)
|Body type:
|About average
|No preference
|No preference
|No preference
|No preference
|Social Drinker
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|I'll tell you later
|No preference
|I'll tell you later
|No preference
|No preference
|Have kids:
|Yes, and they live at home (2)
|No preference
|Wants kids:
|No, No, but it's OK if my partner has kids
|White / Caucasian
|No preference
|Spiritual but not religious
|No preference
|I'll tell you later
|No preference


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| The Moran Auto Outlet | A Fort Gratiot Used Car Outlet - (810)385-8529
Welcome to The Moran Auto Outlet, serving the Port Huron and entire Blue Water area with a wide selection of quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs priced under $10,000 as well as offering Motor Trend Certified used cars for cars 8 years and newer with under 80,000 miles. We welcome the opportunity to serve you, our goal is to put you behind the wheel of the vehicle that is right for you. Our vehicles are clearly marked with special outlet pricing to take the worry out of negotiating. We have safety inspected all our vehicles and hope to provide you a car worth all your hard earned money. We encourage outside inspection prior to purchase as these value priced autos are sold on an AS-IS basis.
Motor Trend Certified cars - A better way to buy a better car
Inspected - undergo a comprehensive inspection by a Motor Trend certified mechanic
Upgraded - anything that does not meet Motor Trend national standards is repaired or replaced
Guaranteed - backed by EasyCare vehicle repair coverage, dent repair, keycare, 72 hour exchange policy, and best value guarantee
To our Canadien neighbors we are experts in handling all the details of delivering a car to Canada. We will meet you for delivery at the Blue Water bridge entrance to Sarnia. Come over and check us out and we will show you how to buy a great used car at outlet pricing.
With financing options for people in all situations we have the right terms to get you the car you want fast. We offer great interest rates and extended terms to get you the lowest payments. We specialize in bruised and damaged credit for people from St Clair County, Macomb County and Genesee County. If we can't get you that second chance at reestablishing your credit it is unlikely anyone can. We put the special in special finance.
Please feel free to browse our used inventory, research financing options, or request a quick quote on a vehicle. Check out our hours and directions page for directions from anywhere to Fort Gratiot . We proudly service Fort Gratiot, Port Huron, Sanilac, St Clair, Macomb county, Richmond, Flint, Bluewater, Imlay City, Lapeer and many other surronding areas. If there's anything we can help you with, please send us an email or call us at 810-385-8529.
Hours of OperationMonday and Thursday 9am until 8pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am until 6pm
Saturday 9am until 2pm
Sunday Closed


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• Female • $750
• Female • $1,100
• Female • $950
Rottweiler Puppy
Receive an email alert when additional Rottweiler puppies are added. It's easy and free!
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INCLUDES: health guarantee, akc registration, vaccinations, travel crate if ship, microchip implanted, natural worming
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Member Since: July 2005
Location: Salem, Oregon


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Winter!: Prepare for holiday gaming!
This game is really old, but it is one hell of a ride. The storyline is just epic. If you never played this, I strongly suggest that you do. The only annoying parts are the dreams that Max is having. They are like labyrinths with low gravity and slow motion. I spent hours in those dreams trying to figure out where to go. That's why one star is taken off. BTW since the game is old, of course the graphics are bad compared to the new games.
Game Traits applied to Max Payne (PC) by ArmoXPhenom
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Bath & Body
Walking into a Lush Cosmetics Store is one of life's greatest joys. Happiness is just taking a good healthy sniff of all that's on offer at a Lush Store.
Considering Lush doesn't wrap any of its Bath Bombs, Bubble Bars, Massage Bars, Etc….walking into the shop is a sensory explosion as all the scents from your favorite products get combined and lumped into one great note that can simply be deemed as "that Lush store fragrance…"
Like most Lush fans, I've always wanted to capture that essence in a bottle and hide it away so I can sniff it in the comfort of my own home and on occasion I've wished that Lush could blend that cocktail together and create a fragrance of it.
Now some folks claim Lush shops are a tad overwhelming in the realms of scent and even nauseating as it's a tad too much for them however I absolutely love it and most good Lushies do too!
The new Gorilla Perfume that recently launched, the first of many fragrances from Lush under the Gorilla Perfume label, does, in fact, smell like a Lush store to me.
Let's have a look!Read More...
I was about 7 years old when I saw my first episode of the original Star Trek series. Since that time I've watched and rewatched all of the series so many times that I'm actually uncomfortable admitting that I can actually play a part in some of the episodes considering I know the bloody dialogue so well.
Speaking of Star Trek wanna explore a fragrance that could be deemed Beauty Most Unusual?
Jump!Read More...
Lush Halloween 2010 and Lush Holiday 2010 Launch
I know many are you eager to hear the word about the Lush Halloween 2010 Collection plus, of course, further information about the Lush Holiday 2010 launch.
The UK recently had a forum party which gave everyone an early chance to preview and purchase Holiday 2010. Now it's NA's turn!
Jump!Read More...


