Aurora's Blog

(#48) Re-assembling Care Packages for Seniors with the Mayor’s Volunteer Corps (December 17, 2014) – Part 3 (Oof. Doing Bags Backwards)

March 28, 2015

Picking up from last time –

The way the bags had been being made was that you’d put little items in on the bottom (such as stamps, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, soap, and a light little scarf). Then, you’d put this big blanket (that was already wrapped up for you) over that stuff – as the last thing in the bag. And it worked great. It worked great for the first part of my shift. From everything I heard, it worked great for the whole first 4-hour shift of the day.

And then someone decided to change it.

I will admit when I got to fill the one bag earlier in my shift, getting the blanket in was the hardest part. It was a pretty big blanket. So, it took some work to stuff it into the somewhat tight bag. But it wasn’t so bad. The way we did it was I held it, and the two people at the bag station stuffed it in. Yes, it took slightly longer than the other stops where people could practically throw in the small items. But in my experience, it didn’t take inordinately long.

Even still, somehow, they changed it up so that people would fill bags that already had blankets in them.

What?! Who decided this. I don’t know who decided it or how it happened. I just know that before we could do anything to stop it, we looked over to this area that was filled with so many bags with blankets. People were told they then needed to be filled with the rest of the stuff. [*head falls on desk as I write this*]

I’m pretty sure that whoever made that decision must’ve thought it was going to save time or headache. And maybe things were much tougher for the blanket stuffers than I imaged (though they still had to stuff the blankets… the hard part was the sides of the tight bag, not the bottom with stuff in it… so I have no idea how doing blankets first really made anything easier for them).

But the only thing this did was annoy, confuse, and even hurt people!

Some people were confused as to what had the small stuff in it and what didn’t, since all the other finished bags also looked, from above, just like rolled up blankets in bags. And then, when people cam through, we had to try to stuff the smaller goodies into the already tightly squeezed sides of the bag (so the stuff hopefully wouldn’t fly out). A bunch of us in the assembly line were literally getting cuts because of the plastic sides of the bags we were catching our fingers on as we tried so hard to stuff things in there. (Ow!)

A bunch of us actually bled. Yes, it’s just small cuts. No one was seriously injured. But still… I hope none of the recipients of these bags have any blood on their stuff!

And this is where we’ll pick up next time.

(#48) Re-assembling Care Packages for Seniors with the Mayor’s Volunteer Corps (December 17, 2014) – Part 2 (A Small Idea Is Started… And Abandoned)

March 27, 2015

Picking up from last time –

Someone came over and said we’d be consolidating lines. So, we needed to move whatever supplies we had to the table in front of us.

Okay, sounds good. We all did.

Once I got up there, we had more than enough people (since two lines were converging into one). So, I got to grab a bag and go down the line myself to fill it. Yet again, from a different angle, I saw the great efficiency.

Once I got back to the beginning, the morning shift was leaving. With the empty spots, I re-took my place behind the table.

There was one person who was trying to be efficient, and I appreciate her (as I appreciate anyone trying to make things better). But her plan was proving not to be wildly efficient after all. Her plan was to take a bunch of empty bags and put the first items in them (stamps, toothbrushes, and toothpaste). Then people could grab those bags and not even have to hit that station.

This was not necessarily a bad idea in theory.

Granted, the station that had that stuff was staffed just like the others. So, it really took barely any more time for the bag-builders to start a couple of feet earlier in the line and have someone plop that stuff in there… So, personally, I didn’t think the half seconds of extra efficiency were necessary.

But I’m not gonna argue with someone who seemed so happy to be implementing her idea to try to make things go smoother. Also, who in the world do I think I am to even worry about this, right? I’m an assembly line worker today. So I don’t need to be worrying big picture… Bu I’m still gonna talk about it a bit… So, it was sort of a potato/po-tah-to situation in my mind. It might be slightly better. It might not be. My feeling was it didn’t truly matter, since it was about the same… Or was it?

There were a couple of small issues that came up.

Since none of the other lines were doing this, the bag-building people would get confused. They’d come up to our line with an empty bag, but then she’d be trying to hand them one that had a few things in it. Then they’d either have to reach over her to get stuff in their bag (since she was keeping her pre-started bags right in front of the station with stamps and stuff). Or they’d have to go put their empty bags back… It was just confusing people. And it started to get in the way, since it became so hard for people to reach over to the stamp/toothbrush station.

Also, she’d start putting lotions (the next item in the line) in the bags sometimes. And then it became this whole thing of, “Do you have lotion in there already?” The additional confusion definitely outweighed the half-seconds that may have been saved.

Again, I admire this person’s desire to make something better, and her gumption to just start doing it. I love when people are really thinking about the task at hand. I’d rather work with people passionate about what we’re doing (who might make a mis-step (as any of us could)) than people who don’t care. You never fully know if something will work until you try, right?

Since that wasn’t working out so well, she stopped doing that. And people just started again with their empty bags. Basically, no harm, no foul there. And great teamwork. The day was still spectacular.

And then…. This is where I’ll pick up next time.

(#48) Re-assembling Care Packages for Seniors with the Mayor’s Volunteer Corps (December 17, 2014) – Part 1 (Oooh, Seems So Efficient!)

March 26, 2015

There was a big fire in downtown Los Angeles. In that fire, thousands of care packages for seniors in need were destroyed. The community came together and replaced all the items. Then the Mayor planned a day at the convention center where people would get together to put packages together.

I like our Mayor. He seems really committed to improving the lives of the citizens in his community. He believes in public transportation. (Incredible out here, right?) This was my first time volunteering with the Mayor’s Volunteer Corps, and I was excited to see an activity run by his office – assuming it would be run pretty spectacularly.

I got a confirmation email a day or two before with very specific instructions on how to get there, what you’d be doing, etc. Cool. Information is grand.

Once I got there, there was a very pleasant woman in the hall of the convention center asking people if they were there for the volunteer corps. Then she’d send us in the right direction. Points to Mayor Garcetti’s team for going above and beyond. We didn’t just get an email. We didn’t even get an impersonal sign in the lobby (which I would’ve already thought was pretty great just for the extra clarity). We got a living, breathing sweetheart. All right!

Once we got to the area itself where the bag building was occurring, there was a check-in table, also staffed by personable people. We even got a sweet t-shirt just for a few hours of work. Not only were there free t-shirts. There was free food, and free coffee-based drinks. (Volunteering in luxury. Oooh la-la.)

I went to the adjacent room to start the actual volunteering part. I saw lines of tables with assembly lines for the bags, with plenty of people making their way down the tables.

I looked around for a leader of some kind to tell us second-shifters where to go or what to do. When I didn’t find one, I looked around for where I might fit in. I saw a space at a table where they could use more help. So, I jumped in and started handing out toothpaste.

Everyone around me seemed so on top of everything. People were efficient and kind. The girl next to me thanked me for jumping in so she didn’t have to man so many items by herself. Life was good.

I thought, “Wow. This seems pretty much as efficient as Operation Gratitude’s assembly days. Great job, Mayor Garcetti’s team!”

But then…

This is where I’ll pick up in a while (after we talk about some other stuff).

(#47) Living History/Tree Lighting At Dominguez Adobe Museum (December 13, 2014)

March 25, 2015

When I signed up for this event, I didn’t really know what it was. (I still don’t actually know the total history of why there’s a Dominguez Adobe Museum…)

But since I’d never been to this place, so I thought why not try to expand my mind a little while helping.

When I got there, there wasn’t a ton to do. So, first I tried to get my picture taken with Santa… but he wouldn’t let me! He thought it was “inappropriate” for a young woman to sit on his lap? (I saw other male adults do it… I’ll just leave that there, since I don’t know what to say about that.)

I also took one of the tours around the adobe. We learned about chamber pots and horse-drawn ambulances. We were reminded that if we thought it took a long time to get down there from L.A. now, we should’ve tried back then without automobiles!

There was indeed a little living history exhibit where actresses spoke as the daughters of the family. They were so into it. It was pretty cute.

I also learned about the first woman to parachute out of a plane – Tiny Broadwick. She sounded interesting, and she had various accomplishments. I was a little surprised I’d never heard of her. But now I have!

When it came time to do actual volunteering stuff, there wasn’t much… I helped bring an extension cord out to the tree so they could light it. And I helped clean up all the food at the end of the night.

One thing I did do that didn’t actually seem to help anything, but still made me pretty proud, was… There was this little fake light that was battery operated. And the on/off switch on the bottom had broken. So no one could figure out how to turn it off. A woman was walking around saying, “I’ll give you $100 if you can turn this off” to people.

(There was not actually a monetary reward, in case you’re wondering.)

Person after person couldn’t turn it off. I love challenges and puzzles. So, I took a crack at it. I figured that even though the button wasn’t there, if I could reach something down in the hole it made to turn the mechanism the same way the button would have, then I could get it to turn off.

I looked around in the little kitchen area, and found some of those tiny, thin straws. I reached up and grabbed one. I then stuck it in the light, found where I could click the mechanism, and boom! The light went off.

Aurora De Lucia – problem solver.

(#46) Christmas Card Stuffing at AIDS Project Los Angeles (December 12, 2014)

March 24, 2015

I saw a listing on Volunteer Match looking for some office help in the middle of the afternoon one day. By the time I saw the listing, the event had already started. But since it wasn’t too far from my house, I went over there any way to check if they could use me. Sure enough, they could!

I met this really fabulous, fun man who said, “nice to meet you.” This is why you always use Drew Carey’s “nice to see you.” He’d actually met me very briefly before when I tried to help with this organization (but they were more than fully staffed). I’m actually pretty glad he didn’t remember me. Why would I want him to remember the girl who had nothing to do?

I’m so glad that I tried again with APLA! I felt so welcomed and impressed from the moment I entered their building. Every person I met was extremely friendly. Also, by the looks of things, it seemed like this organization does a whole lot. So, I was more than happy to help them.

I was set up in a cubical to address and stuff envelopes (as I was the only one who came for the shift after all).

One thing that was so interesting to me was that I’d heard about high schoolers who’d come earlier in the week and didn’t know how to address an envelope! What? Is mail seriously that obsolete that teenagers really don’t even know how to address an envelope? I could see it happening. (It obviously did happen.) But it blows my mind nonetheless.

Fairly soon into my task, I made my own makeshift standing desk with a box (because I can go a little nuts if I sit for too long).

I thought about putting on a podcast and zoning out a bit. But I feel like lately I’ve always had something in my ear. I’m always semi-distracting myself from a commute or simple task. And this time I decided no, I just want to think.

I got to listen to some of the conversations around me, and hear about planning events. (It must be so fun and busy to work at a non-profit.)

I also got lost in my own thoughts a bit… I was being considered for a job in New York. Spoiler alert: I didn’t get it. But I was thinking about what I’d done with my time in California, and what I would do with my time in New York.

The task itself was very simple. I had all the supplies I needed, and a very easy list from which to read addresses. (APLA’s address was already beautifully pre-printed on their envelopes.) They had plenty of that special sticky envelope glue stuff so I didn’t have to lick any envelopes. They thought of everything and made it as easy for the volunteer as possible.

At the end of the day, Tarik thanked me so much for all my work. He made me feel so appreciated, and he even took the photos you see here in the post so I could document the day on my blog!

I had a great time, and I’d happily help them out anytime in the future!

(#45) L.A. Turkey Trot Water Stop (November 27, 2014) – Part 4 (End of Morning/Clean Up)

March 23, 2015

Picking up from last time –

No matter what we did, we consistently all got water splashed on us all the time. I can only imagine what it’s like for any poor souls who ever have to do this in cold weather (ouch!).

It was a very hot day in Los Angeles (yes, on Thanksgiving – that’s LA). So, our stops were even more slammed than we were expecting.

And since everyone was so parched, no one seemed upset if any of the cups were a bit fuller than they probably should’ve been. *High five!*

(Also, can we just mention, maybe there should be a specific “race cup” that has a line marked to where it should be filled… Or, I don’t know. I think there are a lot of innovative things we could do with race cups (making them easier to hand off, and such). So, let’s think about working on that!)

Anyway, eventually everyone went past us, and it was time to clean up.

The captains of the stop told us to dump all the water. The other volunteers and I were a little stressed about dumping so much good water in the middle of the street (in the middle of a drought in California). So, we started pouring all unused water from cups back into the jugs so we could at least go pour the water in the surrounding plants, even if open/unsealed water jugs couldn’t be given anywhere for human consumption.

Our impatient crew leaders didn’t care about trying to save any water, and they told us to just dump the tables. All the tables got dumped, and there was tons of water in the street…

Then the van to come pick up the supplies didn’t come for at least another 45 minutes. So, as far as I could tell, we did have time to be a little more judicious with how we got rid of the water. However, there may have been a permit issue or something that made it so we needed to get out of the street… And none of the nearby trees looked like they were in any danger of dying anytime soon due to lack of water or anything. And who am I to question the people in charge? So, you know, it’s all good…

While we were waiting for the van, the guy in charge of the water station asked me if I was a vegetarian (as we were talking about Thanksgiving dinner). I said, “actually yeah, I have been for a few months. Why?”

He said I seemed like a vegetarian. I’m not totally sure what that means. I’m unsure if I even like it. (Who am I becoming?!) But I thought it was funny that someone who was so against going vegetarian is now getting told, “you seem like a vegetarian.” Ah, life.

Eventually the van came, we loaded it up, and took everything back to the big recycle bins.

Then I walked home in the burning, burning heat. But at least I’d gotten wet all morning!

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 23 (I Already Knew About The Lump (And That It Was Nothing))

March 22, 2015

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

Getting the lump checked out was something that my insurance would cover – not the Organ Acquisition Fund, for anyone who’s wondering.

(Which reminds me, in the first attempt when I got rejected at OSU, I said I wasn’t sure who paid for tests. Well, I learned that at least at UCLA it’s the Organ Acquisition Fund, which is a medicare grant. And then the recipient’s insurance pays for the actual surgery once someone has been approved.)

Luckily, I already had a referral from my gynecologist to an imaging center where I’d get the lump checked out. She’d already noticed it. I was supposed to go a long time ago to get it seen. I just never did.

It’s so tiny. You can barely feel it (and only if you’re really searching – like a gynecologist would be). I especially wasn’t worried, because my old gynecologist in Boston found it years ago (around 2009-ish). Speaking of 2009, that reminds me that the doctors at Mass General saw it too with all my heart stuff. (Nobody’s missing this teeny tiny thing. So, applause to all my doctors!)

Actually… come to think of it, it was never mentioned to me once during my time trying to give a kidney at OSU. I’m not saying that to imply anything. We all know I’m a little bitter about that experience. So, I shouldn’t talk about it. I’m just putting it out there that UCLA said it needed to be cleared. OSU didn’t mention it.

Aaaaanyway, in Boston, I sort of forget if it was because of my gynecologist or because of my time at Mass General, but either way between both doctors who mentioned it, I went and got it checked out. And it was nothing – just a small cyst, maybe? Is that what they call it when it’s nothing?

I guess those ultrasound records didn’t get transferred to my Los Angeles gynecologist (as they don’t seem to be in my chart). My Boston gynecologist doesn’t even practice anymore, so I can’t call her office up.

I also didn’t remember the name of the imaging facility to which she’d sent me. My dad’s company also changed the insurance for their employees (and family members) between 2009 and now. So, I can’t even ask my insurance company (assuming their records easily go back that long) to tell me where I went.

If I desperately needed the records, I’m sure I could track them down. But being that it’s been 5 years, my gynecologist was like, “eh, it won’t hurt to have something current. So, go get it looked at.”

I’d totally procrastinated on that, since I was almost certain we weren’t dealing with any real issue. But once an ultrasound was needed for my kidney file, I was all over it.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

[Note: Since we’re getting closer to this story catching up to real-time, and since in real-time the story has come to a bit of a halt, I’m going to start doing kidney posts only on Sunday nights. So, I’ll have your next installment next Sunday!]

(#45) L.A. Turkey Trot Water Stop (November 27, 2014) – Part 3 (What’s the Best Way To Hold The Cup?)

March 21, 2015

Picking up from last time –

So, we laid out all the cups. (There are even cardboard dividers so you can stack rows of cups on top of each other. I never noticed those before. Smart.)

As a runner, I never fully understood why water cups so often seemed to be overfilled. Now that I’ve worked at a water stop, I can understand. It’s hard when pouring quickly (from a jug that’s constantly changing weight) to try to get the exact right amount in.

And there seemed to be some disagreement as to what the right amount was. So, if people who work water stops think different things and if jugs can be hard to handle, then water is most likely just going to come out at all sorts of various levels. But I think we can deal with it. Right, runners?

(I know I’ll be a little less judge-y and more patient, now having been a pourer myself.)

When it came to the Gatorade, I asked what the most efficient was to pour that was. Someone said to mix the solution with water in the big tub (with the little spicket on the the end). Then, use that little spicket to fill up an empty water jug and go from there.

I didn’t think of any more efficient ways, and that didn’t seem too slow. But if any of you have amazing tips for doing that part faster, I’d love to hear them.

Once we got to the actual handing out part, I was holding the cup from the bottom. The lead guy at the water stop told me it’s easier to hand them out if I hold them from the top. So, I switched to the top-hold.

Even after spending a whole morning at a water stop, I can’t tell you the best way to hold the cup. Holding it from the bottom gives you more control, but I think it becomes harder for the runner to grab it.

Holding it with one finger inside the cup seems like a mess to me. For one thing, many runners don’t love when you have a finger in their cup. But more importantly, I find it much easier to hand off that way, since you have such a flimsy hold.

Holding it with your fingers coming down around the top is, I’m assuming, the best way since that’s what I was told – and it seemed like probably the best among the different ways I tried. But no ways seemed perfect.

Again, if you have advice on the best way to hold the cup, hit me!

(#45) L.A. Turkey Trot Water Stop (November 27, 2014) – Part 2 (Setting Up)

March 20, 2015

Picking up from last time –

I don’t know if I feel this way because we were 3 water stops in 1, but I am kind of of the mindset that you can almost never have too many water stop volunteers.

I mean, I’m sure there is some number somewhere where it’s just too crowded.

We were not at that number.

As the race was starting, we hadn’t been given any specific instructions. I asked if we were to each stand at different tables, or what. And the person in charge said two of us should stay behind tables to just refill, and the rest should go in front of tables wherever it seemed we were needed.

Okay. So we just kind of felt it out, instead of divvying things up. (Granted, there weren’t that many of us to divide. So, even if we had been assigned tables/spots/whatever, I don’t know that that would’ve done much… People very well have had to move around anyway.)

Before runners got there, we set everything up.

This whole 3-water-stops-in-one thing really confused us all at first. The leaders tried to point how the tables would go. We’d start to move them. It would be wrong. We’d look a little dumbfounded. They’d then jump in to help physically show us where to go.

I guess in the heads of the people doing it, they totally understood and didn’t think it would be hard to impart this idea on us. But the lesson I took from this is that maybe it’s always better to err on the side of having to over-explain. Perhaps if we’d had some sort of drawing, map, diagram, etc., we may have understood faster without being slightly annoying to the people running the stop.

We also poured a bunch of water and Gatorade in cups, preparing for people. I didn’t realize the Gatorade came as concentrate that you dilute. (I thought it just came as Gatorade, but at least here, it did not.)

When we were putting the cups on the table, it was interesting to me how many people started by having a sleeve of cups in one hand and then pulling out a cup at a time from the top, and putting it down with their other hand…

It doesn’t seem like that would take all that long, but when you put someone doing that next to someone who was just tapping the sleeve on the table, letting the bottom cup go each time, you can see tables getting filled at something like only 1/3 of the speed of the faster way.

Of course once people could see that, everyone switched to the more efficient way. Hooray for efficiency. (Though I still don’t know the most efficient way to do other things, which we’ll get into next time.)

(#45) L.A. Turkey Trot Water Stop (November 27, 2014) – Part 1 (Three Water Stops In 1)

March 19, 2015

Now that we’re all done talking about LMAD, I can catch you up on these 52 volunteer activities! (Sorry, we have sort of a lot of catching up to do!)

During this project, I’ve been making my way around the various possible race stations.

I wanted an idea of what it was like to actually work each stop, as opposed to running by and imagining what the volunteers’ jobs must be like.

I’m pretty sure a water stop is the hardest one.

One thing that was interesting about this water stop was that in the 10k, people passed us on the way up the hill, then on their way down a hill (after they went around it from the other side and came back toward us), and then a 3rd time as they went past us.

Okay, I’m pretty sure that doesn’t make sense… So, let me try to help out. (Sorry, this is going to be almost a silly amount of detail specific. So, if that’s boring, just come back later!)

Imagine we’re in the middle of an intersection. People run up the hill. They pass by us. (We’re on their left.) They make a right turn. They go down that street, and somewhere they go up, because the next time we see them, we’re in front of them as they run down toward us. They pass us again (this time on their left) as they run in the other direction on the street perpendicular with the hill.

Whatever they then do after that, eventually, they turn around, because then they come back up the other lane on that same street and pass us (on their left) as they make a right turn to go back down the hill, toward where they first came in the first place.

Phew! Got all that? ‘Cause there’s gonna be a test. (I’m kidding. There will not be a test.)

Anyway, they passed us so many times. We had a diamond shape of tables in the middle of the intersection. On the one hand, I saw why we did this, because people were coming at us from basically all angles.

On the other hand, when we set up the tables in the morning, we do did not put them close enough. It felt like a lot of running back and forth to get water.

I mean, I guess you don’t want the table right on top of you either. You do want space to get out of a runner’s way, I think… But you also don’t want to have to trek back to get water, ’cause you gotta be fast!

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 22 (The End Of Day 2 Of Big Kidney Days)

March 18, 2015

Aurora De Lucia trying to do a little badass pose with her armband after blood's taken — (After some blood was drawn sometime…)

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

Dr. R. and I were discussing the protein in my urine.

He asked if I’d worked out a lot that week. I said I’d gone running a few times, and I went to Bar Method a few times as well. He said that sometimes if you work out a lot, it can look like you have a lot of protein in your urine when you really don’t.

So, he asked me to retake the test, just without working out for 5 days before I start it.

Oof. 5 days. Okay. Will do.

I ask if there’s anything I need to change about my diet. We talk about my diet a little, and there’s really nothing to change there as far as he’s concerned.

Side note: He said that usually the people with the best outcomes are ones on plant-based diets. Since I’m on my vegetarian challenge, that really interests me (as my ears always perk up more than usual, when benefits of not eating meat are mentioned).

Overall, it’s a great meeting. He’s very kind. And he says we’ll speak again after I complete the next urine test.

That’s it for Big Kidney day! I’ve done it! Yee haw!

That was Friday August 15th. I went straight to work after my appointment. After work, I finished an errand I kept putting off – I finally bought some shoes for the Creative Arts Emmys (happening the next afternoon!).

Aurora De Lucia holding a Native Foods Cafe bag — Since we’re talking about a plant-based diet, how about yet another picture with Native Foods Cafe? (So glad I found this place during this process. Thanks UCLA! :-))

We lived our little Emmy vacation world all weekend. And soon after, I hear from my donor coordinator.