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The Bloody Moors - version 4Nov 28, 2013 Full Version 1 comment
28th November 2013 - version 4 is now available to download, featuring various improvements and bug fixes.
'The Bloody Moors' is a five-level campaign for Valve Software's Left 4 Dead 2.
Supported game modes: single player, co-op, versus and survival.
Survivors have fled the USA to seek safety in England, but crash land on the bleak wind-swept Yorkshire moors and must fight through isolated old cottages and stables, a filthy canal and apartment building, an old cemetery and ruined church, a quarantined fishing village...and a long-buried Eldritch horror.
Concept, levels and textures: Kev Edwards
Music, sounds and videos: Jeroen van Eden ('JMantis')
Models and melee weapons: Holger Herker ('bunny')
Voice actors: Adam Diggle, Kristyn Mass, Rebecca McCarthy
Contact details...
28th November 2013 - version 4 is now available to download, featuring various improvements and bug fixes.
Three years in the making, The Bloody Moors is now available to download! Feedback, comments and suggestions are welcome.


text: 1 SAMSUNG HC9347BG Chimney Cooker Hood - Stainless Steel 10 reviews 2 year guarantee included with this product. Width: 90 cm Recirculation Extraction (kit sold separately) Max airflow rate: 470 m³/h Noise level: 61 dB(A) Home delivery Collect in store unavailable £239.00 Product details Keep the air in your kitchen fresh and clean with the smart-looking stainless steel Samsung HC-9347BG Chimney Cooker Hood. Hard wearing and easy to clean, the stainless steel finish with glass housing looks good enough to adorn the newest kitchens!The Samsung H-C9347-BG Chimney Hood also gives you choices, offering ducted air extraction or recirculation, as well as providing you with three fan speed options. Make the HC9347B-G work as hard as you like to restore your kitchen to its usual... Find out more More info