I’d written her right after I’d gotten back to work from my appointments that Friday, saying thanks for everything, asking when I should take the 24-hour-urine test again, and double checking that she’d gotten everything from me that she needed.

(Am I maybe slightly too gung-ho about this? Eh. Just being thorough!)

The plan for the 24-hour-urine collection was that hopefully I could take it in September. If I passed it, they’d need one more so they’d have something to confirm the good result (as opposed to just having one bad and one good result).

Aside from the next urine collection, she also said the results of one of my tests – (I think it was perhaps the chest x-ray?… Though I don’t know if x-rays can see this…) Whatever test it was indicated that I had a lump on my breast.

I needed to get a report that the lump was benign before we could proceed with anything.

I don’t want to leave you on a cliffhanger that might worry some until Sunday night. So, for now, I’ll just tell you fear not. This was nothing to worry about as I already knew it was there.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

Should I Go To The Morning Or Afternoon Taping?

March 17, 2015

Aurora holding her head in her hands on The Price is Right — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

Since I love talking game show minutiae, I thought I’d bring up this question I’ve been asked before – both when it comes to The Price is Right and Let’s Make a Deal.

The short answer is that I have no idea if there are any real differences between the morning and afternoon tapings of those shows. Here is the only information I can give you. On Price, I got picked in the morning show; on LMAD, the afternoon’s.

I hear that for Let’s Make a Deal, the morning shows usually air earlier in the season than the afternoon shows. So, if you want less wait time between your tape and air date, I guess go in the morning. Also, if you go to either show in the morning and don’t get picked, there’s a chance they’ll have empty seats in the afternoon and you’ll get a second shot.

In that way, you’d technically have a better shot going to the morning show, since you’d have more opportunities to potentially be chosen. Some people are skeptical if people from the first show ever really get chosen, if they stay for the second. However, in my episode of Let’s Make a Deal, the girl who played alongside me for a trip to Mexico had gone to the morning taping. So, it can happen!

Aurora and her maybe face on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

If anything, I’d say maybe think bigger than just, “Should I go to the morning or afternoon taping?” If you live here, and can go anytime, maybe think about going to the first show of the season (as the shows tend to start the season off with a bang).

Maybe consider going to a show that might air during sweeps – as you might get lucky and get on Big Money Week. (You can kind of keep an eye on where they are with air dates, by checking the contestant photos on The Way Marketing site. I don’t know that the schedule will always follow along an exact order, but it’s a good place to start.)

If anyone out there happens to know when Big Money Week is without just kind of guessing like that, I’d love to hear your advice!

That’s all I’ve got when it comes to morning or afternoon tapings. But if you have anything else to add, please add it in the comments. Thanks!

(To read more about my Let’s Make a Deal experience, go here. If you want to read on Price is Right, that’s here. Thanks!)

Oh, One Last Small Thought From My Let’s Make A Deal/Price Is Right Experiences (Hard Games vs Easy Ones)

March 16, 2015

Aurora excited about the upcoming prize in contestants' row — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

When I watch The Price is Right, sometimes some games definitely seem harder than others.

Word on the street is that when a ton of people have been winning, and the budget is getting a bit tighter, the show will make some games tougher.

Reversely, when people haven’t been winning much, games will become a little easier (so hopefully someone will win).

I’m not implying any games are ever fixed. That’s not what I mean by this at all. There’s just a toughness factor…

For instance, the first time someone won on “Pay the Rent,” the game was set up so that even if you didn’t use the best strategy (and you put the least expensive item in the mailbox (which you should never do!)), you could still win.

(Does what I’m saying make sense? I don’t know why I’m having such a hard time explaining it!)

Anyway, one thing I thought was funny is that from the a game show watcher’s eye, it sort of looked like during my day on Price that neither me, nor the other car winner, were “supposed” to win our car games.

I know that even when games are set up as tougher than normal, there’s obviously still a chance you’ll win (as we both proved on The Price is Right that day).

But, the other car game that was played (One Away) had 4 blue numbers in a row! I don’t think most people would’ve thought to go that route. People generally think they need to mix up the colors. (And from what I can tell, they usually do.)

Aurora smiling and scratching the side of her face — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

Also, I’ve heard that in The Money Game, when the halves are not next to each other, and when there’s not an El Cheapo piece to help you out, the game is being set up so that the show is kinda hoping you don’t win.

(Technically, from every interview I’ve heard with the Exec Producer Mike Richards, it sounds like he always wants everyone to win. So, maybe “hoping you don’t win” is the wrong wording… But you know, they’re making it an extra challenge for you.)

I have no idea, by the way, if that’s true about The Money Game. That’s just sort of Price is Right lore I’ve heard around the game show community.

So, from what I could tell, we were in a tougher games day on Price is Right – yet obviously, I won!

Whereas, on Let’s Make a Deal, much about that day seemed to scream incredible prizes they generally wanted us to win (judging by the games people played)… yet, I lost.

Aurora getting handed her license plate after winning a car on The Price is Right — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

Maybe I’m reading into things, and being a little crazy. And I still cannot argue with the strategy I used that day (the best I had in a game like that)… But I just thought it was funny.

You never know what life is gonna give you! Even when things seem stacked against you, you may persevere. And when things seem to be in your favor, you still may screw it all up!

Ah, life!

(To read more about my Let’s Make a Deal experience, go here. If you want to read on Price is Right, that’s here. Thanks!)

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 21 (Meeting With The Nephrologist)

March 15, 2015

Aurora looking pretty tired reading a magazine — I think this was from that morning while waiting for the urogram… As you can see, I am oh so tired. 😛 (Still super happy to be there though!)

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

After lunch, I went to my appointment with my nephrologist. My blood pressure and heart rate were taken, just as they had been the day before – only this time, they were way back into the range of normal. My blood pressure was 91/53. And my pulse was 47 beats per minute.

I let out a huge sigh of relief and had a little laugh with the person taking my vitals, recollecting how silly it was to be so nervous yesterday.

Then it was off to meet the nephrologist, Dr. R.

Dr. R. seems to be an exceptional doctor, and I’d be thrilled to have him as my nephrologist. He goes over all my lab results with me, and I couldn’t be more pleased with what he’s saying. He says all my numbers are exceptional – especially my cholesterol. I’m within the best of good cholesterol numbers he’s seen walk through the door. So this is great.

He literally says I’m the picture of the health – the picture of health!

My dad and I have often called each other “the picture of health”… in a tongue-in-cheek way. As you probably know, I used to be a lot fatter. But I’ve always had great blood pressure, along with some other great numbers. (I think some of it must be hereditary.)

So, my dad and I always joked, since we’ve had such great numbers, “Oh, I’m the picture of health!” – even though we knew we weren’t, as you could plainly see by looking at us (since we needed to lose weight).

Then I lost a good deal of weight. And I worked out a lot more, and harder. So, when Dr. R. said I was the picture of health, there was no sarcasm in it!

(I know I can and should still lose more weight (oof), but the doctor was cool with where I am.)

Aurora smiling in the mirror, wearing her kidney pants — Why do I have a million different poses in these pants? (I knew I was gonna have a lot of blog posts! :-P)

Even looking through my chart (now, after the fact), everything he says about me is good. He says I’m alert and very pleasant. (Very pleasant!)

He does say my skin is dry. But for real, I have super dry skin. I can’t argue there. I need to start a lotion regimen!

If dry skin is the worst of it, I’m pretty golden!

But!

There’s just one thing he’s concerned about.

[*My head falls forward*] Of course.

Note: This is only my attitude now in the retelling of the story. In the office, while I was taking it in, I leaned forward with big listening eyes… Yes?

“Well, your protein in your urine is a little high,” he tells me.

Okay, and what does that mean?

“Well, we don’t really know what it means yet,” he responded. He told me basically it could just be a fluke…

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

Uh, Of Course There’s a Difference Between The Price Is Right, and Let’s Make a Deal

March 14, 2015

Aurora ecstatic on floor with head up on The Price is Right — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

I spent a fair amount of time comparing The Price Is Right with Let’s Make a Deal in my posts.

It seemed easy to do. They’re similar in that people come off the street to win prizes that day. Also, Mike Richards is an Executive Producer on both. Since I had experiences on seemingly similar shows, it was easy to compare them.

Then I talked to one of my brilliant friends.

It did not take him long at all to convince me that of course things have to be done differently! At first I didn’t love that reactions were re-taped on Let’s Make a Deal, but my friend made me see that the show would feel ridiculously flat if all of the contestants were all, “Well, I didn’t get this or that, but it’s okay.”

These shows thrive on the crying in defeat and the screaming in victory. The ups and the downs make these shows. On The Price is Right, the show is never going to be flat. People will be upset or happy about losing or winning – because there is no other option on that show. You don’t get a choice between one thing or another. So, of course the producers let you react normally.

On Let’s Make a Deal, you still have to have strong reactions in order for the show to not be flat. My guess is that even if you want to choose to make your strong reaction joy about not getting something you’d never use, you’re not allowed to go that way with it, as the sponsors might get upset.

Aurora with a thinking face on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

So, if you have to have strong reactions to keep the show moving in an interesting way, and if you have to have certain reactions to make sponsors happy, then of course the Let’s Make a Deal producers will coach you. They gotta get what they need.

So, thanks so much friend, for explaining that to me. I see it so clearly now. And LMAD producers, I get it. Sorry if I sounded harsh in any earlier posts (though I tried not to…). You’re just trying to make great TV. I can’t fault you for that!

(To read more about my Let’s Make a Deal experience, go here. If you want to read on Price is Right, that’s here. Thanks!)

Let’s Make a Deal Prize FAQs

March 13, 2015

Aurora De Lucia giving a huge smile with Sharmine, the other contestant, on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

I have a page dedicated to The Price is Right FAQs, and I think almost all the answers are the same.

Also, I’m not an incredible resource, as the only thing I’ve been is zonked.

But, since some people have asked Let’s Make a Deal questions, I can give you some answers.

Can I take the cash value of a prize in lieu of the prize?

Nope. In our contestant information sheet, it states quite clearly, in all caps, “You may not request cash in lieu of your prize(s), or request substitutions.” However, since I’ve known seemingly a million people who’ve been on Let’s Make a Deal, I can tell you a couple of things I’ve heard secondhand.

Someone I know won a scooter. She went to the dealership, asking the dealership (not the show) if she could have money instead. My understanding is that they gave her half of what the scooter was worth. I’m led to believe this is not the norm, and usually you get your prize or nothing. But apparently, sometimes, maybe you can strike a deal with the vendor.

Also, word on the street is that often times you will end up getting cash in lieu of Apple products. I don’t know why that is – why it would be hard to get people Apple products. It might be something about not shipping them? We’d need to ask someone who’s won a suite of Apple products to know the real answer. (And if you have, please jump in!)

But those are the main stories I’ve heard when it comes to prize substitutions.

contestants and Wayne talking and laughing on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

(Sometimes something no longer exists by the time your show airs. Strange things can happen. But the point is, you don’t get to choose money. I guess sometimes money might choose you (in those various odd circumstances of Apple products, things not existing, etc.).

How do the taxes work?

The same way they did on Price. You pay federal and state taxes on the values of your prize(s), as they’ll be treated as income.

What I did not know until reading more of this paperwork, is that if you’re not a resident of California (and your prize is valued at over $1,500), Let’s Make a Deal will ask for advance payment of California state taxes. (If you like outside the U.S., they’ll do the same with federal.)

Does that mean if you don’t live in California that you not only pay your own state taxes, but California’s as well? I know I’m supposed to be here to answer questions, not ask them. But I live here, so I didn’t deal with that on The Price is Right (or here since I only won $100). And it doesn’t explicitly say in this paperwork. That would be rough! I hope if you pay California that’s good enough. You can’t get state taxed twice, can you? Does anyone know?

How do the trips work?

Way to rub in. Thanks.

I’m just kidding.

Aurora De Lucia with super big eyes looking at Wayne Brady on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

But as you all know, I missed out on the trip. However, it still talks about trips in this little packet we get from the show. It says the winner of the trip does indeed need to be one of the traveling parties. It says you have to book the trip within 90 days of your air date, and it must be taken within a year of the air date.

Yes there are blackout dates (but it doesn’t specify which ones). It sounds like you give 3 options of dates that would work for you, and the travel agent goes off that. If none of those work, you do a little back and forth. It also says you’re responsible for basically any random fees that comes up, and it lists many of them (e.g. baggage fees, meals, taxes, tips, trips to and from the airport, port charges, and more).

I wish I could tell you more. But as I said, I lost on the trip. So, this is all I got for ya! But if you have any other questions, let me know, and I’ll see if I can answer them. Thanks!

Want more on Let’s Make a Deal? Boom!

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 20 (Ending On A Positive Note)

March 12, 2015

Aurora giving a pretty big laugh on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

I’d like to end on a positive note.

I know I’ve been over-analyzing some things (as I am wont to do), and I hope you don’t get the sense that this was a bad experience.

Of course it was an incredibly fun experience! Being on a game show? What’s not to love about that? I adore game shows!

I said I wanted to win a big prize or get zonked, and I got zonked. If I really didn’t want to get zonked, I should’ve been more careful with what I wished for!

One thing that helps keep the zonk feeling light and fun (that my dad pointed out, and I was shocked I missed) is that had the guy who won the motorcycle not gone for the Big Deal of the Day, the next person who would’ve had the option would’ve been the girl in my game who won the trip to Mexico.

Had I also won the trip, it would’ve been me!

Aurora getting nervous and lifting her pants a bit on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

So, if Michael had passed, and I’d seen that I could’ve played for the Big Deal if only I’d chosen the box, it would’ve been over. I’d be having nightmares to this day. But it gave me so much solace that Michael chose to play – and he won, which is spectacular. (Thank you, Michael!)

Also, it’s always magical spending time with my dad. He said he loved having the experience of going to Let’s Make a Deal with me. And I loved it as well. I mean, what a cool, fun, interesting way to spend a day with Daddy.

Now, let’s hope the next time he comes out to CA, we could get him on a show! (And let’s hope he has better luck. ;))

Thanks for reading along!

And next up, I’ll answer some LMAD prize FAQs.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 20 (The CT Urogram)

March 11, 2015

Aurora De Lucia trying to give a tough girl post in the mirror wearing her hospital pants — Just giving another tough look, ’cause I was trying to be sooo cool in my sweet hospital pants. 🙂

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

First up was my CT Urogram. I drank the little cup of water. Then I waited the allotted amount of time.

After that, I got changed into a hospital gown. An IV was inserted so that some dye could be injected into me during the test.

Then, I was taken into one of those rooms with the big circular scanner. (It sort of looks like a big a donut where you lay down and a technician mechanically slides you into the center.) The guy who led me in was incredibly sweet. I usually make small talk with the medical professionals. He’d switched to a more interactive job, and was telling me how he absolutely loves helping people and wanted a job where he could have face time with the patients, instead of helping from afar.

He offered me a blanket. He worked to make sure I felt completely comfortable and calm. Of course I wasn’t afraid at all. At this point, with all the time I’ve spent in the hospital, scanners are nothing! But if I’d been afraid, I probably would’ve wanted the calming presence of this nice man (who seemed to be excellent at his job – thumbs up!).

The Urogram consisted basically of a lot of holding my breath, and being slid in and out of the scanner. The tech in the other room would check in with me between each round to see if I was okay.

Yeah, I’m totally good.

Aurora De Lucia smiling while stuffing her face with nachos — I didn’t realize I had another nacho eating photo… but since I do, and we’re talking about food, boom!

The test went quicker than I expected. On the sheet it says it will take an hour. The hour counts the water drinking, and waiting, and changing, and getting the IV and all of that.

For some reason, knowing it was going to take an hour, I assumed I’d be in that scanner forever. But I think it was probably only 20 minutes-ish? It was pretty fast.

Once it was over, there wasn’t really enough time to go to work and come back (and actually get anything real accomplished at work). So, I just hung out at UCLA.

A blog reader had written me recently saying he was going to be in town and he wondered if he could meet me for coffee.

It was a crazy week between work, and the Emmys (the day after this 2nd Big Kidney Day), and of course this kidney stuff. But I really hate ever saying I’m too busy for people, unless there truly is not some way to make time for them (which isn’t often the case… though once in a while I suppose it can be).

Anyway, I told him that it was a busy week but if he happened to want to have lunch at UCLA Hospital in the time between my tests, I’d be up for it.

He trekked out to Santa Monica(!). We hung out in the cafe area and talked. Hopefully he felt I was present and not too distracted by all my tests. Of course, there wasn’t too much for me to be distracted by, as all I had left was the meeting with the nephrologist. How hard could that be?

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 19 (Post-Game Analysis)

March 10, 2015

Aurora laughing with her head down on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

So my dad and I analyzed and analyzed in the car.

It didn’t matter how many millions of times we went over it. I played the game to the best of my ability!

I will admit I should’ve known “on the rocks” almost certainly meant diamonds, as that is often the diamonds clue. When you think about it that way, you can say I should’ve gotten away from the mini-curtain sooner.

But there was still a chance the box was a zonk…

Whether it was diamonds or not, when Wayne said that once you picked something you were done, all I thought was, “stay ’til the end of the deal.” And the only way I could do that was to keep the curtain.

With so little to go on, I feel like I made strategically the best choice (though you are of course welcome to voice your comments if you disagree).

Obviously once I knew the trip was gone, I made the right choice (for me) between diamonds and a zonk. So, that one I can be really happy and content about.

No matter how many times we went over it (and I’ve even been over it now a few times within this very story I’m telling you!), I couldn’t see an inherent flaw in logic or game play. I can’t really say it would’ve technically been smart to do anything differently.

That sort of helped make it better, ’cause I like knowing I did everything I could. That also sort of made it worse, because you do everything you can to the best of your ability, and still you lose? That’s a bit suck-y, right?

Aurora with nervous face waiting to hear about her fate on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

One thing that was a bit funny to me – if you think I’m an over-analyzer, we saw where I got it from during that car ride!

During the game, I’d looked back at my dad for his advice. And in the car, he was all, “I should’ve told you to go for the box! I was thinking the box! You even asked for my advice. I should’ve said something!”

So, he analyzed his part plenty too (even though he knows his daughter was probably gonna go with her own choices no matter what).

He did try to make losing feel better. (After all, he is my dad.) He tried to appeal to the logical part of my brain. “Sweetheart, you live in California. If you want to go to Mexico, get in a car and drive there.”

Also, he was correct when he told me I could go to Cabo for the same amount of money I would’ve paid in taxes on that trip.

But he knows me so well, ’cause he said, “I know that logic isn’t really going to help because whether it’s a trip to Mexico, a million dollars, or a penny, it’s all the same to you. The point is you want to win. So, I’m sorry.”

(At the time, I hadn’t totally thought about it exactly like that. But who could argue that he was completely right?)

It’s nice having a dad who can try to help you see the logic in why it’s technically okay to have lost, but totally joins in on your pity party as he knows logic doesn’t help losing. Wah wah.

And this is where I’ll pick up tomorrow.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 18 (Am I A Riff-Raff Contestant?)

March 9, 2015

Aurora scratches her eye while looking off-camera on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

Once I saw my dad, he was not surprised that my mood had finally turned to being upset. I think he was more surprised I’d ever not been.

We went over and over everything in the car ride home – even going into things outside of our game. “What if I hadn’t forgotten my ID, and we’d gotten to go to the morning taping? Would things have been different?”

I also started to wonder if maybe the Let’s Make a Deal staff just didn’t like me… They didn’t pick me or my incredibly game-show-friendly friends the first time I went. Then they called me for the last game in this show…

I’ve heard on a podcast that the last game on LMAD often gets changed out. Depending on how long the show is going, they might make it a shorter or a longer game to help with the timing of everything. Does that mean if I get the game that’s up in the air, that I’m kind of the riff-raff of the show?

I have no idea what it means! I’m not in their heads. But I wonder. Do you wonder if they try to put the people they like in the better (or maybe longer) games?

Aurora thinking with her mouth open on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

I also wondered if maybe I’d gone with my runner costume after all, would they have put me in the game where I could’ve won that sweet home gym?

Do they try to make games fit with people? (Then again, I just mentioned in the last post people who put on a costume after the interview. So, do the costumes mean nothing? Who knows anything really!)

Don’t get me wrong. I was wildly happy to play. And I genuinely am even sort of, kind of happy that I got zonked – in the sense that it is cute to be able to say, “I won a car on The Price is Right, and I got zonked on Let’s Make a Deal.” That’s a fun dichotomy, right? And you can’t get zonked anywhere else!

So, I’m not trying to sound as though I’m super upset that I wasn’t in a different spot (though I would’ve loooved that gym). I guess I’m just saying, I wish I knew what “winning” was when it came to what game you play.

Do producers put people they think are great with especially great games? ‘Cause I want to be great! I want to win – not only a prize but also obviously I want to win the love of the producers, by golly!

I even wondered that on Price is Right too, if producers put their favorite contestants first to give them the longest chance to win something?

Aurora in contestants' row on The Price is Right — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

Of course, on Price, it’s nearly impossible to try to put a contestant you love in a game you love. It’s hard to know what game someone will play based on when you call them down, as so many various surprises happen in contestants’ row.

And as a home viewer, I’ve seen plenty of super lovable Price is Right contestants who don’t get called ’til mid-show (or later).

So, maybe the Let’s Make a Deal people like me. Maybe they don’t. (My friend said if I played anything at all, they must like me at least a little. So, there is that line of thinking.) Maybe things would’ve been different at the morning taping. Maybe they wouldn’t have been.

Side note: The girl who played my game with me went to the morning taping and didn’t get called. Then she stuck around and played the game with me… So, it’s possible that things would’ve been exactly the same.

None of it truly matters. Yet, I can’t help but analyze (because apparently that is my life (or at least my brain))! Mmmm over-thinking. Delicious.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 19 (I Was Late To Day 2 Of Big Kidney Days? Uuuuugh.)

March 8, 2015

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

I was late. Late!

Partially I was nervous about this because I think I read somewhere in our packets that it’s bad if you’re late. (Obviously it’s bad.) But that it’s bad on some bigger level – like they might reschedule other things, or make your process go longer, or whatever.

Additionally, I didn’t like this because being late doesn’t say anything good about me as a person. Responsible people are respectful of people’s time, and they’re on time. I know we live in California where everyone operates on California Time (which is just normal time pushed back 5 – 40 minutes, or sometimes even longer, since everyone is late to practically everything ever).

I really dislike California time, so I try to be on time to stuff. But I can still feel myself being lulled into being a typical Angelino sometimes. Ugh. (Ugh!)

Anyway, I have no real excuses or good reasoning. I was just late and felt awful about it. Thankfully, they didn’t make a huge deal, and they saw me anyway.

Side note: When I first got my schedule, I saw that my first test was at 8am(!). My next one wasn’t ’til 12:30pm. I asked if there was any way to move them closer together, but alas, there was not.

(I can totally understand that. Sometimes, which scheduling things with so many moving parts, you can’t accommodate every person in the most ideal way for each individual. Of course, this was fine. I was happy to do what they needed… even if I did fall short of it. So sorry!)

All right, enough about me being late! Other than being embarrassing, it wasn’t a big deal. Okay, I will actually just say one last thing about it though…

My first test was a CT Urogram. You couldn’t eat or drink anything for 3 hours before your exam. (It said that in bold capital letters on our paperwork.)

Aurora De Lucia trying to look cool in her hospital pants — Trying to look cool in my hospital pants

But once we got there, they had us drink a small cup of water. Judging by the other patients doing it as well, we’d drink a small amount of water then wait a specified amount of time. (30 minutes, maybe? I’m just guessing.)

Then we’d have the test. I’m thinking that small bit of water had something to do with the test (though obviously, I really have no idea).

But if that was the case, it would’ve been really great to know, “Okay, since you’re running late, drink 3 ounces of water, so we can still start your test on time. You just won’t have the waiting period here.”

Obviously, they wouldn’t have had to tell me anything had I just been on time. So, I know it’s completely my fault. I was just wishing I wasn’t late, and I felt so bad, that I was grasping at magical scenarios in my head in which I wouldn’t have slowed anything down by being late…

But maybe someone else was early. Maybe nothing was slowed down. Maybe someone cancelled. I don’t know. All I know is they saw me. They didn’t seem mad. I was only mad at myself. (Grrr.) But since the people were so cool, I let it go soon enough.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 17 (What Do You Get When You’re Zonked?)

March 7, 2015

Aurora De Lucia looking with nervous big eyes as her prize is about to be revealed on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

People are getting called up to one of two desks to turn in paperwork. As I mentioned, all the zonked people get called first.

Did you know that when you get zonked, you get $100?

When I was up there with the guy processing me, I asked (somewhat jokingly), “Has anyone asked for her actual zonk?” Then I learned that’s the reason we get $100!

Apparently, a long time ago, a man asked for his zonk. I guess it was some kind of junky car or something. He made a case that it had technically been presented as though he’d won it. And he could sell the scrap metal and make money off it. So, because of that, they now have to give a suggested retail value of $100 to any zonk. You can take your $100 or nothing. (But you can’t get the actual zonk that was presented.)

After we’re processed, we wait just a bit longer. Since they take us out in groups on this show, we need to wait until enough people have been processed that it makes sense to take the first group down together.

Aurora looking up and smiling on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

Cell phones were brought up for the contestants, since we didn’t go out past the cell phone check-in area when everyone else did. I should’ve assumed that of course LMAD would take care of us, but I gave my cell phone claim ticket to my dad so he could get it.

The only part that was a slight bummer about this, was had they brought my phone up to me, I think I technically could’ve taken pictures of this little room so you could have a better visual idea of what I was talking about!

Oh well. When one of you goes in there, I’d love if you send me a picture!

As our little group gets led out along the backlot, the guy from the costume rental place is waiting there to collect costumes! That’s right. Two people who’d been contestants had rented their costumes after their interview (which made me totally question how important costumes are to the process).

After that, I met back up with my dad. And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 16 (Signing Some Papers)

March 6, 2015

Aurora De Lucia looking offscreen on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

Thankfully, I was soon rescued from my obnoxiousness, as everyone who got zonked was processed first (being that there wasn’t much to process there).

Before that happened, though, I wondered who was listening to our conversations – and who was making decisions when it came to coming back for Zonk Redemption.

Had I just purposefully chosen a zonk in order to try to come back for a second chance, only to ruin that by not acting correctly in a room where important people are watching? Oh the stress of it all!

In the room, we were told you’re not offered copies of your show. If you want a copy, you’re gonna need to record it. I was a bit surprised by that.

Not to go back to the whole, “Well, it’s not like Price” thing. Of course it’s not like Price! It’s a different show, and I don’t need to compare them at every turn. Buuuuuut, on The Price is Right, they let you buy the DVD of your show – which I totally did.

Maybe they don’t even do it on Price anymore. After all, it’s been a while since I’ve been there.

I thought it must be somewhat lucrative for the show to sell those DVDs. I think it was sort of expensive for a DVD, and I assumed many people bought it just to make sure they had a perfect tangible copy (that you could also order on Blu Ray!).

But it must not be lucrative after all, or else Let’s Make a Deal would be doing it.

We were also given a number of papers to sign (just as we were on Price). One thing I found interesting with the LMAD paperwork was the forfeiture sheet (the one that asks us to list any prizes we want to forfeit).

Aurora De Lucia laughing while scratching her face on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

It had a big black line through all the blanks – assuming we wouldn’t want to pass on any prizes.

On Price is Right, when you see the paper, I feel like it gives you reason to pause, and it helps remind you about the tax issues you may be facing.

I feel like probably brain-wise when people see a big black line through something, they assume they’re not to fill out that thing. (Though I have no science to back that up. So, why am I even talking here?)

Of course probably the majority of people will not fill it out… But some people might want to.

In Let’s Make a Deal’s defense, they give you two copies of that paper. The second one has blanks available to you, instead of crossed out lines.

The example they have taped to the wall, that shows what they want you to turn in, includes the one with the big black lines. (I’d guess that’s maybe just an extra precaution for them to prove you’re definitely not turning any prizes away.)

Anyway, you still have the option to turn down prizes if you wish (and you technically have 10 days to decide, it says at the top). I just thought that difference was interesting.

That’s a really small point. But since my time at Price was so etched into my head, it’s hard not to compare the shows. Hopefully at least one of these random details is interesting.

And this is where we’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 15 (My Dad Was Right – I Was Upset)

March 5, 2015

Aurora De Lucia with hands on her hips and a bit of a mean face at Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

I was worried I might be sort of obnoxious – because someone else who got zonked (and missed out on an even sweeter prize) said, “Well, at least we got to be on TV.”

And I’m pretty sure my eyes gave her this look of, “Are you kidding me?! Who cares? You can be on TV anytime you want! Go join Central Casting. Or come be in a scene on Living with the Jacksons. I have taken people off the street before when we’re desperate!”

(I know you can’t necessarily speak on TV anytime, so it is different to be a contestant on a game show than to be in the background somewhere…)

But still, I was totally in a mood – a pretty jerky mood, a mood of dealing with my failure as it continued to hit me more and more as I sat there, a mood of “Who cares if we’re on TV?! We’re wasting a year and a half of our game show eligibility on a zonk! Yeah, it’s a funny story to be able to tell [although now telling it, I’m not doing it in a very funny way!]. But is the potential story that funny – worth losing a year and a half of your game show eligibility?”

Of course who’s to say we would’ve gotten on another show within that year and a half anyway?

Aurora stressfully turning toward the mini-curtain on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

I don’t know if new things will be starting up, or if old favorites will be casting wide nets, or what will happen. (And goodness knows I’ve tried out for things I didn’t get. So, the year and a half may very well mean nothing at all.)

Plus, it’s exceptionally fun to be on a game show (no matter what you win or don’t win)!

While I do think there are strategies on what shows to try to get on when (and while winning a lot is obviously preferable to winning practically nothing), I also think I need to show more gratitude for the fact that I even got to play. Some people have never even been to Los Angeles, let alone on a game show! I do recognize that and my general good fortune.

Also, let’s forget for a second about game show eligibility! I think the really upsetting thing is just knowing I lost. I hate losing. It’s the worst! Going into it, I was all, “I’ll have such a great attitude if I get zonked, ’cause it’ll be so cute and funny.” And coming out of it, I’m all, [*wailing to the heavens*] “I’m a loser. A loooooser!

As I said, I was just in a mood. And in my mood, after she said, “At least we got to be on TV,” I blurted out something like, “I won a car on The Price is Right.” Then I tried to cover it as best I could, trying to act like I didn’t blurt it out thinking “pssh I’ve already been on a show where I did a much better job” like a lame little braggart.

Aurora facing the side practically crying on The Price is Right — (A photo from The Price is Right – Credit: CBS/Freemantle)

Instead, I grasped at straws and said, “So, I guess this is my turn to get zonked, as you can’t win on every show.” But in trying to save myself from looking obnoxious, I just looked more obnoxious! This was getting really preposterous. Eeesh.

I like to believe I’m not a jerk, but maybe the best way to tell if I’m a jerk is to see me lose at something competitive – and maybe the truth is that I am a jerk! It’s certainly starting to seem that way, huh?

Thankfully, it didn’t matter if I was feeling wildly obnoxious because instead of people reacting with a bunch of anger, people started asking me questions about The Price is Right – when I got my prize, if I had to pay taxes, all that jazz.

Thank goodness for people’s curiosity (and maybe even their patience).

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 18 (Finishing Big Kidney Day 1)

March 4, 2015

Aurora De Lucia stuffing her face with nachos — Mmmmm nachos

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

As I’m leaving the psychiatrist’s office, he says he’ll send off his recommendation right away. He even turns to his computer to do it as I’m walking out.

We had such a magical time. (He told me right there I’d make a great kidney donor!)

Does that mean I’m going to get to be one?!

Well, there’s still the social worker to consider, though nothing super out of the ordinary happened with that interview. And I still have a couple of appointments the next day. So, I’m still holding on tight, but with a big sense of hope!

After the interview with the psychiatrist, I’m done for the day – and I’m so relieved! I made it out alive.

As I wait for a car to pick me up, and I rip into those nachos, from Native Foods Cafe, like there’s no tomorrow. I’ve been holding in nerves all day. It’s finally time to chow down.

Once a car comes and gets me, it’s off to a quick stop off at the tailor to grab my Emmy dress.

Then it’s off to work for a half day. Thankfully, things were winding down, so I didn’t feel that I missed an incredible amount of stuff that morning. Still, I stayed a little late, trying to be a cool team player and all.

I crash pretty soon after arriving at my friend’s place in Santa Monica later that night.

Yes, I’ve mentioned in these posts that I realized it wasn’t necessarily a good idea to be anywhere but home before my appointments. However, at that point, it seemed silly to spend all the extra time going home and coming back to Santa Monica the next morning, on a somewhat tight turnaround (since I worked late that night and had an early appointment the next day).

Aurora trying on her dress for the creative Arts Emmys — (Since I’m kinda running out of kidney photos, here’s one from the tailor shop when I made the pit stop to try on the dress

Plus, with not as much on the line during the second day of appointments, I wasn’t the same ball of stress I’d been the previous night.

In fact, I think on that night, both of us were both less stressed and in a much more exhausted (aka totally ready to sleep) mood. So, we did a very quick download of each other’s days while we got ready for bed. And I was asleep before 10pm.

The next morning, unfortunately, I sort of overestimated how many times I could hit snooze. (And I’d possibly underestimated quite how tired I was after my day of barely breathing in my terrified-ness of Big Kidney Day.)

No matter what excuses I try to use to explain my mistake, I still made a mistake. The events surrounding that don’t really matter… I don’t want to admit it, but I was late to my appointment. (Agh!) In the scheme of life, being late is a somewhat small mistake, but still! I wanted a perfect record with gold stars! Grrr.

Embarrassingly (though spoiler alert: nothing detrimental happens), this is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 14 (I Thought We’d All Be Into Analyzing Our Performances…)

March 3, 2015

Aurora De Lucia laughs pointing behind herself on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

The longer I wait in there, the more it starts to really dawn on me that I lost a free trip.

I went in to the taping saying, “I hope I get something great or a zonk (since Let’s Make a Deal is the only place you can be zonked).”

But let’s get real, I wanted something great! I really wanted a trip. And I could’ve had one! Aye, aye, aye.

I thought I was cool with it, but I slowly became more moan-y and uncool with it.

When I say (in the room) that I’m kinda bummed I got zonked, someone else pipes up with, “Yeah, those were nice diamonds.” That’s when I start breaking down my game. “Once the trip was gone, I wanted to avoid the diamonds,” I say.

And as I explained to the people around me the same thought process I explained to you earlier in this series, people just kind of looked at me with this gaping mouth face.

One zonked person said she was excited to learn there was a Zonk Redemption episode. One person asked, “You were thinking all that while you were up there?”

As I said, I thought we were all going to break down our games, but from what I gathered, basically no one else used any strategy. I know you can’t use much on Let’s Make a Deal. But some people literally just thought right on the surface, “Uh, eenie, meanie…”

One guy who passed up going for the Big Deal Of The Day even said the reason he didn’t go for it was because he didn’t want to get zonked! He didn’t realize there were no zonks in the Big Deal.

Wayne Brady and Aurora De Lucia hugging on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

I thought I’d found my people, but alas, I had not.

I did learn that the guy who’d won the Big Deal had been to a taping once before and not gotten called. I asked if he did anything differently and he said no.

That was kind of interesting to me. In the past (and sometimes still), I’ve made the assumption that if you don’t get picked, you must be doing something wrong. But maybe you’re just against crazy competition. Or maybe a contestant producer is having a bad day and you say something that otherwise wouldn’t bother them.

Lots of factors play into things. I guess you could go, and go again without changing anything, and get picked. (After all, Michael did.) Maybe I over-think too much after all! Of course I believe in giving yourself the best chances at every audition of any kind you go to. But I guess some of it really is out of your control… Hmmm.

Within all my super-analyzing in the room, I think it’s possible I may be getting a little obnoxious in there. Oof.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 13 (My Dad Thinks I’m Gonna Be Upset)

March 2, 2015

Aurora's dad in disbelief during Let's Make a Deal — (Credit: CBS/Freemantle)

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

Once I sit down with my dad, he’s bracing himself for me to be severely disappointed. Surprisingly I’m in a pretty chipper mood.

In the moment, I was thinking I played the game to the best of my ability, with the best strategy I knew for a game involving such chance. I thought I made the technically correct choices. At least I got to play. Getting zonked is kind of fun. So, why be upset?

Of course, this is the dad who watched his daughter run away and hide under a bench when she got silver instead of gold at the math pentathlon in elementary school. It’s the dad who had a daughter who systematically followed a 7-point plan (starting her freshman year) for how to become her high school’s theater president (which she did – [*high five*]).

This is a dad who has a daughter who absolutely hates losing – hates it… and who subscribes to the whole, “If you’re not first you’re last” school of thought. (I so adore that line in Talladega Nights.)

So, he was waiting for the volcano to erupt. I thought it wasn’t going to… But he may have been right. (He has known me for decades, after all.)

After the show, everyone who played a game had to go back to the contestant room to fill out paperwork.

You walk in, and the room has a decoration streamer up with big letters that say, “Congratulations!”

Aurora's dad putting his head in his hands from the audience during Let's Make a Deal — (Credit: CBS/Freemantle)

Okay, there, some of us are big losers. No real super need to rub this in our face. But you know, whatever.

There’s a social media guy in there, who grabs a video snippet of some of the bigger winners.

As he looks around the room and asks if anyone else won anything great that he’s forgetting, I echoed the sentiment of, “I said I wanted a trip. I should’ve been more specific.” [ha ha ha]

I was trying to be sort of cute, but I think it must’ve come across as sort of obnoxious, because he very quickly blew past me, looking around for other winners.

I’d piped up ’cause I thought it might be fun to do a cute little zonk video, but I guess they only do them with actual winners. Oh well. They know what the people on instagram want.

After the social media videos were made, we all sat around a bit longer until it was time to be processed.

During the sitting around, I thought it would be like the Price is Right contestant room, where everyone was breaking down their games, what they should’ve said or done differently, and all of that. But no. It wasn’t like that at all.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 17 (The End Of The Psych Interview)

March 1, 2015

Beautiful big overview of Vatican City toward the end of the daylight — Since I don’t have photos of this interview, here’s Vatican City – one of the European cities (or in this case, country) mentioned. (Photo Credit: HistoryCooperative.com)

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

The psychiatrist then asks me to name 3 big cities in Europe.

I say Rome, Paris, and Vatican City. No wait! I think Vatican City is actually its own country. (Also, I wasn’t thinking this at the time, but it’s within Rome!)

As I was correcting myself yet again (eesh!) about Vatican City being a country – instead of taking off a point, or making me name more European cities, he said I got a bonus point for saying something obscure!

Wow. This test almost seems a little too lenient, huh? But I’ll take it.

I know the goal here is just to get approved to give a kidney… But I also want to get an A on this test! (In case you’re wondering, Moscow and London would’ve been better answers of bigger cities.)

(Side note: Bucharest isn’t quite as big as Rome or Paris, but it might’ve been a cool answer for me, because Michael Jackson’s Live in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour made me want to go into the entertainment industry.)

Anyway, we’re still laughing, having fun, and getting bonus points. He then asked me for those three words. I conjure up that mental image to check my words. A book housing a car. Yep! Book, house, car.

After that, in his sweet and kind demeanor, he asked how far I went in school. Even though I was having a grand time with this man, I was still a bit on edge wondering if there’s a “wrong” answer – if not being educated would go in my chart as a reason to deny me.

But no, he was just asking out of curiosity – and as a way to give me a compliment! When I said I didn’t finish college, he said, “You oughta go back. Your capacity for abstract thought’s outstanding.” (Outstanding! Isn’t that awesome?)

He also said, “I suspect that you’re one of those, that anything you really want to put your mind to, you can do.”

Overview of Bucharest with lots of cars on the street — And here’s Bucharest. (Photo Credit: UnknownBucharest.com)

I cherish those words when they leave someone’s mouth. (I think that’s my favorite compliment to receive.)

Yet, sometimes I can love/hate so much when people say that to me.

Every once in a while (when I have days where I feel like I’m constantly failing), I wonder, “How can I hear that beautiful compliment so many times throughout my life – by people who seem to have good judgement – and yet fail so often? Am I not living up to my full potential? Am I letting these awesome people down?”

But those insecurities are for another day, as we’re talking about kidneys now!

After he tells me I’m smart, he follows up with, “that also means you’re smart enough to listen to the surgeons when they give you instructions after surgery.” Ah, hit ’em with the ol’ compliment/instruction, 1 – 2!

But wait. He said when the surgeons give me instructions – not “if,” not “maybe, if we get there.” “When.” Does that mean he thinks I’d made a good kidney donor?! Will he recommend me?

This is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 12 (Revealing The Zonk)

February 28, 2015

Aurora about to hear about her zonk on Let's Make a Deal — (Credit: CBS/Freemantle)

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

Before Wayne opened the envelope, he asked if I had a passport.

The chance of there being an actual international trip in there is incredibly small. I could maybe envision it happening. You know, the ol’ “You missed out on a trip to Mexico.” “Oh, what a bummer.” “But now, you have a trip to Egypt!”

Of course, there were a few things that would make me think that’s not likely to happen in this scenario.

For one, when they pull that whole “making you think you lost something amazing, but then you learn you got something even more grand” thing, it’s usually not a fake out of a trip with another trip. There might be cool electronics involved, or a car. There even might be a trip involved at some stage of the fake-out, but from what I can tell, it’s not usually a trip directly with another trip.

Also, if they were going to do that, I would think they would’ve kept the other girl down in the contestant area to get her reaction. So, the game set up would’ve been slightly different.

Also, for there to be no zonks at all in the deal…? It has happened. And I could see it happening if we were on the Zonk Redemption show, or maybe even the show’s season premiere – some big show that warranted that kind of incredible (and incredibly surprising) deal. But alas, we weren’t.

So, I was pretty certain the envelope must contain a zonk. (Though technically anything is possible! And it would’ve been sweet.)

Aurora realizing she's getting zonked on Let's Make a Deal — (Credit: CBS/Freemantle)

Nonetheless, I played along like a good little girl, and gave the expected facial expression of hope, just as the Let’s Make a Deal producers asked us to do before the show.

Not surprisingly, it was indeed a zonk.

You can see in the tape where I realize it’s the alien abduction trip and awkwardly cut myself off when I say, “is it like…” waiting for him to say the name of the trip (’cause I knew I shouldn’t, as it was probably rude say the name of the trip he’s revealing).

But then I felt like I looked like I didn’t know it. But I did study up for the show! So, I knew the name of the zonk. You trust me, right? Oh my goodness. Does anyone even care? It’s the name of a zonk trip on a game show. Who cares if I knew it?

I should be more concerned with whether I can name all the U.S. Presidents in order. [*Sigh*] Embarrassing myself left and right on this game show and on this blog, huh? Embarrassment – that’s my jam.

After the zonk was revealed, I almost said, “Well, I said I wanted a trip.” [Hardy, har, har.] But again (as I mentioned in the previous post), I felt like that wasn’t my place to try to come up with fun lines on Let’s Make a Deal. Also, I didn’t have the microphone. Plus I was kind of waiting for Wayne Brady’s lead, as he’s the man in charge.

But then he said, “Well, you said you wanted a trip.”

Big zonk graphic over Aurora's face on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

Part of me thought, “Agh! If it was a cute enough line for Wayne Brady to say it, I should’ve gone for it! Why am I totally screwing up trying to be a good game show contestant? Am I being so boring or what?” [Over-analyze much, Aurora?]

But then another part of me said, “He’s the star of Let’s Make a Deal. Happily let him be the star. Good for you for not stepping on his line… And good for you for thinking of the same line he said. High five to yourself, girl.”

(Ultimately, it doesn’t matter who said it, ’cause they cut that line from the show. I think it’s kinda too bad ’cause it’s a fun line that he delivered well. But for a myriad of reasons, sometimes you gotta lose good stuff in editing. Oh well.)

Anyway, I went back to my seat, next to my dad.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 11 (The Banter)

February 27, 2015

Aurora De Lucia smiling and looking a little confused on Let's Make a Deal — (Credit: CBS/Freemantle)

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

Before we reveal what’s in the envelope (which we already know anyway), let’s talk about the little banter Jonathan and Wayne do with Cat, trying to get him to say “goooold rush” again.

[Note: I drafted this before the episode aired. That whole bit got cut. But basically, Jonathan & Wayne were playing around with the little pieces of themselves at the curtain, trying to get Cat to say “gold rush” again.]

Part of me thought about jumping in and saying “gooooold rush” in the sing-song-y way Jonathan does. Or about maybe just jumping in with Wayne and Jonathan, goading Cat a bit.

But I didn’t, because I didn’t really feel that was my place as a contestant on Let’s Make a Deal.

On The Price is Right, Drew Carey is right there with you, riffing with you. He is so present – with you – in the moment. And it’s perfect and wonderful. And you’re in the moment too, because you’ve been told to be yourself and have a great time.

On Let’s Make a Deal (as I’ve covered), a lot of time is spent telling you how to react, and what to say or not to say. So, you’re already thinking of all sorts of various things while you’re up there – so, you’re maybe not as much in the moment (or at least I wasn’t).

Aurora De Lucia with her hands on her hips looking at Wayne Brady & Jonathan Mangum during Let's Make a Deal — (Credit: CBS/Freemantle)

Also, the dynamic is different on LMAD. On Price, George is around, but he doesn’t figure into the game play quite as much as Jonathan does (or, I mean, he is involved in the games… but maybe it’s that there’s not as much banter between him and Drew). So, it was a different feeling being on Price vs Deal.