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Lorenzen Wright's mother wants answers in son's death
Every day she smells the lingering scent on her son's shirt, a touchstone that will fade away. She wears his hat. Yet it's all of little comfort.
What Deborah Marion -- mother of former NBA player Lorenzen Wright -- is desperate for, she says, are answers. And they're too slow in coming.
The funeral is over. The media circus has abated. She is left with only heartache.
"It's like he was erased and everybody forgot all about him," she said Thursday.
Her throat catches.
She wants to hear more than standard assurances from detectives that "we're working on it."
"They haven't got it solved, but they can tell me something to let me know that they're really doing something," she said.
The mystery of who shot her son is tearing her to pieces.
"I'm not forgetting about my baby, and I ain't gonna let anybody else forget about him either," she said.
Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin said the community should rest assured homicide detectives are working long hours to solve the case.
They're interviewing people both in Shelby County and outside the area. They've collected evidence and are waiting for it to be examined.
"We haven't let up on it," he said.
It has been a month since Wright's body was found in a secluded area in southeast Memphis near Hacks Cross and Winchester. His death was ruled a homicide by gunshot wound.
Wright's ex-wife, Sherra Robinson Wright, told Collierville police he left her home at about 10:30 p.m. July 18 with a box of drugs and an unspecified sum of money, according to court records.
Sherra Wright also told detectives her ex-husband had a phone conversation with an unidentified person before he left. She heard him say he was going to "flip something for $110,000," according to an affidavit.
Lorenzen Wright left the Collierville home on Whisper Woods Drive in a vehicle driven by an unidentified person shortly after the call, she said.
Sherra Wright also told investigators her ex-husband owned two guns, a shotgun kept at her Collierville home and a handgun kept inside the family van. Collierville police searched the home and van but didn't find the weapons.
According to an affidavit, shell casings of different calibers were recovered with Wright's body.
The MPD sought a search warrant for Sherra Wright's home to find documentation that would help determine "if the weapons owned by Lorenzen Wright match the calibers of the bullet shell casings recovered at the location where Mr. Wright was shot to death."
Records show that the MPD's search of Sherra Wright's home on Aug. 1 turned up two items: pieces of burned metal and one letter addressed to Lorenzen and Sherra Wright.
Law enforcement officials have not said why they took those items or what they mean to investigators.
"We ask you to be patient and trust and believe we are doing everything we can," Godwin said. "It's not anything we can rush. We're looking for the pieces of the puzzle to fit together."
He reminded citizens to call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH (2274) if they have information.
"Maybe they saw something, heard something, remember something that they think might be insignificant," he said.
"But it might not be."
-- Kristina Goetz: 529-2380
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Winona Ryder
Tim Burton Says Beetlejuice Sequel Is 'Closer Than Ever'
Originally posted 12/22/2014 08:45PM
It'd be hard counting how many times someone's said "Beetlejuice" since Tim Burton's film of the same name came out in 1988, but you'd think it would be enough times to warrant a reappearance, wouldn't you?
See Brooding Winona Ryder in New Modeling Gig (and Gisele's Buzz Cut?)
Originally posted 07/01/2014 02:15PM
The two gorgeous ladies (and one gorgeous guy) star in fun new ad campaigns
Breaking Up Is Hard 'Tattoo': 7 Celebs Who Have Removed Their Ex-Themed Ink
Originally posted 06/19/2014 10:30AM
They call it "The First Commandment of Getting Inked": Never get your significant other's name tattooed anywhere on your body. You never know when things might end, and if they do, you might find yourself scarred for life – literally. (Or maybe not...)
The Fault in Our Movies: See 12 of the Most Beautiful People Dying Young on Film
Originally posted 06/03/2014 11:15AM
According to author John Green, his acclaimed young-adult novel The Fault in Our Stars was intended as a revision of the classic cancer-story tropes of saintly sufferers and soft-lit deaths.
But there's one convention the upcoming film adaptation doesn't subvert – like many of their cinematic predecessors, Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort spend their last months positively glowing.
It's yet another reminder that, in the movies, dying is often the best makeover.
In anticipation of the opening of the film adaptation of the book, here's a brief history of beautiful people in movies who left us too soon.
Winona Ryder's Style Bombshell: 'I've Worn Dresses to the Oscars That I Got for $10'
Originally posted 02/28/2014 09:50AM
The actress opens up about her love for vintage fashion, and her tumultuous thirties in a new interview
20 Things We Love About Reality Bites on Its 20th Anniversary
Originally posted 02/18/2014 01:00PM
Reality Bites turns 20 on Tuesday, which means the Gen-X classic is just a few short years away from chain-smoking and pontificating about post-college consumerism.
Two decades later, the film has become a '90s touchstone, as well as an underrated romcom classic – just whisper the name "Troy Dyer" to a woman over 30 and you'll be treated to an elaborate analysis on the romantic appeal of dudes in bands.
To celebrate the film's entry into its post-grad years, we've outlined the 20 best things about Reality Bites.
Heathers: The Musical & 5 More Teen Movies That Would Be 'Totally Fetch' on Stage
Originally posted 12/16/2013 04:00PM
After a successful run in Los Angeles, Heathers: The Musical is set for a March 2014 debut on stage in New York City. While Winona Ryder and Christian Slater probably won't reprise their roles, the show is bound to be better than eating a brain tumor for breakfast.
See This/Skip That: From Frozen to Mandela
Originally posted 11/27/2013 04:15PM
Send the kids to Frozen and the adults to Homefront for a satisfying holiday weekend, says PEOPLE's critic.
Here's what to see and what to skip in movie theaters this Thanksgiving.
Happy Birthday, Winona Ryder! See How She's Changed over the Years
Originally posted 10/29/2013 04:00PM
Watch the birthday girl transform from young starlet to Hollywood mainstay
Winona Ryder: I Don't Eat on Camera Anymore
Originally posted 05/01/2013 06:25PM
Was it something she ate? Pretty much!
Winona Ryder is making a grand return to the spotlight, and she's sharing some tricks of the trade she's learned along the way.
For one: Just say no to nibbling scenes. While filming the lesser-known 1990 teen comedy Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael, Ryder, then 19, says she learned this the hard way.
"There's a scene in my bedroom where I start eating Almond Roca," Ryder, 41, tells PEOPLE while promoting her new film The Iceman in New York City. "I was so young. It was before I knew the tricks of moviemaking, and I didn't know you shoot a lot of different angles."
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|KOREA ELECOM CO., LTD. Patent applications
|Patent application number
|FIREARM SIMULATION SYSTEM SIMULATING LEADING FIRE, LASER-EMITTING DEVICE, AND TARGET DETECTION DEVICE - Provided is a firing weapon simulation system simulating leading firing. The firing weapon simulation system is configured to include laser firing apparatus mounted on a firing weapon and a target sensing apparatus attached to a target. The laser firing apparatus includes a first control unit, a firing switch which is driven cooperatively with firing of the firing weapon, an image processing unit which measuring a leading angle from an image including the moving target, a first GPS receiver, a laser beam firer, and a motor assembly which rotates the laser beam firer. When the firing switch is switched on, the first control unit generates the firing data, allows the motor assembly to reversely rotate the laser beam firer by a measured value of the leading angle, and allows the laser beam firer to emit the laser beam carrying the firing data. The target sensing apparatus includes a second control unit, a sensing circuit unit which extracts firing data from the laser beam, a second GPS receiver, and a hitting situation indicator which indicates hitting result according to a driving signal transmitted from the second control unit. The second control unit solves simultaneous equations of the trajectory equation of the firing weapon and the equation of motion of the target to determine whether or not the target is hit and outputs a result of the determination to the hitting situation indicator.
|LASER TRANSMITTER FOR SIMULATING A FIRE WEAPON AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - The present invention relates to a laser transmitter for simulation training, which is mounted on a firearm. The laser transmitter for simulation training includes an infrared laser diode