It’s like on Price, Drew makes you his co-star. Whereas on Deal, Wayne already has one. So you’re more of a… I don’t want to say guest star, ’cause that ranks above co-star in television. You’re not an extra, ’cause you speak and everything…

Oh my gosh, am I over-explaining or what? I think you get the gist. Basically, they did a bit that went on for a while (which was cut anyway), and I felt awkward standing up there on stage with Wayne’s back to me as they did their bit with each other during my game.

I hope this doesn’t sound like I’m saying anything mean about people on LMAD, ’cause that’s not what I’m trying to do. They all seemed plenty nice and they are funny. They have their own dynamic which I need to respect, and it’s a good show that has its own rhythm and everything.

Aurora De Lucia gritting teeth thinking about whether to take the envelope on Let's Make a Deal — (Credit: CBS/Freemantle)

This is just to say, I didn’t necessarily feel welcomed into playing around with them in the bits. And maybe I wasn’t supposed to!

After all, I’m not as funny as two professional comedians… Or maybe a truly fun person (whether she was professionally funny or not) would’ve jumped in and made herself part of the party… So, maybe it’s all my fault. I dunno.

At the time, I just didn’t want to seem like someone trying too hard, or sticking her head into a bit for no reason if she’s not upping the caliber of the show… (But I also didn’t want to just stand there, ’cause that felt weird too…)

Whatever. (Again, it’s a moot point as it got cut.)

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 10 (Revealing The Diamonds)

February 26, 2015

Aurora De Lucia giving a pouty lip toward Wayne Brady on Let's Make a Deal — (Photo credit: CBS/Freemantle)

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

Wayne reminds me that I lost a trip. I know I’m supposed to be wildly disappointed (and I am). Still, I’ve seen them stop tape for people who aren’t disappointed enough.

So, I lay it on way too thick when I say, “I know!” and give my little pouty lip.

Thank goodness my high school theater teacher wasn’t with me at this taping! She would’ve been all, “What did I teach you?!”

(However, when I watched the show, to me, that reaction surprisingly didn’t come off as too much… After all, it’s a bit of an over-the-top show. Maybe it was okay after all!(?))

Then Wayne reveals the diamonds, and I’m relieved that the prize is what I thought it was. (I think you can read the relief on my face (or at least I can) during the episode.) So, at this point, we know I have a zonk.

When he’s about to reveal what’s in the envelope, he stops to ask, “Why did you choose the envelope?”

Oh Wayne Brady! Please don’t put me on the spot here to try to explain that I thought the taxes wouldn’t be worth it on the diamonds and that those could be blood diamonds (of which I’ll admit I’m pretty uninformed – I just know not to buy diamonds, which isn’t hard since I’m not into them anyway).

Aurora giving a maybe facial expression and hand gesture on Let's Make a Deal — (Photo credit: CBS/Freemantle)

I almost said, “My dad told me to pick the envelope!” But that’s not why I did it. I didn’t want to blame my dad for no reason, and I didn’t want to look like a little girl who can’t make her own decision.

So, instead, I pull some lame half-truth saying I didn’t have my ears pierced. I really don’t have my ears pierced. That part’s true. But of course I had no idea the diamonds would be earrings. I just knew I didn’t want diamonds.

And once that thought came out of my mouth, I was immediately struck with terror, as I knew how serious the producers had been about constantly having an “attitude of gratitude.”

“Please don’t stop the tape and drag me out of here,” I thought. “If you don’t like what I just said, please just edit it out. (In fact, please edit it out anyway, ’cause it sounds dumb.)”

Granted, at that point, all I was “winning” was a zonk. So, I don’t know why I was all that terrified of having it taken away…

I mean, I still think it’s really fun/funny to be zonked. So, I’m kinda glad it happened. Granted, had they dragged me off, the bright side would’ve been that at least I wouldn’t have wasted a game show eligibility year on a zonk…

Aurora giving a little suspicious face on Let's Make a Deal — (Photo credit: CBS/Freemantle)

Anyway, the point is moot because they did not drag me off (though maybe they did secretly cheer in their producer area that someone who slipped up on the attitude of gratitude didn’t win something nice – who knows).

After the diamonds are revealed, it’s time to find out what’s in my envelope (even though we all already know what it is – wah wah).

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 16 (The Thought Test Continues – What Do A Tree And A Fly Have In Common?)

February 25, 2015

Aurora De Lucia tree mapping — Running out of kidney pictures… So, here I am with a tree (since a tree is mentioned).

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

The next part of the test is where he gives me two different things, and I have to say the similarities between them.

First up, a bicycle and a car.

Okay, that seems simple enough. They both have wheels. They both are a mode of transportation. (We could keep going if need be, but that more than covers what he needs.)

Then he asks about the similarities between a tree and a fly. I start with, “Well, they both have things that have grown out of their back/sides – wings on a fly, and branches on a tree.

He asks if there are anymore.

Sure, there must be more. Most open questions like these have tons of possibilities if you think a little deeper… As I’m figuring out what thought process/path I should follow, I ask if there’s an obvious thing I’m missing. He says no, it’s the hardest question he’s asked.

I’m trying to be pretty quick still. So I blurt out, “They both need oxygen to survive.” And then I stop myself. “Or wait… Trees get carbon dioxide. Maybe I don’t understand how plants work…” Then we laugh as he says, “Well, you just corrected yourself. So, yeah, you do.”

Then I said both of their main habitats are outdoors.

(I know they’re both indoors sometimes (e.g. Christmas trees, and flies people swat in the kitchen). But you know, mainly they’re outdoors.)

He said that answer would work. He said technically the answer is they’re both alive. But since I was dancing around it and still found things they had in common, I got a check mark on that one. All right.

Aurora De Lucia looking behind herself while tree mapping — Another tree picture, ’cause why not?

Then it was off to naming stuff. Simple enough.

Name 3 big cities in the US – New York (my favorite one, so of course the one I think of first), L.A. (I mean, we’re right here).

And then my brain is flipping through so many cities. What is technically the next biggest city? For some reason, I felt like it was a cheat or cop out to list yet another city I’d lived in (such as Boston). Although if I did it for the first two, I don’t know why that would’ve been any different.

Also, there were no constraints on the answers. So, I’m sure it would’ve been fine. Nonetheless, I thought, “I gotta get to a non-Aurora city here!” I’m always hearing about how big Texas is, and how it’s often overlooked in the big/cool place category, in favor of California and New York. So, I go for a city in Texas.

(This thought process is happening really fast. Don’t worry. I’m not sitting there with my mouth gaping wide during the time it’s taking me to explain all this to you.) Anyway, I say San Antonio. I ask if that’s big enough. He says definitely.

Later, I looked it up. Chicago would’ve been a better answer with 2.7 million residents. There was even a bigger city within Texas – Houston, with 2.1 million residents. San Antonio has 1.3 million, and is 7th on the list of most populous cities in the U.S. (or at least it was according to the 2010 census).

Anyway, I wasn’t told to list the 3 most populous U.S. cities – just 3 big ones (which I guess could’ve technically been physical land/square miles as well, since that could also mean big – so, conceivably I could’ve had totally different answers).

Anyway, population seemed like a normal way to think about it. And I think listing 3 of the most populous cities within the top 10 of all the bajillions we have in America is fine. Yeah?

This is a little stressful, huh? But it’s almost over – which is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 9 (Awkwardness & Strategy Behind Taking The Envelope)

February 24, 2015

contestant hugging Wayne after winning with Aurora looking on — Thought I was only giving a disappointed vibe in the background… but look at how happy I am for her! Yay! 🙂 (Photo credit: CBS/Freemantle)

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

As you probably know, the box was not a zonk.

To recap: I’d kept the curtain to see what he’d offer next. The other dealer took the box… and got a trip to Mexico!

When it was revealed, I knew that meant my choices were almost certainly one of the mid-level prizes or a zonk. The chances of LMAD trying to outdo a trip to Mexico – on a show that had already had kind of exceptional prizes – was so slim.

I definitely reacted with disappointment. My first instinct was to sit down as I felt the weight of my mistake. But there wasn’t a ton of room, and I didn’t want to accidentally trip over anyone as I fell to the ground. I also was just so unsure where to be for the best composition for their shot.

Was I supposed to get to the other side of Wayne Brady so the camera had just the two of them (him and the contestant) cleanly? I was afraid to move to his other side without being told to. I probably should’ve countered. I just didn’t know what was appropriate in this situation!

So, I stayed put. And then I felt a little self-conscious about making my disappointed face. They’d given us the whole spiel about how if we pass up something good, we’re supposed to look disappointed – and I was. But was that ruining the happy mood she was giving?

I did not realize how stressful it was to be down there with a second person! I was pretty clueless on what to do.

Another shot of Aurora De Lucia talking with her hands on Let's Make a Deal — (Photo credit: CBS/Freemantle)

But that was over soon, and she went back to her seat.

(Thankfully they got a good shot of her happiness that didn’t include disappointed me. Props to the Let’s Make a Deal crew!)

At that point, I knew “on the rocks” almost certainly meant diamonds. Or much less likely, it was some rock-themed zonk. They use that clue for diamonds all the time. I figured diamonds would be in the mini-curtain and a zonk would be in the envelope.

Therefore, I had to go for the envelope! If there were indeed diamonds behind the curtain, I wanted to avoid them. After the taxes you’d have to pay on them, and their not fabulous resale value, I’d make practically nothing. I don’t wear diamonds (for fear of them being blood diamonds, plus I’m not all that fancy…).

If you get zonked –
a) You get the fun story of the dichotomy of “I won a car on The Price is Right. And then I got zonked on Let’s Make a Deal. How fun, huh?”
b) *Most importantly* – If you get zonked, you get a chance to possibly come back for Zonk Redemption! Zonk Redemption is the best Let’s Make a Deal episode of the season (aside from maybe Big Money Week). So, to go to Zonk Redemption would be incredible.

Aurora about to see her prize revealed on Let's Make a Deal — (Photo credit: CBS/Freemantle)

In my opinion, a zonk is better than diamond earrings for sure. Now, for someone who absolutely loves jewelry, and/or someone who does not live 20 minutes away and couldn’t easily come to Zonk Redemption – it might behoove them to play differently. But for me, that was what made the most sense.

So, I took the envelope. And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 8 (The Goal To Stay ‘Til The End Of The Deal)

February 23, 2015

Aurora De Lucia giving a little laugh on Let's Make a Deal — (Photo credit: CBS/Freemantle)

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

Once I got down there and I was with another person, I tried to figure out what game this was.

I thought it might be the one where one of us is in charge. Then the other person is. And then you get to make your own deals at the end. But it wasn’t that game.

From the beginning, Wayne said we could make our own deals, and we could each make the same decision if we wanted. Even as someone who watches the show a lot, I don’t know what game set-up this is. I don’t really understand how having two people affects this game in any way… But I’ll go along with it (of course I will, as it’s their house; I’m just playing in it).

Wayne also said, “Once you pick something, you’re done. You take whatever it is, and you sit down.”

It was because of that, that I chose to stick with the mini-curtain.

I figured most deals end with the best prize or the zonk. (That’s not always how it is, of course. But often, for good TV, the deals have at least one dramatic possibility at the end.)

Aurora on Let's Make a Deal — How quickly laughter turns a little serious! (Photo credit: CBS/Freemantle)

As far as I can tell, deals don’t often end on the middling prize. (Though I guess sometimes they do after you dodge a zonk, as could’ve happened in my case.) Anyway, moving on…

I wanted to stick it out to the end of the deal, and get something great or get zonked.

When Wayne asks if I want the small box, there’s a tiny piece of me who thinks I should take it. A little earlier, my dad had mentioned the small box had been seen two times before with decent prizes in it.

My dad’s (and my) favorite number is 3. Since this was the 3rd time the box showed up, I thought about taking it.

But I never play that way when I play along at home. I always look at each individual deal within itself – not what was in this or that box earlier. (And I think that is indeed the correct way to play.)

Aurora De Lucia giving a little claw hand as she talks out box vs mini-curtain on Let's Make a Deal — (Photo credit: CBS/Freemantle)

So, if I’d changed my strategy purely because my dad was there, and then lost on something, I wouldn’t have been happy.

I had to use the best strategy possible with such little information available to me. And the best strategy I knew was to stick around ’til the end of the deal.

My hope was that the box would be a zonk, and then whatever the 3rd option was would be a great prize.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 15 (A Memory Test)

February 22, 2015

Aurora in high school giving a driven look — I kinda like this old driven picture of me (from a show in high school), and thought I could use it for this post’s feeling of “Bring this test on!”

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

So, we get into part 3 – the best part – a test of my memory, attention, and concentration. When he tells me it’s time for a memory/concentration test, I immediately sit up taller, and my eyes get sort of intense.

I am always down to play games! And I play to win. Bring it on.

He can see my intensity in my eyes. He sees my total physical change when a competition’s on the line. He makes some sweet, fun joke about my competitive personality shining through. I didn’t even realize how intense I was in body posture and facial expressions, until he mentioned it. We both yet again had a little laugh. (This was the best part of the day!)

I also was slightly nervous because I know your response time and clarity of thought is lower when you haven’t slept well. Since I didn’t sleep much, I knew I had to give this everything I had, and hope for the best.

He says he’s gonna give me 3 words, and then he’s gonna distract me.

I try to put them together in my brain so I’ll remember them as one chunk. Open your book in half, and face it down (like a triangle), put a little toy car underneath it. Boom. You have a book housing a car.

Celia Keenan-Bolger in Spelling Bee — I don’t have pic from my spelling bee. So, here’s one from my favorite musical – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. (Credit: Broadway.com)

Maybe that’s a little too convoluted. I had some other visual options too. I also repeated the words “book, house, car” a few times in my head. Sometimes I’d silently repeat them between questions if there was time. I just wanted at least one visual reference in my mind as a backup, in case I couldn’t remember the words.

So, book, house, car.

He starts out simple, just asking me to spell. Okay, simple enough. I get the word “world.” (I was my middle school spelling bee champ; I can handle w-o-r-l-d.)

Then he asks me to spell “world” backwards. Okay, that’s a little trickier because you want to be absolutely certain you don’t mix-up or skip any letters… But you don’t want to go too slowly. So, in a somewhat quick manner, I whip out d-l-r-o-w.

Next up, it’s time to explain some idioms. (e.g. “Don’t cry over spilled milk.” “People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”) I found it surprisingly hard in the moment not to use more idioms to explain idioms. But I just stayed as calm as I could, trying to explain what the phrases meant.

He took all my answers with no qualms, so they must have been at least pretty okay.

And we’ll pick up with more of the test next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 7 (I Always Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me)

February 21, 2015

Aurora and Sharmine, her new friend on Let's Make a Deal listen to information on the deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

At the top of the final commercial break, we were told that next up was the last deal before the Big Deal.

This was it. Do or die time.

I’m in the best costume I can think of, and gave the best interview I could. I won the hat during the break. I’m dancing in every break as though there’s no tomorrow. Yet I’m not sure anyone’s even noticing I’m alive.

“Is this just not my show?” I wonder. “Am I not as fun as I think I am? Do the people on Let’s Make a Deal just not like me?…”

Then, as these thoughts are swirling in my head, with really the main idea being, “What am I doing wrong; why am I inadequate?!” a camera turned directly on me. And I danced and my little heart out!

I wondered if perhaps the camera was on someone else (or if maybe I was just imagining things). But then, an audience member with a huge headpiece on her costume drifted in front of me, in the camera’s line of sight, as she danced. The camera moved to counter, and it honed right back in on me.

Once that happened, I knew someone must be [*in Rockewell/Michael Jackson inflection*] watching me. So, I daaaaance and dance, smiling so hard I think my cheeks might explode.

The music settled, people sat, and we came back for the last regular deal.

I almost whisper to my dad, “I’m pretty sure I’m up next.” But, I didn’t want to be that obnoxious (especially since they were watching me). Sure enough, I get called.

Aurora De Lucia gives a little smile and shrug while on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

So, I run over there. I think about giving my dad a hug on my way, but instead I do some weird high-five/hand-holding thing. I thought it might look weird if I bent down for a hug, though I think it would’ve been fine… (Plus, how weird did that awkward high-five look?)

And there was time since Wayne was picking another girl as well. But whatever, no need to overthink it. (There are too many other things to overthink… I hug my dad all the time. Time to let this one go.)

So, I get down there with Wayne and the other contestant.

When I see Wayne, I lamely say, “Nice to meet you.” One of the many cool things Drew Carey does, is he always says, “Nice to see you” instead of “meet you” (in case he’s met you somewhere before). (Also, it just sounds nicer in my opinion.)

I have tried to implement that in my life. Yet, on national TV, I come out with, “Nice to meet you.” I think I may have technically met Wayne at my friend’s improv show (that Wayne was in) one night.

If I did meet him, it was one of those super fast, sort of barely say hi, because you happen to be in two melding groups in a hallway where some people know each other and some don’t type of things – which is why neither of us would remember it. I know we’ve never been formally introduced. So even if we were in the same talking circle, we didn’t technically officially meet.

(Ugh, this story, right? How do you not know if you’ve met Wayne Brady? But that’s why you always say nice to see you – not meet you!)

So, already the first words out of my mouth, and I’m already acting like a fool. But no matter. Let that go, ’cause it’s time to play.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 6 (I Won A Hat!)

February 20, 2015

Aurora De Lucia wears her Let's Make a Deal hat and holds up her check from her zonk — Spoiler alert: I’m holding the check I got in the mail (and wearing my cool hat!)

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

Even if I was slightly jealous – or not even jealous, so much as just judging myself, wondering what I’m doing wrong if all these other people in my life are getting on the show – I was still having a great time.

During one of the commercial breaks, Jonathan Mangum brings out this Let’s Make a Deal hat, saying “Who wants a hat?” And he tapped it on Wayne Brady’s head as he was saying, ” – touched by Wayne Brady! It goes to the first person who can tell me 5 shows he’s been on.”

I lean over to my dad. “We know 5 shows Wayne Brady’s been on, right?” My dad seems a little unsure. I think I know 5, but I’m not incredibly confident. As we mull over whether to volunteer, Jonathan Mangum drops it to 4 shows. I leap out of my chair, and raise my hand.

“Let’s Make a Deal, How I Met Your Mother, Who’s Line it is Anyway? and The Drew Carey Show.” Bam. That hat is mine!

The 5th one I was thinking of was The Wayne Brady Show, but I didn’t totally remember if that was a real show, or something I made up in my head. (It is real, if you’re wondering.)

At the end of the commercial break, Wayne walked out looking at his phone, as though he was reading off it, listing his credits. He said something like, “Over 100 credits on IMDb, and y’all can’t list 5?” Funny.

I figured winning the hat could only help my chances. I don’t know if the games during the commercial breaks have anything to do with anything. I just know that a girl who talked to Drew Carey during a commercial at my Price is Right taping got called up to be a contestant.

Aurora De Lucia looking down a little while laughing — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

And a girl who participated in a mini dance competition during the commercial break the last time I was at Deal, also got to be a contestant. So, I thought it was good to get the hat.

Before the show, the people who give the various Let’s Make a Deal talks say that they’re watching you. They say they’ll look at you before they’re about to call you – and if you’ve lost energy, they won’t call you after all.

They really try to scare the energy into you (and they do a great job, as the audience is consistently going nuts).

Since we’re over to the side, we can easily tell when cameras are on us – and when they’re not. I thought either the LMAD producers don’t actually watch you, or they have no interest – at all – in me and my dad.

We were so not being watched. During commercial breaks, you can see the camera operators move and point the camera at various areas, but never ours.

And then, we got to the final commercial break – which is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 5 (Being Seated, And Being Maybe Slightly Jealous As The Show Goes On…)

February 19, 2015

Aurora and her new contestant partner on Let's Make a Deal paying close attention — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

After we take the greenscreen photo, I turn in my phone and my dad and I just enjoy life and each other’s company for a bit until the pre-show speeches start.

(They’re the same as the first time I went to Let’s Make a Deal.)

After that, people are brought into the studio in numerical order (using the numbers you’re given when you get there). However, they let anyone who has trouble using stairs go in first.

As I mentioned, my dad had a knee brace (as he’d be having knee surgery when he got home from this trip). So, we got to go with that group.

In order to avoid as many stairs as possible, the Let’s Make a Deal team brings that group in around the set – which means we pass the producer section with the director chairs set-up and the many monitors they use lining the wall. It was a pretty cool thing to pass.

“Why did I have to turn in my phone?!” I wailed in my head, as it would’ve been a cool behind-the-scenes shot – had I been allowed to take it… Wah, wah. (Sorry, y’all.)

Aurora squints a little and makes a little clawhand looking in the distance on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

We were seated just a few rows up – very close to Jonathan Mangum. It was similar seating to where I’d sat at Price is Right. I even leaned over to my dad and said, “At Price is Right, I sat by George Gray. I wonder if this is a good sign!”

We enjoyed the show, playing along with the games. It was a great episode, with tons of great prizes.

I was a little jealous of people playing for prizes I wanted. There was a trip to Australia. There was also a home gym plus cash in another game! There was a selfish part of me that started wondering a little, “Why do they not think I’m cute enough to play The Dealing Game?”

I know it’s so presumptuous to go to LMAD assuming you should be picked… Maybe I’m slightly spoiled, ’cause I was picked on my first time at Price. Also, I’ve had at least 5 people I know go to Let’s Make a Deal and get picked! So, when I see all these people around me (in my life) getting picked, I kind of assume it must be easy.

Of course, neither Jaime nor B got picked when we went (which really perplexed me).

When I came back, I brought another exceptional game show partner. I had a good costume. I had a nice interview. I thought I learned from my first experience, and that I did everything to the best of my ability. But the show kept on going with no one even looking anywhere near us…

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 14 (The Psychiatrist Looks Into The Likelihood Of A Good Outcome)

February 18, 2015

Aurora De Lucia pulling a weighted bag during an obstacle at the Spartan trifecta-in-a-day — While we’re talking about exercise and such… how ’bout some pictures of that?

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

While on informed consent, we talk about ways in which kidney donation might affect my life.

When we talk about intense contact sports (such as MMA fighting – which I’ve never done but is brought up because they recommend you don’t do that after kidney donation surgery), the psychiatrist happened to mention that he thought I had a sweet temperament.

That’s awesome. I was worried I might come across cranky (or disengaged)!

As you know, I’m so very tired at this point, being that I barely slept the night before (and had just come from an hour-long meeting with the social worker, where my brain was working overtime). So, the fact that I’m coming off as sweet and hopefully fun (since we’re laughing and having a good time) makes me so, oh so, happy.

We talk some more about how giving a kidney might affect my life in small ways. He reiterates I can’t have any NSAIDs. I don’t think that’ll be a big deal as I never take medicine for anything, unless it’s prescribed by a doctor.

Aurora De Lucia posing at the end of the LA Marathon — From the LA Marathon

He tells me that just means I’ll always have to tell any new doctors that I can’t have NSAIDs. Okay, simple enough.

He also says a key to doing well after kidney surgery is to “learn to love your local gym.” He says cardio has to be a part of my life forever. Cool. No problems there! (I love running, and do at least one marathon every year.)

He also says the patients who do best make sure to see a doctor once a year for the rest of their lives. Okay, that doesn’t sound too terribly hard.

We pass through the informed consent part with nary a hiccup. So, off we went to the second thing he wanted to talk about – good outcomes. He basically just wanted to know if I had any mental issues that might affect my ability to have a good outcome.

He asked if I’d ever been in a psychiatric hospital, had panic attacks, heard voices, been suicidal – that kind of stuff.

He asked if I ever had any problems with alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

Aurora posing bleary eyes with some Star Wars vitamins — Posing with some of my vitamins, all bleary-eyed bright and early before the Star Wars Half Marathon

Side note: Both he and the social worker asked if I’d ever done drugs. I said no. They both followed up with, “not even pot?” And each time we shared this fun little embarrassing moment like, “I live in California… I think I’m the only person who hasn’t done pot. What a lame little goodie two shoes I am, huh?” But then we all had a grand, fun little laugh about it.

I can’t believe I’m really gonna say this, but I had such a great day being interviewed by both mental health professionals.

Anyway, so we’re talking about my habits and such. He asks if I take any medications. I say I take Flintones iron vitamins, if that counts. (And you can see my Star Wars multi-vitamins in the picture next to this.) Then we had yet another laugh, as he said I reminded him of his kids.

Oh what a grand time we’re having! And it’s only about to get better.

He says, “Let’s move on to the last part, as you’re way too healthy to be talking to me.”

And this is where I’ll pick up next time!

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 4 (Post-Interview, Pre-Show)

February 17, 2015

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

My dad and I go in for our little mini-headshots that the Let’s Make a Deal people take.

This is where they look at those information cards. Yet again, I left the social media spot blank.

I figure it’s always better not to give too much information, though I could be completely wrong on that!

Also, it’s possible they’re maybe not asking that to judge how awesome our internet presence is. They might ask so they can tag us later, if they talk about us (if we get on the show). Although they ask you for your handles later in the contestant room. So, I don’t think it’s that.

I still don’t know why they do it. I don’t know if it can help or hurt you, but I was still too afraid to give mine (even though I know you can oh-so-easily look them up).

Aaaaanyway, we get our picture taken. Then the line snakes around to the greenscreen.

As my dad and I are in line, we talk about the interview and how it was fast. We’re hoping that means she really loves us and thinks, “Yeah, I’m gonna put them on the show.” After all, my Price is Right one was very fast.

It’s also possible she could’ve thought, “I’m annoyed with them and so over them… Get outta here.”

Whatever it meant, we were pretty sure that however she felt about us, she was sure. She didn’t need any extra time or information to waffle on whether she liked us. She knew. And that’s better than not knowing.

Once at the greenscreen, you get separate pictures, and then you get group ones. In front of me, I heard the photographer say the same thing to people over and over. “You can put your stuff down. Step on the line. Now give me an excited face.”

When it was my turn, he was doing something for the first second when he’d usually say that.
(I think he was changing the screen back from blue to green; they use a blue background if someone is wearing green.)

I immediately stepped up on the line and gave an excited face. When he got back to his camera, I was already in position. [*Dusts off shoulders, if I do say so myself*]

He seemed pleasantly surprised. But come on, I’d heard it enough. If I’m paying attention at all, I should know what to do.

My dad was just as fast as I was. So, when it was time for the two of us to take pictures together, the photographer gave us a few different facial expressions to try. I think he was having fun with us, since I like to think we’re semi-pros at this. 😉

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 3 (The interview)

February 16, 2015

Aurora De Lucia giving crazy eyes, looking down, with a microphone pointed at her on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

We went into our interview. This time, Tamara was the interviewer.

Nothing against Jason, but I was sort of relieved, as I was kind of intimidated by him.

I’m so sure he would not have remembered me. Nonetheless, I just did such a horrendously horrible job in my last interview, that I was a wee bit traumatized. (Traumatized is perhaps a slightly strong word… hmmmm, but not really. It was mortifying how poorly I did at that interview!)

When Tamara asked us who we were and what we did, I already knew what I was going to say. No way was I going to get into how I was working on a reality show about The Jacksons. I thought that was way “too LA” for me to be picked.

Side note: They ask on the little cards you fill out what you do for a living, and you can’t veer off on a blank the same way you can in the interview. So, I did have to put something.

I think I put something vague (like freelancer), hoping no one really looked at those too hard, or that if they did, they wouldn’t care too much about a boring answer. (I have no idea how much information on those cards is taken into account – though I’m interested, if you do!)

Aurora De Lucia smiling while looking down/off on Let's Make a Deal — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

So, Tamara asks us to tell her about ourselves. I say I’m Aurora, and I’m a mere two tests away from being a living kidney donor.

She mentioned something about wondering what my parents thought – which is when my dad jumped in with, “Well, I’m her dad!”

She talked to him about his knee brace. He explained he got hurt in a hip-hop dance class.

I know my dad is a wonderful and interesting person. But sometimes, somehow, I forget that he is so outgoing, and is truly fabulous game show material.
(He was on one over 20 years ago. (And he spectacularly lost! :-))

I always forget that I’m a little version of my Daddy. If ever I think I’m outgoing, or interesting, or pleasant – he’s 10x what I am. And seeing him in his interview reminded me of that.

He’s a perfect person to bring to a game show (except for the fact that he might outshine you ;)). I would’ve been ecstatic to see him play, though, so I didn’t care who got up there (as long as one of us did, consarn it!).

Tamara seemed to like us fine enough. And very quickly, the interview was over.

This is where I’ll pick up next time.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 13 (Did You Know A Rejected Kidney Is Not Removed? (I Learned That In My Psych Interview))

February 15, 2015

Dr. Hibbert holding up a pair of burst kidneys next to pristine ones — Credit: Fox/Matt Groening (The Simpsons)

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

So, the first thing the psychiatrist said we’d discuss – informed consent.

He asks me basic questions about the procedure and what it will mean for me (time spent in the hospital and such).

He asks, “What are some possible complications for the kidney recipient?” For some reason, this question surprised me. It probably shouldn’t have. If I care enough about a stranger to give her a kidney, don’t you think I’d care at least a bit about that person’s recovery?

I guess I wasn’t thinking about it since I’m never going to meet that person or see her recovery. So, I think I kind of maybe distanced myself from that part of it, kind of assuming, “Eh, once she has it, I’m not part of her process anymore.”

While it’s true I won’t be part of the patient’s recovery, I guess it is a little weird not to be thinking about her and what she’s going through – maybe it’s even a little selfish of me to say, “Eh, my part will be done by then.” [*Wipes hands dramatically, and exits grandly.*]

So, he definitely made me think about the other person’s full journey a little more, which I was happy about.

When I was answering his question about possible complications for the recipient, I mentioned that she could reject the kidney. I thought if a kidney was rejected, it had to be taken out. But I learned in this interview that the kidney’s actually left in!

Homer and Grampa holding hands before kidney surgery — Credit: Fox/Matt Groening (The Simpsons)

Apparently it’s more dangerous to make a recipient go through another surgery to remove the kidney than it is to leave the rejected kidney in.

While I do feel I’m tripping up a little on this question – since I didn’t know a rejected kidney stays in someone’s body – at least I’m learning an interesting new fact! And the psychiatrist is being super cool. He tells me most people don’t know that a rejected kidney stays in.

I still wish I would’ve known. The medical professionals expect you to retain a lot of details about kidney donation, so they can be sure you know what you’re getting into. And not even for them, but for myself, I want to be confident that I do understand the process.

But at least I can justify not knowing this specific detail to myself, since it really doesn’t affect the donor (me)… So, that’s something, right?

And we’ll pick up here next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 2 (My Costume)

February 14, 2015

Aurora De Lucia with Sharmine, Let's Make a Deal Contestants, stand smiling, interested, looking at Wayne Brady — Credit: CBS/Freemantle

(Missed any part? Here’s the whole series.)

Picking up from last time –

Once we get close to Let’s Make a Deal, I realize I just ate chili – red, messy chili!

That has to be one of the worst things to eat before going on camera – when you want your teeth to look all pearly white. And I didn’t have a toothbrush or any mouthwash with me. Gah!

We stop at a couple of close-by gas stations. No one has whitening rinse. (Granted, I guess that is more of a grocery store thing than a gas station/7-11 type thing.)

How did I forget mouthwash? And with a white outfit, no less! It’s already hard for teeth to look great while wearing white. Oof.

Speaking of my white outfit, it was white because I went with the kidney donor costume this time around!

A) I thought it was a stronger costume than the runner.

B) I thought it was simpler to explain. I thought it took fewer words to say, “I’m two tests away from becoming a living kidney donor” than, “Oh, I’m a runner and I lost 60 pounds, so I’m bib number 60.”

When you look at it written out like that, they sound almost equally easy to explain. But there was something about it that made the runner one seem harder to me.

Not to mention, I feel like every time I talk about my weight loss, there’s at least a smidge of negativity that goes into it – negativity such as, “How could I have gotten so fat in the first place?” Also, “uuugh I still have at least 30 pounds to lose. Why are we even celebrating right now?”

a side by side of two pictures of Aurora De Lucia running when she was pretty fat, and running when she's much less fat — While we’re talking about fat vs less fat, here’s an example of that! (Credit: Brightroom & MarathonFoto)

I don’t necessarily try to bring that negativity in, but I think you can hear it in my voice. So, I wanted something that I was purely proud of (and that wouldn’t be embarrassing in any way).

C) This is the most important reason! When I’d gone with B and Jaime, it was before big kidney day(s), and I had no idea what to expect from the UCLA psychiatrist.

Would I crash and burn there, as I did in Ohio? I didn’t feel comfortable going as a living kidney donor until I was reasonably sure it would happen.

When I went to LMAD with my dad, I’d gone through all the tough tests! All they had to do was repeat my 24-hour-urine collection. I was sure everything was going be fine. All my urine tests were fine in Ohio. What could’ve changed in two years?

Well, the answers to that are in the kidney saga – not the LMAD posts. The point is, I was reasonably sure I’d be a living kidney donor. I also thought I’d be having the surgery basically right before this aired, which I thought would be lovely timing, and hopefully a great way to spread the word on how awesome(?) kidney donation is.

[*Deep, long sigh*] I was so wrong.

Nonetheless, that was my costume. And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

My Day As A “Let’s Make a Deal” Contestant – Part 1 (Forgot My ID! Relegated To The Afternoon Show)

February 13, 2015

Aurora De Lucia and her dad outside of Sunset Bronson Studios for a Let's Make a Deal taping — (This was taken after, not before. That’s why my dad was wearing that hat. :-P)

I went to Let’s Make a Deal once before this.

So, if you want the pre-experience that talks about the process and speeches and everything, you can go there (or you can easily, happily start here – it’s all up to you!).

This time, my dad came to town! (Yay!)

We wanted to go to a taping of The Price is Right, because he’s never been. (I think he’d make a great contestant.) Unfortunately, that wasn’t taping the week he was here… But Let’s Make a Deal was!

I was still wanting to give LMAD my best shot, as I’d now been game-show eligible again for almost 6 months! Get it together, Aurora! Right?

So, on September 11th, 2014, my dad and I went. We were supposed to go to the morning show, but I forgot my ID! (Aye, aye, aye.)

A person working the line said I was still welcome to go in, I just couldn’t play. I don’t know how I actually responded, but it felt like I maybe gave her a rude look. Definitely my gut reaction was, “Come on! What’s the point in going if I can’t play?” (Though, I’ll admit there are instances when you’d go even if you can’t play – such as if I’d gone to TPiR with my dad, with the hope that he’d get chosen.)

Anyway, hopefully my face didn’t read as, “uhhh, why in the world would I be here to not play? This is Let’s Make a Deal!” (Apologies to that woman if I came off rude.)

There wasn’t enough time to get downtown and back for the morning taping, but we were told we could come back and jump in the standby line for the afternoon show.

Thankfully, when I looked online, there were still priority (guaranteed) tickets available for the afternoon.

So, Daddy and I went back to my apartment, grabbed my ID, and printed out the new tickets.

Since we had some time to kill, my dad wanted to take me to his favorite pizza place from when he used to live here. We drove to his old stomping grounds… and Backstop Pizza was gone.

But we did find this incredible chili place (Tub’s Chili), run by the funny Rancher Rick, where they even served vegan chili! So, we were all about it.

In my leftovers, I realized I had a jalapeno – which was the quickie deal announced on twitter. Score. (That will not matter in this story, but I thought it was a cool enough happenstance to mention it.)

Now, it’s off to the afternoon taping! I’ll pick up here tomorrow.

So, Did You Watch Let’s Make a Deal This Morning?

February 12, 2015

I’m still working on getting a copy of the video up for your beautiful people. I’ll let you know when it’s here!

But if you missed it, well, I won’t spoil it quite yet (even though I have on social media) since I want to give you a chance to see the video.

But, just as we did with Price is Right, I will talk about every detail of being a contestant. Hopefully that interests you! If not, I hope to see you in March! 🙂

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 12 (The Psychiatrist Lays Out Interview Plans)

February 11, 2015

Aurora De Lucia in a hosptial gown with a huge smile on her face (in black and white) — I’m not sure why I filtered this in black and white for social media (since I don’t often like to do that). But I can’t find the original photo! So, um, here’s the black and white filtered one…

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

My last appointment of the day was with the psychiatrist.

The appointments were listed on the schedule as consults, but I’ve mainly been calling them interviews here (as the social worker and psychiatrist aren’t just there to consult – they’re there to evaluate me). Of course, I was expecting interrogations. So, interviews are a pleasant surprise.

The first thing the psychiatrist said (other than introductions) was “this is gonna be the easy part.”

“Why do I have a very hard time believing that?” I sarcastically wondered in my head… But do you know what? He was telling the truth! We had the best time. We laughed together (multiple times!). He was absolutely wonderful to me.

This didn’t seem like an interview at all. Maybe this really was a consult. Heck maybe this was just a fun chat with my total new best friend.

At the beginning of our meeting, he laid it out oh so simply.

“We’re only gonna talk about three things,” he said.

1) Informed consent (Do you know what you’re doing?)

2) Good outcomes (He said sometimes patients have temporary emotional or psychological problems after donation, and he doesn’t want that for me (or anyone if it can be avoided). So, we’ll address any issues that might put me at risk for not the best outcome.)

Aurora in her old living room laughing happily — Just a random old shot (from years ago) of me laughing, since there was oh so much laughter during this interview (and since this picture still exists on my computer)

3) Temporary problems with memory, attention, and concentration.
(He said that’s very rare, but it is possible. And if something like that were to happen, the surgeons would send me his way. And when they would, he’d want to know from where I’m starting – so he knows to where I need to get back.)

And then [*drumroll*] – he asked me questions relating to those three things, in that order.

He did not stray from what he said we’d talk about. He did not make judgements about my personality (or if he did, he kept them to himself and didn’t let them affect my ability to give).

This is exactly what I envisioned this meeting should be like!

Thank you, UCLA (and this incredible psychiatrist) for making me feel like I’m… well, I don’t want to say normal. ‘Cause who’s “normal”? But you know, competent, I guess. And I felt like my desire for an interview along the lines of this one was not out of line, since look! I was given this one here! Boom.

As we moved through the questions, he was so patient.

When I’d give an answer, he’d reflect back. “So, if I hear you, it sounds like you’re saying [insert whatever answer I just gave phrased differently, so I know he’s hearing me and that I’m getting across the answers I want to get across].”

He’s the best ever. I bet his patients (and families and strangers) love him.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

Watch Thursday’s “Let’s Make a Deal” (If You Want)

February 10, 2015

My dad and I went to a taping of Let’s Make a Deal that airs this Thursday morning. (CBS. Some people get it at 9. Some at 10. Check your local listings).

If you wanna see what happens, tune in, or set your DVRs!

And yes, we will talk all about it. If you’re interested in hearing about the last game show I was on, you can read Price is Right posts to your heart’s content here.

Has My Opinion About College Changed Now? – Part 2 (Final Thoughts)

February 9, 2015

Picking up from last time –

This class also showed to me that things in life are so intertwining. As we learned about various reforms throughout the years, they’d be tied to presidents, vice presidents, wars, and other historical people or events.

Some people seemed to have such an exceptional grasp of history – to know immediately, once a time period was established, who the major players were, and what major events were going on.

Of course I know some stuff about history. But I learned through this class that I’m not as comfortable as many people are. Quick! Who was president after Grover Cleveland?

Did you just say, “Well, it depends on which term, because Grover Cleveland was the only president to serve non-consecutive terms. So, it’s either Benjamin Harrison or William McKinley?” If you did say that, I am totally amazed… And I’m not on your level.

That’s a bit overwhelming to me. I know I could read and take classes for the rest of my life if I wanted to. I’m sure the more I seek to learn, the more I’ll learn and retain. So, I may be able to kick it with the best of the history buffs at some point.

I still question whether I should’ve read/studied more earlier. But the idea of possible regret has been talked to death. So, let me get back on the subject if my opinion of college has changed.

Here are the two things that have definitely changed.

I used to be kind of judge-y about these kinds of extension or non-traditional classes. I’m sure there are all sorts of various levels of them. But I can tell you now that I’m much more likely to be impressed with someone who’s gone through a full program.

It is tough to juggle your work and general life with school! And it is hard to do it across the country from everyone else. It’s doable obviously. But it’s more of a feat than I ever gave people credit for.

Speaking of not giving people credit, there are still plenty of places on the internet where people say Harvard Extension is not real Harvard. I’ve never taken a class at Harvard College. But I know that I was taught by a Harvard professor, we delved very deep into the subject, and I learned a lot. My impression is that Harvard Extension is legit. Internet people can say what you want. But I think it’s pretty tough.

The other thing that’s changed is that in general, I also didn’t think all that much of a Bachelor’s Degree – like, okay, y’all got a piece of paper. Good for you.

I think because I never really saw many of my friends study – I just saw them playing frisbee and video games, and generally having a grand ol’ time – that college must be an easy ride. Of course, I never really took into account that I lived nowhere near my friends in college. So, anytime I got to see them, it was a rare and lovely occurrence. Of course they’re not going to have their head in a book when a visitor is there! Of course we’re gonna stay up all night and have fun!

So, after one class I’ve already realized I think college is a lot tougher (and more time consuming) than I imagined. Sorry to any students/graduates I’ve judged (or have had judgmental thoughts about). Y’all are doing more work than I realized.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 11 (Finishing Up The Social Worker Interview (Which Wasn’t Bad At All!))

February 8, 2015

Aurora in high school, performing in a children's show — I mention singing in a song from Rent. Since I don’t have any pictures of that, enjoy me in a photo from a children’s show!

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

After all that, I think she ended up thinking I was gay. (It really doesn’t make a difference to me what she thinks my sexual orientation is.)

But right as we were leaving the subject, and she was saying something about long-term boyfriends she kind of blurted out, “or girlfriend!”

I didn’t respond because it wasn’t a question. It was just an exclamation. And she moved on quickly after that.

Later, she started asking me about religion, saying many people who do charity work do it through a church. So, she wanted to know if I ever did anything through a church. I said I prefer not to, as I found many churches far too judgmental of people when the whole idea is supposed to be to not judge…

So, between her blurted out girlfriend comment, and my comment about judgmental religions, I think it’s possible she might think I’m gay.

As long as she thinks I’m competent enough to give a kidney, she can think I’m Maureen in Rent for all I care. (“Boys, girls, I can’t help it, baby!”) (Side note: I played Maureen in that song for one of my friend’s senior recitals, for anyone at home who wants a little piece o’ trivia.)

Aurora De Lucia singing into a microphone — Another singing photo, ’cause you know, I only have so many kidney photos! 😛

Thankfully, somehow I made it to the end of the interview without being goaded (and hopefully without goading).

The social worker was so kind. She gave me her card and said to call anytime about anything.

She even walked me out of the building, since I had to go to a different one for my next interview (and she was leaving too).

[Oh my goodness, Aurora. You’re basically done. You’re only in the small talk phase with her. Be cool! You can small talk with someone down the stairwell.]

And I did it successfully! We talked a little about her daughter, and soon enough we were out the door.

She told me the psychiatry consult should be way easier than my time with her. I looked at her like, “Uh, it can get easier?”

Aurora De Lucia with her face in some flowers after a performance in high school — and I thought this picture was fitting since we’re apparently doing performance pictures, but also it’s accepting a bouquet for a job well done – just like I did with this interview. Ba-bam!

I mean, I know I had some worried posts and all when it came to the kids and family questions. But overall, this thing was a breeze. She was kind and polite, and a fabulous non-judgmental listener. We laughed and had a grand ol’ time together.

In a one hour interview, maybe 3 minutes of it were scary – and really only because I was doing it to myself.

So, to imagine the psychiatry interview was going to be any easier (especially when you’d assume the psychiatrist would be my arch-nemesis), sounded exceptional (and not probable, but I guess we’ll see!).

Let’s find out how it went – next time.

So, What Was It Like To Take My First Class at Harvard Extension? Part 3 (The Final)

February 5, 2015

Picking up from last time –

I requested my proctor weeks in advance. (I’d learned the last time that sometimes places can want two weeks notice.) I took the test at UCLA. (I had a very nice proctor.)

I was more worried than I should be going into this. I’d always thought people were so ridiculous when it came to final exams! Settle down, students. Geez. But now that I was one again, I thought, “Okay, I get the stress.”

I barely slept the night before. Because of various circumstances (including the hours the testing center were open, and the test being 3 hours long), I had to take a morning test. I was nervous about getting up, and taking the test in general. I’m not particularly a morning person. So, I ended up barely sleeping the night before.

Of course the longer it took me to fall asleep, the worse it got, because I worried harder about my brain not being at full capacity the next day.

Eventually, I slept for a bit. Then, I made my way to UCLA. On the bus, I re-read chapters of our book. On the walk to UCLA, I was muttering court cases underneath my breath, trying to review everything I knew.

I stopped at Starbucks and got a Veniti(!) coconut milk peppermint latte. I never drink a Venti. (I didn’t finish it.) But I had a free drink and figured I’d go all out for this crazy, early-morning 3-hour-long exam.

Once I got there, my proctor immediately said, “Aurora?” I must’ve been the only person taking a test that early. He set me up in a room, and gave me the instructions for the test. There was plenty of paper given to me. So, we both were of the mindset I wouldn’t need anymore. But he told me if I did, to let him know. (I totally ended up using more pages.)

The one thing that was so nice about a distance exam was that with no other students in the room, I could speak my answers out loud a bit. I’m sure I could be silent. But I liked being able to talk things out loud for a sec if I needed to straighten out my thoughts. I also liked that when I first took a look at the exam and was confident I knew everything on it, I excitedly exclaimed, “let’s do this!” to no one in particular. I wouldn’t have done that with a class full of students.

…But, I did have to pay $75 to have a 3-hour test proctored.

I thought there’d be no way the test would take all 3 hours. That sounds like a long test, but apparently I don’t know how long finals should me. It took me every minute of that three hours! I was writing furiously. I can barely smell anything, and even I felt like I could almost smell the ink ready to catch on fire or something with how quickly I’d write certain sections.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to check all of my work. But I did the best I could.

After three hours, I turned in my final. My proctor scanned my exam, and had me watch it so we could be sure it got to Harvard on time. I also got a confirmation email from Harvard not long after. So, everybody was all about making sure I felt confident that my test was turned in, which was nice.

Even though I hadn’t gotten to check everything, I still walked out quite confidently. I felt like I was in some slow-mo shot, walking down the street, as the baddest girl in town.

I celebrated by picking up some Native Foods Cafe on my way to the airport. Then I went to Denver with my Daddy (and with practically no cares in the world now that the test was done)!

Late on Christmas Even night, my TA let me know I got an A!

I did it. An A in my first super college-y college class.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 10 (No, I Don’t Want A Husband Either (The Social Worker Interview Continues))

February 4, 2015

Aurora holding a magazine in the waiting room — Just a random photo I took in one of the waiting rooms during Big Kidney Days

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

I was saying I don’t normally talk about relationships on this blog. That’s usually pretty easy, since I don’t date a lot (barely ever).

Dating has never been something I’ve been wildly interested in. When it happens to happen with someone you know, naturally taking a course or whatever, so be it. But a relationship has never been something I sought, as again, the dream is that my career is my one true love. (Of course, whether that whole career thing is panning out can certainly be debated. [*Sigh.*])

So, the social worker asks if I have a boyfriend. (Oof it feels weird even broaching this subject on the blog, as this is not usually an Aurora thing to talk about. Ugh. Sorry!)

Anyway, I say no. She asks if I’ve been in a long-term relationship. Again, I say no. She kind of looks at me as though that’s odd. But then I’m all, “I’m only in my mid-twenties. It can’t be that weird, right?”

After all, at the last hospital they wouldn’t stop harping about how young am I. If I’m a wee little baby, then I shouldn’t be expected to be on the precipice of marriage anytime soon. Right?

She said maybe I was thinking of long-term differently than she was. She said she didn’t mean an engagement, or a 5-year relationship or anything, just maybe one year.

And I just kind of looked at her. Then it seemed as though she almost started feeling weird (as though she thought she might be putting me down). So, she started to normalize it, saying, “Some people don’t find their true love until they’re in their 30s.”

Aurora in front of the desserts at Native Foods Cafe — …Yes, I took another photo at Native Foods Cafe because that place is so exceptionally delicious, and I totally went there on both days

I appreciated her for trying to make me feel good, and less awkward – and for not being judgmental. High five to the UCLA staff!

Even though I appreciated her kindness, I didn’t want it to be assumed that we all were on a search for our true love (as who knows if humans were really meant to partner up for life anyway).

So, part of me kind of wanted to come back with, “Who says I want to find a true love? Unless you’re talking about love with my production company I want to start, I wouldn’t hold my breath. I am happy and content by myself.”

But again, I don’t offer up any extraneous information because I absolutely do not want to start anything or seem difficult. I’m so normal. Oh so normal…

She asks if I want to get married. I say no.

On that big life decision, I feel like my real attitude is never say never. I guess it is possible that I could meet someone so exceptional that I can’t help but love them. And then maybe – maaaaybe – after at least 10 years of dating, if we happen to decide it is financially (or otherwise) beneficial, we could sign some papers (though I can’t quite imagine ever wanting a ceremony)…

I didn’t get into any of this with the social worker. As I said, I didn’t want to start anything. All I said was, “No, I don’t want to get married.” She looked at me as though her eyes were saying, “Do you want to expand on that?” And I looked back at her with eyes that said, “only if you ask me to – otherwise, I know it’s best to just be quiet.”

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

What I Learned From 52 Half Marathons in 52 Weeks

February 3, 2015

I know we’re really doing the final look-back/wrap later than I thought. But look! We’re here. We’re doing it.

So, I did this huge project – sort of on a whim, that sort of just grew and it became this whole thing.

There have been *many* posts dedicated to this project on this blog. If I talked about something so much and so often, I had to have taken something away from it, right?

So, let’s reflect.

If I were to put my lessons into words (which I am doing now), I would say here are some takeaways:

1) Be flexible!

I was going to say have plans A, B, C (and maybe even more). However, I don’t think you actually need to make that many plans. Make your plan, but see places where it might need to change. Keep ideas on the back-burner. It might involve a lot of thinking on the fly.

I knew that anything could happen – weather, race cancellations, injuries. You never know what’s possible. So, I doubled up on some weekends and tried to bank some races in the beginning. That way, whenever anything did happen, I was ready to take it on!

I’m not trying to say we should waste too much time thinking about bad things that conceivably might happen. I’m just saying you might as well be flexible because things in the world are going to happen and change no matter what. But all you can change is your attitude. And being willing to roll with the flow is only going to make things easier on you and your life.

2) You decide what’s possible.

There were tons of excuses as to why this wouldn’t be feasible. Obviously the expenses were going to be an issue. Even just the actual planning was tough. I also changed from working day to night shift during the year. They actually both had their own pros and cons as to how they were easier or harder for doing the races. But sleep was tough! Committing to actually waking up (or staying up) to that crazy time of the morning 52 times (or almost 52 – since some where at night) – that in itself was a big deal.

And perhaps it may have actually been smarter to take some of the possible obstacles into consideration. (I lucked out like crazy that the money worked out, ’cause I totally committed to the project before making a budget or thinking that through – eep!).

However, I still have to say, it would’ve been easy to get hung up in obstacles. But I said I would do something, crossed any obstacles necessary, and I did it.

To me, that was the biggest takeaway of the project – we decide what’s possible.

(That feels both empowering and foolish to say… but maybe true…)

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 9 (No, I Don’t Want Kids (The Social Worker Interview Continues))

February 1, 2015

Aurora De Lucia giving a huge smile at the doctor's office — This was me moments after I learned my procedure was successful and I could not bear children

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

When we’d talked about kids, I think I said my “no” (about not wanting to have them) in a bit too strong of a tone of voice. That was maybe partially what took her aback. When I noticed I was digging myself into a hole, my immediate first reaction was to try to jump in and explain myself out of it.

“Well, I want to live my work. I want to work on something I’m so passionate about that it takes up as much time children would – more time than children would! I don’t want to spend the money on kids. I don’t want to lose my freedom to kids. I don’t want to fully trust another human being to raise kids with me. I don’t want to inadvertently make any wrong decisions that would make my kids grow up to resent me. I don’t want to wreck my body anymore than I’ve already wrecked it with being fat and with open-heart surgery (and plastic surgery). I don’t want to bring another child into the world when there are so many kids without homes already…” And on an on.

(And yes, I realize some of those points would be moot with adoption, or with being a single parent. I don’t care. I don’t want children. I just don’t. [*Gets really sweaty, trying to over-explain herself*])

Aurora on the medical table — …and here I was on the table before the procedure, excited to get it done!

And the way I’m getting flustered now in trying to justify my unpopular opinion, is exactly the way I didn’t want to get with her.

[*Takes a deep breath fighting every instinct that’s pushing me to pipe up and over-explain things to her… Silently sweats it out.*]

So, I let her be slightly taken aback, knowing if she wanted to explore anything more, she would expand on that. I didn’t need to.

Then, we transitioned into an equally awkward topic when she asked about relationships. As you may have noticed on the blog, I try to generally stay away from talk about dates or relationships here.

I just think relationships are very personal (and private). If I were to go on a date with someone, I wouldn’t want them worried they were going to get mentioned in the blog (or anywhere on the internet, for that matter).

I’m absolutely mortified for people when private text messages get put on tumblr (or wherever else), especially when those texts show identifying information. Relationships (of any kind – including friendships) can be so rough, dealing with emotions, and trying to express yourself and everything.

Aurora De Lucia standing at the Happy Hair Station with the girls on the run 5k — …and here I am volunteering at a kid’s event, because I like kids just fine! I just do not want any of my own.

I’ve seen totally sane, normal people come off much less sane when pushed in various situations, and when presented in the right (or I guess wrong) light. While trying to learn how you communicate in your relationships, you shouldn’t have to be worried about being under the world’s microscope. I mean, be kind, people. Right?

I know that’s a total tangent that has nothing to do with kidneys (or really even my social worker interview)… The point is, for a myriad of reasons, I don’t generally talk about relationships on this blog.

Granted, obviously the social worker wasn’t asking me to put anything on tumblr. It was a private interview for a medical file. I’m sure I probably could’ve shared anything… had there really been anything to share…

(Side note: I’m not really sure I could’ve shared anything, as the last time I had a mental health visit for kidney stuff, in the crazy game that that was, the psychologist leaned forward a couple of times saying, “Can you tell me a little more? I won’t put this in your chart.” And wouldn’t you know it, it all winds up in my chart! (Not that I said anything super secret, but the point is she totally lied to me (and often misrepresented what I said anyway.) So, my trust is shaken. And I’m on guard here.)

This is where I’ll pick up next time.

52 Half Marathons Medal Display

January 29, 2015

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 8 (Trying To Say As Little As Possible To The Social Worker)

January 28, 2015

Aurora looking a little tired yet happy in a hosptial gown — Don’t totally remember what appointment this is from… I look maybe tired and a little stressed, but like I’m trying to have fun. So, I’d say this is the tone! 🙂

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

We had a very normal conversation, if you can believe it!

She asked me normal various lifestyle questions that health practitioners often ask – do I drink or use drugs… She asked me a bit about habits and people in my life.

Again, I’d learned to just say as little as possible.

As I’d gotten ready in the morning, I prepped for the day thinking, “Imagine you’re on a witness stand. Don’t offer extraneous information. Only answer what is specifically asked. This is not a friendly conversation. This is a cross-examination.”

(That was basically the advice given by my brilliant father. He said imagine I was in a deposition. But I don’t see as many of those on TV. So, I’m going with something I “know” – or at least know the TV version of.)

I did let my guard down a bit, as I did feel pretty comfortable with the social worker. But I didn’t get crazy.

When she asked if I did volunteer work, I did not mention I was in the midst of 52 volunteer activities in 52 weeks. Even though I think goals are something of which to be proud, I was shown last time that they make you look too obsessive or too whatever. So, I just kept it quiet and said I volunteer a few times a month, citing one example from the previous week.

Even still, she knew who I was! She asked me at some point, “You’re a bit of an overachiever, aren’t you?” Even when I tone my personality down like crazy, and I try not to give too many details about things, I guess you can tell. I am who am I am.

And I love being thought of as an overachiever – whether or not the psychologist in Ohio likes that. (Still talking about her? Bitter much, Aurora?)

So, the social worker here found me out. But she didn’t seem to count it against me. [*Wipes forehead*] Phew.

I thought I was going to make it through scot-free! …But even trying to be as succinct as possible, sometimes I was asked to expand on things if I gave an unusual answer.

Aurora De Lucia volunteering, helping to refurbish a school's library — Just one of those volunteer activities (while we’re talking about ’em… after all, I only have so many kidney photos to go in all these posts! :-P)

The only questions that seemed to trip up my interview were the ones about kids and family.

She asked if I wanted to have kids. I said no. She followed up on that a bit – if I had any desire at all for kids in the deep future. I let her know I’d had a procedure, so now I’m physically incapable of having children. That’s how sure I am.

She seemed taken aback by that. (Did I let some extraneous information slip?! It was related! I just wanted to show I was sure without having to try to say the words “I’m sure” in a different way. [*Sigh.*])

She asked how long I’d known I didn’t want to have kids. I’ve known for as long as I can remember. Having kids has just never been something I wanted.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

Documenting 52 Half Marathons Stuff

January 27, 2015

We’re in the home stretch of finishing up the 52 Half Marathons posts!

Before I took the shirts in for the quilt, or the medals in for the display, we documented everything one last time. (I think it’s nice to have that.)

So, if you’d like to watch a little flipagram of me in all the various shirts, while wearing the medals that came with them, that exists here.

And if you’d like to see all the medals by themselves, photos of them exist here for the normal race medals of the 52 half marathons, here for the bonus medals, and here for other races that year, outside the 52 half marathons.

I’m still pretty certain I don’t use Pinterest correctly. But I didn’t know where else to put pictures of just the medals! The pictures didn’t seem appropriate for Facebook of Flickr (which I view as more places to put pictures with people and of events and things – not albums of inanimate objects)…

So, there you go. They’re on Pinterest. And if you have better ideas (or ideas for more or better Pinterest boards), I’ll take ’em! And if there’s anything else you want to see and haven’t, always let me know! xoxo

NBC4i Columbus – Story On 52 Half Marathons

January 26, 2015

Oh goodness. I have been meaning to wrap up the 52 half marathons stuff all nice and neat in a bow basically forever now. These have been sitting in my drafts for oh so long. Then I started thinking, “maybe I wait for an anniversary of the last race or something.” But no, I say we just take a week or so, dedicate it to these, and get these puppies going. Am I right?

First off, let’s talk about the last news story that was done about my quilt. If the video’s not embedded, then I’m still(!) having problems with the site. (Sorry.) But here’s a link.

(And if you missed the entries about taping the story, you can start them here.)

First off, I wore way too much make-up as I’m sure you can tell. I had someone do my make-up that morning (since I don’t know anything about that, barely ever wearing make-up and all). I told her that my face does not hold a lot of make-up very well.

And even though I work in television, I somehow allowed her to convince me that I needed extra for the camera or that it’d look better. I know you need more under stage lights, but the camera just brought out the fact that I had way too much make-up on. Amateur move, Aurora.

Also, just to clear up a few of the minor inaccuracies:

– I went to high school in Worthington, not Gahanna.
– My last name is spelled De Lucia.
– The story makes it sound as though my first half of the 52 in 52 project was my first half ever, but I’d run one before I found out I had a congenital heart defect (in 2009). I was trying to come back to running, since I knew I loved it – not start it in the first place.

Also, how not genuine does my voice sound during the reveal? That truly was the first time I’d seen it. And I was relieved that I really did think it was beautiful, so no acting was involved.Yet, it sounds as though I was doing some really bad acting.I suppose what I’m saying is, I sort of made the story a bit of a mess, didn’t I? Aye, aye, aye. *Shakes head at self*

Also, at first I kind of got on myself about basically saying the lesson was “attitude is everything.” There are better lessons. My dad even pointed that out, saying I maybe should’ve said basically what I said at The Price is Right wheel, which is “you are what you decide to be.”

However, in the time that’s passed, I must say I have thought about how attitude plays such a humongous part in life. So, maybe it wasn’t the worst answer after all. Ah, who knows. Now that it’s been so long, there’s no need to retread it too much. I know I gotta learn how to give better answers and not get flustered coming up with the “right ones”… but I also gotta always “keep moving forward” (the Walt Disney quote I use all the time).

Anyway, it was very nice of NBC to do the story. And Keepsake Quilts is a rockingly awesome company. While I may have looked amateur in the story, if you thought the quilt looked professional and sweet, you can get your own.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 7 (Blood Pressure Screening & Meeting the Social Worker)

January 25, 2015

Aurora De Lucia messily eating a nacho full of vegan toppings — Messily chowing down on that delicious Native Foods Cafe I talked about in the last post

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

Next, I went to a blood pressure screening. I was so stressed about the day, that my vitals were through the roof! Well, through the roof at least for me.

Unfortunately, I lost the note where I wrote down the results, and I don’t see it in my chart. But I think it was something crazy, like 105/70, with a resting heart rate probably in the 70s.

(Again, so sorry not to have exact numbers here. I can feel my blood pressure shooting up about it now! ;))

Of course I’m totally freaking out when I hear those higher-than-usual numbers. The person taking my blood pressure says it’s all fine.

They did take it basically right as I walked in. So, I had just been walking almost a mile, if that means anything to anyone. And immediately after this, I have my social worker consult! Is there anything more stressful than that?

Anyway, these numbers were extremely distressing. But since I was within the normal limits I had to try to let it go… (It’ll get better the next day. Fret not.)

After the terrifying blood pressure screening, I go to an even more terrifying consult with the social worker. She surprisingly seems very nice!(?)

trying to be calm while getting blood pressure taken... totally not calm — trying to be calm while getting blood pressure taken… totally not calm (p.s. Yes, I am trained in the art of the selfie and know this is a terrible angle. You can only do so much in the moment at the hospital… Cut a girl some slack? :-))

She apologizes for starting late, as there was some kind of room mix-up or something. It was fine with me that she was late. I was there all day anyway. But just the idea that she cared enough to say sorry – I felt that really set the tone in such a nice way.

She’s not starting by playing games with me to agitate me. She’s being kind. (This could be her own special version of playing games, of course, lulling me in. But I was happy that things started better here.)

One thing I was happy to learn from her, that she said she’d learned from a nephrologist, is that if you want to be a non-directed donor, it’s better to say non-directed rather than altruistic.

I’d gotten used to saying altruistic, since I hear that all the time. But she made a great point that it’s not really altruistic, in that you get something out of it.

You feel good giving a kidney. So, it’s better to use the term non-directed. (And she didn’t even say it in a judge-y way in the least. She was just being helpful. Oh, how I enjoyed her.)

And we’ll talk all about our conversation next time.

Trip To Ohio (To Wrap Up The 52 Half Marathons) – Part 2 (Hanging with High School Buds – What What)

January 22, 2015

Picking up from yesterday –

2) – David

And I got to see David! (You may remember him from this race). I adore him. I’m very well aware that I adore him, so it blows my mind when I see him and realize I somehow adore him even more than I do in my head!

He was just as kind and sweet as ever. When it was snowing, he insisted I jump in the car to be warm while he wiped off the windows.

When we spent the day together, he looked up some cool place I’d never been to for brunch then we took a nice long walk and explored this book store he loved that I’d never been to. And I loved the he put thought into the day and thought about things I’d like to do.

He’s just so lovely and polite and precious and wonderful (and brilliant). And I’ll forever be grateful he’s in my life. (And perhaps he even seems all that much better ’cause I’m getting way too used to Los Angeles people!)

3) – Trivia!

David and Aurora taking a second selfie in the driveway — I had no photos of trivia, but two with David. I couldn’t decide which one I liked better, so I put ’em both up!

It felt like high school. Randomly, a number of us all happened to be visiting over the same little time period in January. As so often happens, I was last in and first out. However, I still overlapped with people. So we went and did something we love – bar trivia. We came close to winning, but alas never did. I wanted to continue to stay in Ohio until we got the title!

But you know, I had to go be a grown up and work and all that other lame responsible stuff. (It didn’t matter too terribly much anyway ’cause a short 2 or so weeks after I left, the group started breaking up as David went back to DC.)

It’s always better to be left wanting more. You can certainly have too much of a good thing. So, I think I left at just the right time, and I had such a lovely time. And I hope maybe a bar trivia rematch can happen for us all sometime.

Tomorrow we’ll get into the actual (possibly) interesting stuff for you – the final posts (finally!) on the 52 half marathons.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 6 (The Donor Education Meeting)

January 21, 2015

Aurora De Lucia looking around for a donor education session — The beautiful building where we had our donor education session

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

At the education session, I felt like a fool. (That kind of seems to be a running theme of the day, huh?)

They were showing a PowerPoint presentation, and I took pictures of some of the slides. However, I later realized when I looked in the folder they’d given me that the whole PowerPoint presentation was in there, printed out for us!

I can only imagine how foolish I looked to everyone else who realized we already had the whole presentation. Eeesh.

There’s really nothing new to say here as far as basic kidney donation information’s concerned. This session covered the same stuff OSU did. The only thing that was different was that you spend less time in the hospital at UCLA. At OSU, it’s approximately 4 nights. At UCLA, it’s 1. But at UCLA, they do offer you a room in a hospital-affiliated hotel, free of charge, for 2 additional nights.

I didn’t ask any questions in the meeting. I learned last time to just keep my mouth shut whenever possible.

Though, I did ask one question at the end [*shakes head at self*].

When I’d originally filled out my questionnaire at home, I remembered I answered all the easy yes or no questions first… I thought I left a couple of blanks in questions that required actual answers (“How fast can you run a mile?” etc.), with the intention to go back and fill them in. But I didn’t remember if I’d actually done that.

We turned in the questionnaires right as we walked in. I did flip through mine before I handed it in, but I didn’t look closely. And there was something mentioned in the meeting (about exercising or breathing or something), that triggered a little gasp in my brain. “Did I ever go back an answer those questions?! I don’t want them to think I’m avoiding those questions. Why didn’t I just fill out the whole thing in order?!”

So, I asked after the meeting. They did find my questionnaire and it seemed to be all filled out. But I just felt like when I asked, I asked in a pretty nervous way. I’m hoping it wasn’t all that bad, but with the stress and the not sleeping, I just imagined myself as a total crazy person frantically asking about my questionnaire. Aye, aye, aye.

There was a little time between the education session and my next appointment. So, on the way back, I stopped at this really cool place – Native Food Cafe (which is now one of my favorite restaurants (that happens to be all-vegan)). Yay for trying new things!

Of course, at the time, I was a little too nervous to really eat. So, I grabbed a bite or two and saved the rest for later. (Mmmm, and later it was quite yummy. Spoiler alert: I think part of that deliciousness was the satisfaction of a great interview. But we’ll get to that soon enough!)

Next up was the blood pressure screening, which I’ll get to next time.

Trip To Ohio (To Wrap Up The 52 Half Marathons) – Part 1 (B and Her New iPhone)

January 20, 2015

Aurora and B taking a selfie at the Verizon store — while waiting at Verizon for her phone to be activated

Almost a year ago, I went to Ohio to get all my t-shirts from my 52 half marathons made into a quilt, and get my medal display and all of that.

I wrote about some of it, and some of it has lived in my drafts folder forever!

This is also the 2-year anniversary of finishing that last bonus race in the 52 half marathons series. (2 years!) So, it’s time to finally finish out the rest of these posts.

While I was working on the final loose ends of the 52 half marathons project, I realized in the talk of quilts and news stories and things, I completely skipped over my actual trip to Ohio – my magical trip!

(By the way, this may be more of a thing that belongs in a diary, rather than a “isn’t this so fun and interesting to people who don’t know me” thing. So if you don’t want to read about these people you don’t know, I hope to see you soon!)

Basically, there were three main highlights of this awesome trip (aside from seeing my Daddy, which you can always assume is a highlight – but you know, he’s Daddy. So he kind of goes without mentioning… even though I did just mention him here… and aside from Planet Smoothie which is always necessary and one of the greatest things on Earth).

1) – B

I got to see my amazing, spectacular, just beyond words mentor and theater teacher. (You’ve heard about her many time on the blog. I refer to her here on this blog as B. I had a whole thing about her transition (not retirement!) party.

Not only did I see her, but I was with her to help her set up and use her first iPhone! And, not only did she get her first iPhone – she has my actual iPhone! She thought she was eligible for an upgrade, but due to reasons not really worth getting into here, she didn’t actually have one available.

However, I finally upgraded from a 4 to a shiny new beautiful, breathtaking 5s. (You can tell how long this post has been drafted, since I was happily talking about the 5s!)

So, since I had this extra physical phone no longer needed, she took mine! My love of Apple products, and my love for her all coming together into this day of fun was so special and fun! And now we text – with emojis even! So, I was pretty stoked to be a part of that.

And I’ll pick up with the last of the Ohio trip tomorrow.

So, What Was It Like To Take My First Class at Harvard Extension? Part 2 (Going Into The Final)

January 19, 2015

Picking up from last time –

Going into the final, we got an overview of how we were doing. I didn’t totally know what to expect. Part of our grade was on class participation, and what we added to the discussion board.

I wondered if my thoughts were smart enough for this scary Harvard class, but sure enough, I got full points for class discussion! I was in a good place going into the final, only having missed one available point until then (from the midterm). The final was weighted at 50%, so it was pretty important that I do well.

One thing that was nice was that we didn’t learn anything new after somewhere around Thanksgiving! And we didn’t take the test until December 18th (or 19th). So, almost a month was spent just prepping for the final!

In some cases, I could’ve seen this maybe being annoying to some people… If they’d been super on top of all of it, and they were ready to rock the final right then, they might be worried about losing stuff.

For me, I cherished the time to re-read things I’d read hastily, or articles I’d missed. I always read enough to write on the discussion board, but I’ll admit that sometimes an article or two was missed with you know, general life craziness. (Oof! Shhh, don’t tell anyone.)

It also helped that I didn’t have to work at all during the final week before the final exam! I re-watched lectures, wrote out more concise notes from the notes I’d already been taking through the year.

Our TAs offered three different review sessions. In the session, they basically said to be prepared to talk about anything from the semester. So, I reviewed and reviewed.

There were some pros and some cons to being so far away from where class was actually happening. One pro was that I got a 24-hour period to take my exam (anywhere in a 24-hour period from 6pm Eastern on the 18th – 19th). I liked having a bit of freedom, as opposed to having to take the test at 6pm at Harvard.

However, I’m a person who generally is better and more alert in the later hours. So, a 6pm test would’ve probably been pretty rad.

Also, there was talk about the class going out together to meet each other and discuss everything we’d learned after the test. So, it was sort of a bummer to miss out on that.

Plus, the people who take the test in person get their tests graded quicker. You win some, you lose some, I suppose.

There was one more small advantage to being on the other side of the country, though. And I will get to it next time.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 5 (The X-Ray, and Getting to the Education Session)

January 18, 2015

Aurora holding her breath in a hosptial gown — Take a big breath and hold it… (instructions during the chest x-ray)

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

I wore a dress to Big Kidney Day, complete with a belt and a little half sweater thing (aka an outfit totally inconvenient to get in and out of with multiple layers, plus a buckle, and a back zipper, and all that jazz).

I wanted to look oh so normal and whatever. (Since the psychologist had specifically mentioned my outfit in my 1st attempt at OSU, I wanted to make sure nothing so simple worked against me this time.)

The first thing up for the day was a chest x-ray.

(A fasting blood draw would’ve been first. But I’d saved myself a precious morning half hour by getting the blood draw when I turned in my 24-hour urine collection over a weekend. So, I got to start at 8:30am instead of 8am. Awwww, yeah! What a nice little treat. (Though since I wasn’t really sleeping well, that didn’t matter quite as much as it usually would have. Still nice, though!))

As I got ready for the x-ray, and was taking off the belt on my dress, I was quietly feeling resentful that I felt so pressured into dressing up for this day. I also felt like a complete and total fool, because who wears a dress with various parts to this kind of day at a hospital? I feel like instead of saying, “I’m put together,” it more said, “I don’t understand what various occasions call for. I should be in jeans and a t-shirt right now. But no, I’m overdoing it.”

And maybe I was overdoing it. Just because the psychologist at OSU said it was abnormal to wear pajamas, she didn’t say I couldn’t have kept it casual. Maybe jeans were the way to go. Oh well. The dress was fine. Everything was fine. We all lived to see another day.

Aurora's arm as she has blood drawn — From my fasting blood draw

My chest x-ray was just a normal x-ray run by some more nice people. “Take a deep breath. And hold it. Turn this way. Turn that way.” etc.

It was over before you knew it, and then it was on to the coordinator education session.

The packets that had been mailed to us included bus options on how to get over to the education session. However, it was less than a mile away. So I just enjoyed a lovely walk.

In fact, that was the only feedback I gave when they asked us to fill out a form on how to make that part of the day better. I said I’d like it if the default instructions said to walk, but that if you needed a bus you could take this one – instead of just saying, “take this bus.”

It’s a small thing. And everybody got there. And we’re grown-ups, completely capable of looking up how to get places. Still, they really wanted to know any ways in which they could improve. And I thought that small one might be nice – to always encourage the option that helps us get more steps in our day.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 4 (No Sleep Before Big Kidney Day)

January 14, 2015

Aurora De Lucia trying on dresses to wear to the Creative Arts Emmys — I only have so many kidney photos. So, here I am trying on some dresses (as I mention in the post).

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

I got so nervous for Big Kidney Day! I had no idea how it would affect me until it got close.

Granted, there was some other very mildly stressful stuff happening that week (choosing my Emmys dress (and not understanding how to shop at my new smaller (yet not really small) size), winding down my job and looking for a new one, etc.).

There was nothing that was any real problem, or anything to actually stress about. (I have 5 or so jobs a year, so what’s another change? They’re always changing. Get over it, Aurora.) It was all tiny stuff too. (Why would I waste any energy being stressed about a dress? It’s a dress!)

Basically, I think with the kidney thing looming, everything else in life looked bigger than it actually was… It was just an overwhelming day in general, ’cause I just wanted everything to go right. I knew if I screwed up again, if I didn’t say the right things in the interview, then I would be the reason someone died.

Yes, that sounds dramatic, but it’s kind of true.

I barely slept – maybe for an hour or two, in total, with lots of tossing and turning and waking up in between.

I stayed at a friend’s house in Santa Monica so I’d be closer to the hospital (and wouldn’t have to get up quite so early). I thought that was a great decision, but it ended up being dumb – though I don’t think there was any way for me to know that ahead of time.

Aurora De Lucia playing pool in the break room at work — Just hanging out in the fabulous break room at work. This was my life. This, plus fun grown-up dress up parties, and tests at a cool hospital (that was nothing like the last one). How could I have found stress in this? Aye, aye, aye, Aurora.

My friend had recently had a few really stressful days of his own. And I fed off his stress. I don’t want it to sound like I’m blaming him, ’cause I’m not. People should be allowed to have their stresses, and I certainly had mine!

I can’t blame anyone else’s attitude on how I choose to be. Even still, whether it was healthy or right, I think we were feeding off each other’s stress, which wasn’t good for either of us… Basically, it was a mess of a night.

And I didn’t realize how much I was going to wish I were at home. When I woke up in the middle of the night, all I wanted to do was work out. But I couldn’t just run down to the gym in my building – since I wasn’t there.

I did put on my running shoes. I even went out as though I was going to jog around the neighborhood. Once I got outside, I came almost right back in, as I was too afraid to jog at 3am.

I’ll run around downtown, or any awesomely building-ful place any time of night. But a neighborhood? That’s where dogs may be hanging in anyone’s yards, ready to bite your face off.

So, I felt a little trapped, went back in the house, and tried to get back to sleep – all night – until the morning came. So much for sleep. Oh well, it’s not like I have an interview that decides someone’s fate today. Oh wait…

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 3 (Prepping For Big Kidney Day)

January 11, 2015

Aurora holding a big clear jug of urine by her face, looking off to the side — Oh, don’t mind me… I’m just bringing in a big jug o’ urine (from the 24 hour collection)

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

On June 19th (2014), almost a year exactly (one week shy) of when I’d been initially rejected, UCLA confirmed they got the fax records from Dr. Doshi’s office.

We could now officially start the process! …After I was approved to start.

My kidney donor coordinator said she’d need to present my case at the weekly donor selection committee meeting. (I didn’t realize we got submitted to committee at the beginning as well as the end.) Anyway, the committee said proceed!

At OSU, I had to do tons of tests leading up to Big Kidney Day. At UCLA, Big Kidney Day was basically next on the docket! (Though there were some tests we’ll talk about in a sec.)

Also, Big Kidney Day was split into two days here. (I think it’s just ’cause there’s so much, and that makes scheduling more manageable.) You also get actual appointment times with each person you’re meeting.

At OSU, all patients were put in exam rooms at a donor center. The specialists rotated, coming around to us. At UCLA, we went to the various specialists around the hospital.

I don’t know that either way is necessarily better (from where I’m standing). Of course I’m leaning toward UCLA’s way, because I loved my experience there. So, my judgement is clouded by that.

Think before you speak sign — In the UCLA lab, I saw this lovely sign that I don’t always necessarily follow, but I probably should!

As I mentioned, there were a couple of simple things to do before Big Kidney Day. I needed to do one 24-hour urine collection. Thankfully, the UCLA lab was open on weekends, which made any lab work very easy to do without affecting work.

Also, UCLA would need a copy of my most recent pap smear from my gynecologist (though that didn’t have to be in before Big Kidney Day, just sometime reasonably close to it).

I also needed to fill out a couple of questionnaires I’d been sent about my health and habits.

So I guess, listing the stuff out, there really were a few things to do. Nonetheless, they all still seemed pretty small in comparison to the multiple trips to the lab for various blood draws, plus the three 24-hour urine collections (and the whole flying to Ohio thing) for OSU’s Big Kidney Day prep.

So, I peed in a container, filled out my questionnaires, and got half days approved at work (two days in a row! whoa) for the 2-part Big Kidney Day at UCLA.

And this is where we’ll pick up next time.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 2 (Getting My Cardiologist’s Approval – Then, The Echocardiogram)

January 7, 2015

Aurora De Lucia smiling as she watches her echocardiogram — (watching my echocardiogram)

Time for another installment of this Wednesday/Sunday night series!

Picking up from last time –

Dr. Doshi led me out to the person who schedules the appointments. I asked if since I was already there, if there was any way I could just do the echo then. But they didn’t have room in the day.

Plus, it’s something that has to be cleared with your insurance before it’s done. So the answer was no, I couldn’t get it done then.

I was surprised to learn, however, that they had time available the very next day. I kind of wanted to wait until I could get another 8am appointment, since it’s easier to go before work.

However, I have no patience and was so over waiting for anything that would make this kidney process go any longer than it’s already going.

So, I took the lunchtime appointment the next day, and skipped my usual lunchtime workout in favor of going to the doctor and rocking that echocardiogram.

The person who performed my echo is one of my new favorite medical professionals. Her name is Courtney, and I totally want to be her best friend because she is absolutely lovely!

She greeted me with a huge smile. Positivity radiated from her. The day became better being in the room with her. If you ever need an echo, she’s your girl. She’ll make the experience so easy, and brighten your day in the process.

Aurora's heart on an ultrasound monitor — my beautiful little heart

I even asked if I could take a little video with my phone of my heart beating, and she was all, “Oh, of course! That’s so fun!”

I know I’m kind of rambling, but I’m not totally able to put her energy into words (’cause it was sweet and kind and awesome).

My echo was dope (as I’m sure we all assumed my cute little fighter heart would make it). My heart rate stayed in the 40s during the test. [*Dance music plays*]

After I’d gone back to work, I got a call from Dr. Doshi’s office saying he looked at the echo and it looked wonderful. He’d be happy to officially write my letter!

And this is where we’ll pick up next time.

That Time I (Maybe?) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 1 (Getting My Cardiologist’s Approval – First The EKG)

January 4, 2015

In case you missed it, there’s already a 55-part(!) story about trying to give a kidney at a different hospital.

You can read it in all its glory here. Or you can get the recap here. Or you can just read on since this is the beginning of a new story at a new hospital. (Yay!)

I faxed over the initial forms to UCLA. They called me saying they’d be happy to start the process – if I could first get them a letter from my cardiologist.

Thankfully, I knew this wouldn’t be a problem.

Back when I was getting my tests done at OSU, and there was that extremely mild EKG scare (in which it maybe didn’t look 100% normal); I called my awesome, amazing, wonderful, fabulous electrocardiologist in Boston to ask if he’d look at my EKG.

He was happy to, ’cause he’s such a nice guy (and a spectacular doctor). But he also suggested it was finally time to get a California cardiologist (and he was right, considering I’d been living here on and off for about 2 years at the time).

So, he referred me to Dr. Doshi (whom he’d known since medical school). Sweetest of all he said, “He’s the person to whom I’d refer my own family – and at this point, I feel like that’s basically what you are.” (Awwww.)

Dr. Doshi did not disappoint. He’s amazing. When he reviewed my EKG with me during the OSU testing time, he said my heart looked completely fine – and he’d even write a letter to that effect if need be. Since he’d offered about a year earlier, I figured he’d do it for me now. (Spoiler alert: he did.)

Aurora looking to the side in a hosptial gown at the doctor's office Since it had been over a year, he wanted to see me before he wrote the letter (a very reasonable request).

The visit was lovely. He started by telling me he’d just talked to Dr. Milan that morning, and that Dr. Milan had been saying such nice things such as, “Isn’t she an exceptional girl?” (Awwww.)

[Not to be super bitter or anything, but take that, haters from OSU. The doctor who went through all the heart stuff with me thinks I’m exceptional – not lame for being a free spirit, but awesome for being unique and different and special. Ba-bam!]

Dr. Doshi happily read the EKG taken that day. My resting heart rate was still below 60 (which is where the normal range starts – and like most things in life, I always want to stay out of the range of normal ;)).

My heart looked wonderful as far as Dr. Doshi was concerned. He was ready to write the letter… as long as I got an echocardiogram first – just to be completely sure.

And this is where we’ll pick up next time.

Annual Daddy/Daughter Pacers Game (2014/2015 Season)

December 30, 2014

So, it’s the end of 2014. Can you believe we started doing this in the 90s?!

My dad and I were both practically babies back then!

And here we are as grown ups still going to see the Pacers play in a different arena every year. This year, we went to Denver!

The game was pretty interesting, with a close score the whole time. With 0.6 seconds left on the clock, Pacers were down three and got to inbound the ball. A pass was made, a 3-point shot was taken. We all held our breath… And the basket was missed. Wah wah.

Still, we had a grand time. Not only did we see the Pacers play, we also visited Red Rock Amphitheatre, even doing the Trading Post Trail. It was beautiful, and lovely spending some active time in nature with Daddy.

We ate so many plates of incredible vegetables. (I talked about the eating yesterday.)

Surprisingly there was hardly any snow! My ideas of what Denver looks like in December were totally wrong.

‘Twas a fabulous day with a fabulous dad, and I can’t wait for next year!

p.s. I didn’t want to call out my dad too much on the blog. But he complained a bit during the hiking… And this was a video he took of me at the end that I thought was kind of funny. 🙂

Daddy asking Aurora questions after the hike

(#44) Flat Stanley – Part 4 (Writing and Mailing the Letter)

December 21, 2014

Flat Stanley and the Jacksons - Randy Jr., Donte, Jaafar, and Jermajesty — Flat Stanley chillin’ out with Michael Jackson’s nephews

Picking up from last time –

I got a text from the teacher of the class just asking me how I was doing, and if I’d be sending Flat Stanley back soon. I profusely apologized and said yes, I’d do it that night.

It was kind of funny because I profusely apologized. Then she was so patient, saying, “No need to apologize! You’re doing the favor for me. I really appreciate it.”

To which I said, “No, no, no. I’m honored to be asked. And I should’ve been able to follow the instructions – including the due date.”

And it was all this back and forth of basically, “You’re awesome.” “No you are.”

That night, I wrote out my letter, and put it in the mail (along with Flat Stanley, of course).

And I took a picture of me putting the envelope in the mail, and texted it to the teacher. (Not like she doubted me, but still. She could be sure it went out!)

I loved writing the letter! (You think I would’ve done it sooner, since I enjoyed it. Eesh.)

In general, I love writing letters. I love the feeling of doing some handwritten things. I like cute stationery and cute stamps. I love getting and receiving physical mail. Letters are awesome. So, I loved this part.

It was sort of funny to me how often I stopped and started, trying to phrase things differently. I wrote the letter as flat Stanley. But how does he talk? I’m sure many people have written in his voice. I wonder if we somehow, together, make a coherent boy.

I realized I knew nothing about Flat Stanley’s travel history. I’d start to say, “I’ve never done this” before (maybe because for instance, I – Aurora – had never been striking). But maybe Flat Stanley had!

So, I had to just say things were great, and skip saying if anything was new. I’d say things like, “I don’t often think about how many people it takes to put on a show,” instead of, “I’ve never thought about that before.”

I hoped they liked me letter… And later, I got to find out!

I got a very sweet envelope in the mail full of thank you cards and photos. The kids called me “Ms. Aurora.” I always think that whole proper-sounding title before a first name that kids do is so adorable.

I asked the teacher if it was okay that I talked about Flat Stanley going on strike. She said it was great and gave them an opportunity to talk about what a strike is. (I knew I should never underestimate children! So, I felt great in my decision to include that after all.)

The funniest part to me was that a bunch of the thank you cards mentioned Flat Stanley getting a pedicure!

I was so nervous about impressing the kids. I tried to take Flat Stanley to a bunch of cool events. And in the end, they were excited that he got a pedicure. I almost didn’t even throw that in, thinking they’d think it was boring!

I guess you never know what people will like – and I think I especially don’t know what’s gonna impress a kid.

Anyway, yay Flat Stanley! It was a really neat experience to get that thank you card packet. In the photos, I could see the wonder in the kids’ faces, and I’d really felt like I’d contributed something. High five!

(#44) Flat Stanley – Part 3 (Oof. Procrastinating (Sorry!))

December 20, 2014

Flat Stanley outside a sign for Charlotte's Web at South Coast Repertory — Here’s Flat Stanley before one of our rehearsals

Picking up from last time –

I was talking about being a bit of a procrastinator.

I don’t want to go too nuts trying to evaluate why, in a post about an unrelated activity. Nonetheless, I do want to work through these thoughts a little…

I know procrastination is such an L.A. thing. I recognize there are bad habits people get into in L.A. (e.g. being constantly late, always being “too busy” for people, and more) that I notice myself slipping into sometimes!

And I don’t know why! Is there something about the city that makes us this way? Do you just start to become like the people who surround you? I don’t know…

I will say in the world of freelance, my schedule is practically constantly changing. Because of that, I often wait ’til the last minute to make any plans. And actually oftentimes, that behooves me. But even if procrastination is in some ways good in my life, I need to learn how to turn that on and off, I guess.

Also, I could understand procrastinating on things you maybe don’t want to do. But this is something I wanted to do! I was happy to be asked to do this, and thought it was a really fun thing.

I could also understand being late with stuff if you overbooked yourself. But did I really have that much going on, that I couldn’t write a letter? I think not. During tech week I stayed in a hotel (since the theater was oh so far from my house).

I brought stationery with me so I could write and send the letter while I was down there! But did I? No. Sure, I was tired. But too tired to write a letter? Psh. I was only working 13 or so hours a day. I should’ve made time for it. I didn’t. And I have no real excuse as to why I didn’t. So, I feel really bad about that.

Basically, this is just something I want to make a mental note of so I can keep an eye on this kind of behavior. I want to be punctual. (More than punctual – I want to be early.) I want to be reliable. I want to be great.

And I think people generally think I’m reliable… but I want to be better (always better).

The one thing that does give me some solace is I know that many times when people have projects such as this, they give a due date that’s flexible. I know when I was my thespian troupe’s president, I always asked people to turn things in at least a week before they were actually due.

That way, when people came to me and said, “I’m soooo sorry; Can I please have more time?” (which invariably always happened), I could say, “okay. You can have a 3-day extension (and then I could give them another one if need be).

So, plenty of people in the world are procrastinators. That much I know. And to compensate for that, many people leave extra time and space for things like this. So, I just have to hope she did…

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

Applauding Stephen Colbert

December 18, 2014

Stephen Colbert on his show, sitting at his desk with the Statue of Liberty in the background — Image Credit: Comedy Central/Busboy Productions

I know that I have a million things to talk about.

…I’m a few volunteer activities behind. I’ve been on a vegetarian challenge for about 4 and a half months, and I have some things to say about that. I’ve lost close to 70 pounds from my heaviest weight, and some people want to hear about that.

Heck, I still have some 52 half marathons posts (about a news story from a year ago, plus my medal display, and some other wrapping up thoughts) that are still in my drafts folder!

So, I know it might seem silly. What are we doing talking about some television show when the blog is sort of supposed to be about my life, and I have plenty of life stuff to talk about?

Well, I know it might be exceptionally hard to believe, but I actually get tired of talking about myself sometimes! (I know! can you even fathom that?) Also, I loooooove television. I work in television. Some times I want to talk about TV! And I couldn’t let tonight go by without saying something about the end to the Colbert Report. (Awwwwww. The end – so sad.)

Let’s talk about Stephen Colbert for a sec. Here are just some of his incredible accomplishments. He’s an author who landed a book on the New York Times Best Seller List. He’s been by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People – more than once. He made up a word that got added to the dictionary. He’s halfway to an EGOT (with multiple Grammys and Emmys). He also has 2 Peabody awards. Heck, he even has a Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Flavor named after him. Not to mention he’s raised an incredible amount of money for charities he believes in. And he’s inspired a generation to know more about politics. Look at how he’s changed the world.

He is exceptional.

If you watch interviews of him when he’s not being his character, you see how incredibly smart and kind he is. And when you see him in character, you can’t help but marvel at what an incredible actor he is!

To me, Stephen Colbert is sort of the quintessential jack of all trades. Sometimes my interests seem a little broad. And if I start to wonder if it’s possible to do so many things… look at Stephen Colbert! He has a treadmill on the International Space Station named after him! He has 4 different species named after him as well. He was the assistant sports psychologist for the US Olympic speed skating team!

He is constantly proving to us that anything is possible.

Aaaaand, not only that. But he started his show in his 40s! In Hollywood, the message that’s often put out is that if you haven’t done something by 24, it’s over. You’ve expired. I do understand that he’s a white man… which does make things slightly easier for him. (I also realize that as a white woman I still speak from a place of some privilege that some people don’t have… even if I do not get to enjoy the privilege that males get.)

Nonetheless, the point is, he kept plugging away. He continues to show us all the time that anything is possible. He is all over the internet right now! Everyone is talking about him. And he deserves it.

I hope he’s enjoying every moment of his time smack in the middle of the spotlight as the belle of the ball. And I hope it’s just one of many he’ll enjoy in life. Thanks, Stephen Colbert, for so many years of laughter and inspiration. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you!

(#44) Flat Stanley – Part 2 (Some Good and Bad)

December 17, 2014

Flat Stanley wearing some race medals — Flat Stanley after the Spartan Trifecta in a day

Picking up from last time –

I didn’t have super specific goals with what I’d take Flat Stanley to do – as he mainly just came along on my life.

However, in the end, it seemed as though he got to experience a wide variety of things, which I thought was pretty awesome.

One thing I liked, that I didn’t even do on purpose, was that hopefully I introduced the kids in the class to things they may not have known about, or thought about, before.

Even if we taking striking out of it (since I honestly don’t know whether that’s appropriate for an elementary school audience), there was a rehearsal of a show – where we talked about what happened backstage, since so many different people go into making show happen. (I thought that speaks to teamwork, and how helping with things can be valuable – even when you’re not seen helping.)

We also gave blood. I know they’re too young to do it, but it might be nice to learn about it. Maybe they’ll remember and do it when they’re older!

We also did an obstacle course ultramarathon, which is nice and healthy. So, that felt great.

And we did a couple of extra silly things, so it’s not all stuff that can be used to possible teach some kind of lesson.

Aurora posing with her medals from the Spartan trifecta-in-a-day — …and here I am with the medals

So, I was pretty happy with how it worked out!

The only thing I wasn’t very happy about was that I sent back Flat Stanley later than I wanted.

The letter gave me a date, and asked me to try to send him back by then… And I didn’t send him back by then.

I thought there was a photo printing place by my apartment, and when I went looking for it, it turned out it had closed. There wasn’t one I could find anywhere close to me. So, it seemed easier to order them online. Fair enough, that shouldn’t take that long, right?

Then, by the time I got the photos, I was kind of distracted with the play I was working on amping up. Even still, even during tech week, I was working far (far!) fewer hours than I do in television. I should’ve had the time to write a simple letter and put it in the mail…

I feel like I’ve kind of been noticing… while keeping this blog (which I think helps to give me some sort of reflection on who I am/who I’m becoming, as it helps me to see things over time – being that it’s all written down)… that in some ways, I think I might be becoming a bit more of a procrastinator… And I’m unsure why.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

(#44) Flat Stanley – Part 1 (What We Did)

December 16, 2014

Flat Stanley standing by the Batmobile — Flat Stanley at the Batmobile

Someone from one of my 52 half marathons and I still keep up with each other. She’s a total sweetheart, and I’m always happy to hear from her!

She texted me one day, asking if I’d be willing to do this Flat Stanley thing for her class. Basically, the class has this little cardboard figure, Flat Stanley, and they send him all around to different places so he can have adventures!

I thought it sounded really fun. I was totally up for bringing him places.

I was a little nervous that the stuff I did wouldn’t quite be interesting enough, but I just had to hope for the best.

When I originally agreed to participate, I didn’t even think of it as counting as one of my volunteer activities. I wanted to do it just because. But later, I thought about the fact that it could probably suffice as one. So, boom! I’m counting it.

When Flat Stanley got here, I was going to strike with IATSE Local 700 to try to unionize Shahs of Sunset. I took him with me! I told the teacher when she gets the letter that if striking is too much of a political issue, or hard of a concept for elementary schoolers that of course she’s welcome to just cut that part out of the letter (and throw out that photo).

Aurora De Lucia sitting in the Batmobile, talking on the Bat Phone — …and here I am at the Batmobile

But I included it because I don’t want to underestimate the elementary schoolers. I’m sure they’re very smart! Who knows what they’re capable of understanding.

I also took Flat Stanley to meet the Jacksons (since I was working on Living with the Jacksons at the time).

Flat Stanley and I also took a trip to the Batmobile! (I mean, when you’re in California, why not do cool stuff?)

Flat Stanley flew to Ohio with me for my first ultramarathon.

I felt a little weird about taking him to Ohio, since he was supposed to be exploring California. However, I hoped that maybe that would just mean he got a bonus place out of it, since he was trying to do so much traveling.

We got pedicures (for our tired feet from all our striking and running). We gave blood. And we went to play practice when I started my new job.

And this is where we’ll pick up tomorrow.

Inaugural Disney’s Avenger’s Half Marathon (November 16, 2014) – Part 2 (Some Other Details)

December 15, 2014

Picking up from last time –

I wanted to just throw in a few more details. For one thing, there were a number of great signs. Some of the signs were from the custodial team, and I thought it was pretty funny, because one said, “3rd shift custodial thanks you!”

I wondered, “What are you thanking me for? Is this a secret way to try to get me to be extra good about not leaving any trash on the ground?”

If that’s what the custodial team was after, with various encouraging signs throughout the course, well they succeeded. Having those reminders (couched in positive ways) really made me want to be extra aware of any mess I was leaving.

I mean, I still laughed how it might be a slightly passive aggressive tactic. I was aware I might be being slightly manipulated. But I also impressed. (It’s also possible that it was done purely out of sweetness, happiness, and magic in their hearts.) Either way, I give them props.

One spectator sign I loved said “You look MARVELous.” How great is that, right? Another great one was “Humpty Dumpty had wall issues too”

The race was pretty windy. Many mile markers fell down. At mile 12, there was a worker standing there saying only a little over a mile to go. Someone asked where mile marker 12 was, and the worker exclaimed “I’m it!” – which I thought was funny.

A piece fell off one of the mile markers, so a bunch of us kept running over to the side to pose with it.

One last detail that stuck out to me was that as I was coming into the finish, Gangnam Style was playing over the speakers. And I laughed and laughed as I ran. That had seemed to be the song of the Goofy Challenge weekend in 2013.

Aurora De Lucia stretching in her corral before the inaugural Disney's Avenger's Half Marathon 2014 — (stretching from the morning, in a Black Widow inspired stretch)

No matter where my dad and I went that weekend, it seemed to always be playing. So, when it played here, I could help imagine how much my dad would be cracking up if he were there and saw me running in to apparently the anthem of Disney racing.

After the race, as I looked through some instagram photos, I learned of two different people who were doing every single Disney race in a year!

As far as I can tell, unfortunately neither of them kept blogs. But you can see their instagrams at @ubermar and @gotfirth.

What an interesting yearly goal! I bet it was really fun…

But goodness, I bet it was expensive! Flying back and forth multiple times, staying close to Disney on fully booked weekends, and those entry fees!

Hats off to those people such a feat. (And if either of you read this, please keep a blog next time. I want to read about what an adventure that must have been!)

That Time I (Hopefully) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 55 (A Recap Thus Far)

December 14, 2014

I feel like it’s possible this story may have gotten a bit confusing because parts of it were happening in 2012 and I was talking about it in 2014 and blah, blah, blah. Let’s just lay it out clearly so we all know what’s up.

December 2010 – I learned about the possibility of becoming a living kidney donor, and I really wanted to it. However, when I called (I think a NY hospital, since that’s where I was living at the time) and asked about it, I was told I needed to wait at least a year (maybe two) after my open-heart surgery (from March 2010) before I’d be cleared.

November/December 2012 – I’m a lot more fit and stable. Things are good. Time has passed. Some weight’s been lost. Finances are in order (way more than they were in 2010). I think I’m ready for this kidney stuff. So, I go on MatchingDonors.org, thinking I have to start that way. I find a person at an Ohio hospital and begin getting testing done.

(I picked a hospital far away from my home because that guy seemed like an absolutely incredible person, and my parents and many friends live in Ohio. And I am always desperate for a break from L.A. So, why not?)

December 2012 – March 2013 – I get tested for the wonderful guy I saw on Matching Donors. Unfortunately, we’re not a match. I am grateful to learn I actually don’t have to pick a person. I can be an non-directed donor. So, I decide to move forward with that. I have that horrible interview with the psychologist.

March 2013 – June 26, 2013 – Mandatory 3-month cooling off period so the hospital could be absolutely sure I want to donate. I get rejected (for what I consider to be very flimsy reasons – whether you agree with them, we can at least all agree they were not medical reasons).

June – October 2013 – I know that in order to just have my paperwork looked at by Cedars-Sinai, I need to lose something like 25ish pounds (perhaps a little less or more kind of depending on what day you weighed me – and how tall you think I am, since even that seems to change by an inch or so between different doctors… I guess must stand taller sometimes than others).

I said I wanted to lose the weight… However, at the time, I was working a hard job with a really long commute and I just couldn’t (or at least I didn’t) get it together. I know. Excuses, excuses. It’s horrible.
(I’m so sorry.)

October 2013 – January 2014 – I work really hard and start melting pounds. (My next gig had a wonderful schedule and extremely easy commute. So things basically couldn’t have been easier for me.)

In December, I think I might still be a pound or two away, but feel comfortable sending in the form, since they said it’d take a few weeks to process – ooh, a real nail-biter of will I be skinny enough? Well, it ends up not mattering either way, because on paperwork alone I get rejected by the surgeon who says he’s conservative and doesn’t want to work on someone who once had a heart issue. They say I could possibly give a kidney somewhere else – just not with them.

February 2014 – April 2014 – Not really a lot happens here. I’m starting to get discouraged (though of course I’ll never give up). I continue losing a bit more weight, giving myself a nice safe distance from the cutoff. I didn’t have any good reason for waiting to turn in my forms. I just kind of wondered if I had the time to start re-testing… and at UCLA you have to fax them. Blech. Faxing. Basically excuses, excuses all over again since faxing isn’t truly all that hard, and no one’s all that busy.
(Again, sorry.)

May 2014 – Get settled at a perfect new job (which helps make it a whole lot easier for me to focus on life and passions since my work life was so lovely). Can’t stand to wait any longer to get this kidney stuff rolling, ’cause there’s really no reason for me to be paused on it. So, I fax my form to UCLA (finally!).

And this is where we’ll pick up next time!

(Note: Since it’s getting to the holiday season (when no one really reads), and since this whole thing is an extremely long story (from which I kind of assume you all need a break), I will not post the next kidney post until January 4, 2015. I’ll still post on the blog daily. But we won’t talk about this for another few weeks. Thanks!)

Inaugural Disney’s Avenger’s Half Marathon (November 16, 2014) – Part 1 (An Overview – It’s a Disney Race)

December 13, 2014

I have come to love and appreciate Disney races for exactly what they are.

It’s amazing how much your attitude can change your experience!

I’ve mentioned before that Disney races are Disney events that happen to involve running, as opposed to running events that happen to involve Disney.

There are bottle necks. People will stop abruptly right in front of you. I used to be annoyed about this.

But now, I view that stuff almost as fun little obstacles. I know what a Disney race is – an excuse to be silly, frolic around the parks, and take a ridiculous amount of photos. So, that’s exactly what I did this time.

Yet, in every race, I see at least a few runners who had no idea this is what it would be like.

Once we all got to our first bottleneck where there was basically no hope of running through, I heard someone yelling about trying to make it to her next mile marker in two minutes. She seemed quite annoyed, and like she was in disbelief at the scene.

Oh you poor, naive, sweet runner. This is a Disney race. Hunker down for that a few more times.

Later in the race, yet again as we came out of the castle, the person in front of me stopped cold in her tracks, in front of the photographer.

But now I know to be hyper alert at the castle. I didn’t almost trip (as I have before), because I was expecting her to stop. She stopped twice (at both photographers). And both times, I narrowly avoided falling on her.

(There’s only so much room to compensate in that small area with so many runners.)

After we’d run a little while, I did notice that if you were willing to run off course (and out of everyone’s way – yay!), you could get a shot with the castle in the background. It’s a Disney race. I obviously had no time goals. So, off I went!

Another thing that I felt was much easier to take in with this super chill, laid back attitude (that I almost feel you must bring to Disney races) was all the positive energy people were putting out!

I forgot how sweet, and kind, and silly Disney runners are. It was a nice energy to surround myself with.

(I’d had an extremely dramatic week at work trying to get a day off, which I won’t be able to talk about until late May – for reasons that will become clear then. But the point is, to be surrounded by these chipper Disney runners was a nice perk up.)

The day was great. The course was fun. The medal was awesome. The woman who gave me my medal not only put it over my head, she hugged everyone to whom she gave a medal! It was so cute.

When it comes to attitude, hospitality, and general sweetness, I don’t think it gets much better than a Disney race.

I’ll talk about a few more details tomorrow.

(#43) Tree Mapping (October 19, 2014)

December 11, 2014

I’d never been tree mapping, and I love trying new stuff!

This activity was done with Tree People. (They have a cool website and they care about the environment.)

This project was done as part of Tree Map LA. If you want to learn all about that project, you can click the link. But the overview is, they want to use available data plus tree mapping to get information on all the trees in Los Angeles (and surrounding areas) to one central place.

The main purpose of getting all that information in one big map/app is summed up in this paragraph I got from their website:

“This information will help us to manage the well-being of our region’s urban forest and make our city more livable: shadier, cleaner, safer and more beautiful, and better able to meet climate change impacts. Users of this information include government agencies, arborists, landscape architects, planners, students, civic organizations, and everyday citizens.”

I went to this with a friend of mine from one of my old jobs. This was a very fitting thing to bring someone to, as we got put in pairs.

(Of course, I’m sure it would’ve also been a fulfilling experience to meet a stranger. Nonetheless, it’s a great morning to spend with a friend, if you’re looking for something to do with one of your buds.)

Basically, there was a morning huddle of volunteers and the people in charge. The volunteers were given all the supplies we’d need – a paper full of pictures of trees and their names (so we could identify them), and a nifty tape measure (that we got to keep!). We also were given the cell phone number of the guy in charge, in case we had any questions. And we got maps with the streets that we were to do highlighted.

After we heard a cool little speech about trees and Tree People’s mission, James (my friend) and I went off down our street.

We took turns with who got to do the cool measuring job, and who got to enter the data into the app (though really, that job was kinda fun too).

It went by pretty quickly. I learned a little more about kinds of trees, and how to map trees. It was a fun, productive day!

That Time I (Hopefully) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 54 (Just a Mildly Funny Side Thing)

December 10, 2014

Picking up from last time –

When I first decided I wanted to be a living kidney donor, my dad was a little wary about the idea.

I mean, he’s cool and all. (Plus, he’s super giving. So he couldn’t expect that his daughter wouldn’t be inspired by all his charity work and such.) Also, he respects me as an independent woman capable of making decisions.

However, I’m still always going to be Daddy’s little girl. If our relationship is anything like the one between him and his mom, he will still adorably treat me as though I’m 8 years old even when I’m 50 – going out of his way to baby me a little (and he’ll worry about me).

Of course, I don’t want him to feel worried about me. I suppose that’s just what happens to parents. It is what is.

All that to say, even if he understands my decision, and will stand by me as someone who loves me, he will most likely never lose that little scared feeling he has along with that.

So, he followed the process pretty closely with me. I was told at the beginning of the process that only 50% of people who start end up finishing the process and giving a kidney. My dad became very interested, wondering which half I’d be in.

While I feel supported by him, I know there was a part of him that wanted them to say I only had one kidney and never realized it – or something like that. I think he wanted something that medically wouldn’t be dangerous, but would disqualify me.

And the thing that was most hilarious to me about my denial from the psychologist was that my dad, in an almost disappointed way, immediately said, “Well all this means is you’re absolutely giving a kidney now.”

He didn’t, even for a millisecond, believe that that denial was going to be the end for me. He knew that I am super stubborn.

I do want to give my kidney for the right reasons. I was 100% sure about it even before this woman. So I don’t want to make it sound like she has any special power. But he knew her denial would make it so that I absolutely must give a kidney. I wouldn’t take no for an answer – especially such an unfair no.

He knew I’d be willing to go through inconveniences of more tests, more paperwork, whatever it took. Because now, not only do I have to help another person escape the hospital life I had… but I have to prove that lady wrong.

The silver lining for him is that part of proving her wrong is having an extremely successful surgery where I bounce back quickly. So I will take care of myself better than any kidney donor ever has!

So, at least he’ll know I’m super safe. But I just loved that, for him, the denial clinched that it was happening. (Daddy knows me so well.)

Now I’m all done talking about her in these posts because bitterness doesn’t look good on anybody (including me). And I don’t want to give her any more power than she already has (since she’s already taking too much).

I’m just gonna be thankful that she gave me even a little extra oomph… (as if I even needed it!).

And we’ll pick up with a recap of everything thus far next time.

(#42) Ushering For “A or B” – A New Play! (October 17, 2014) – Part 2 (The Volunteering)

December 9, 2014

A or B at Falcon Theater playbill cover — Photo credit: Falcon Theatre, AnythingLA.com

Picking up from last time –

Oh yeah, that whole volunteer part (which is what this thing is supposed to be about).

As an usher, I was to mark tickets, give programs, and count on a little counter how many people I had. (And I was supposed to point them in the direction they were going.)

I kept trying to do it in the same order every time. But it seemed like no matter what order I tried to do the marking, programs, and counting, it always got a little messed up.

If I counted first, I wasn’t fast enough with programs. If I tried to take tickets first, someone would hand me a handful of tickets and the rest of the party would start walking away from me… Wait! you need your programs! Though, many people had gotten programs in the lobby. So sometimes that step with me was skipped altogether.

It’s silly because it’s such an unbelievably easy job, yet I never thought I got rhythm quite correct of what I thought the best order of those simple steps were. However, ultimately, everyone got sat. Everyone got programs.I laughed and had a grand time with people as they came in. People seemed to have a grand ol’ time.

Also, the house manager (who was in charge of the ushers) was really kind. The Falcon Theatre was a cool place with a cool vibe, and I had a really lovely night!

Side note: I’m so glad I did, as I really needed it. Small spoiler alert for my ongoing kidney story. This was the day I found out I had a very unexpected obstacle get in the way of my hopes of donating a kidney at UCLA. Part of me wanted to just be home alone all night. But I’m glad I decided to venture out into the world of theater – which almost always makes anything better.

(#42) Ushering For “A or B” – A New Play! (October 17, 2014) – Part 1 (Meeting Ken Levine)

December 8, 2014

Ken Levine standing with Aurora at the Falcon Theatre at intermission during A or B — with Ken Levine – the playwright!

This one barely counts because I barely did anything, and I got to see a free show!

Nonetheless, since I was technically volunteering, I’m counting it!

I’m a pretty loyal reader of Ken Levine’s blog. When he announced a play of his would be premiering in Los Angeles, I had to see it!

I learned you can see the show (at the Falcon Theatre) for free if you usher for one of the performances!

Free theater? How am I not aware of this cool stuff after over 3 years of living in L.A.? And why have I seen such a tiny amount of theater since I’ve been here? (Preposterous.)

The play had an interesting concept, and some fun, laugh-out-loud moments.

In the play, we watch a story unfold in two timelines with a slightly different beginning. The show starts with a job interview and in one timeline the woman gets the job. In the other, she doesn’t (and starts dating the interviewer).

There are moments where possible romantic complications just might occur in the timeline where she gets the job – but you’ll have to see the play to know.

I kept my eyes peeled for Ken (the playwright). He’s posted pictures on his blog, so I had an idea of what he looked like. After reading his blog most days for years, I wanted to meet him!

It was lovely meeting him. I felt a bit like a creeper, ’cause I was all, “Oh this must be Annie” (his daughter, whom I’d seen on the blog).

You’d think I’d have tons to talk to him about. Surprisingly, I felt that having read oh so much of the blog made it hard for me to start a conversation with him.

I felt like I should have a million questions for someone who’s been in the biz so long, with so many wildly impressive credits. But I’ve read it all – how he find his writing partner, their first spec, their first jobs, their move from one show to another, creating a show, writing movies…

I’ve even read about his other jobs such as being a DJ and a baseball announcer. And I’ve read so much more – opinion posts, travelogues, and all that jazz. What do you say when you weirdly already know so much about a person’s life, and have already had so many questions answered.

I still asked a couple of things, and was able to carry on somewhat of a conversation. Then I felt kind of rambled after I mentioned I blogged as well, and he asked what I blogged about. But he was so gracious and kind, he didn’t make me feel as though I was rambling!

It was so nice to meet someone you kind of feel like you know (but you totally don’t) in person, and have him be even lovelier than you were expecting!

And I’ll get into the actual volunteer work of the night tomorrow.

That Time I (Hopefully) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 53 (The Silver Lining)

December 7, 2014

Picking up from Wednesday –

Before we move on to the next hospital, I do just want to say that as much as I’ve been angry and livid and crazy over my rejection from OSU Medical Center, I will say that I believe in the end, it actually did work out for the better.

I *don’t* agree with the reasoning of the transplant team members who rejected me. I *don’t* agree with the way they treated me – never giving me straight answers to questions, and getting frustrated at everything I said and did – even when what I said and did wasn’t outside the range of something normal to say/do/ask.

But, it was good that I had to lose that weight. Going to a state with lax laws regarding the weight I need to be was an easy way out. Even though I was still healthy when it came to my numbers (blood pressure, heart rate and all that), I think I’m probably a bit healthier now.

I think I’ll bounce back from surgery at least a little easier than I would have when I was heavier.

Weight wasn’t an issue at all in my rejection from OSU. Yet, I think that was really the biggest reason I should’ve waited. So, I guess I’m begrudgingly slightly happy that happened.

It’s almost not even worth mentioning any other reasons since that is far, far and away the biggest reason. However, I also will add that as much as I love so many people in Ohio, I’ve made it quite clear that I do better recovering from stuff in my own space. I don’t need people around me all the time.

While I think the people in Ohio would’ve been respectful – and, while, for all I know, it would’ve been loads of fun hanging out with them and playing Monopoly… (not to mention, while I so, so, so love to escape from L.A. whenever I have the chance) – I suppose there is something to be said for recuperating in my own room, on my own soft cloud-like mattress, with my own TV full of DVRed Jeopardy! episodes.

I think it’s a bit hilarious that the psychologist’s whole thing was I needed more support, yet her denying me has helped in my goal to have fewer people around. So, yay for me. Ba-bam.

(I mean, I think I generally make friends everywhere I go (even L.A., sort of ;)). I know people out here. So, I shan’t be lonely. I’ll still have plenty of people around to play Monopoly or Scrabble…)

So, I don’t think the psychologist was right. I will never think she was right. However, I do think that her wrongness still happened to probably work in my favor.

Of course it’s easy to see the positive side now, ’cause once you can’t change the outcome of an event, you might as well look on the positive side – since what would be the point in looking elsewhere?

But still, I’m choosing to look there. And I look forward to moving forward at a different hospital.

Speaking of hospitals, up next we’ll deal with UCLA. Wednesday I’ll pick up with one final thought on what’s happened so far.

(#41) Food Forward (October 15, 2014)

December 6, 2014

I chose this event only a few hours before it happened.

I wasn’t planning anything even a day in advance, as I never knew when I’d be back to work.

I was in limbo with my job that week. We were on this weird little mini-strike where no one was going back to work until we got our back pay.

Random side note: I call it a mini-strike because we didn’t rise up as workers saying we demand better. Our EP made the call since we weren’t getting paid. He told us to stop coming to work.

Also, no demands were made for any better conditions. People were really just fighting for already agreed upon things (employees’ salaries).

When we were working, the show was taking practically every moment of my day and every ounce of my energy – as it was the first time I was getting any sort of producer credit on something(!), and I was producing my heart out on those episodes.

So, when we weren’t working, I tried to seize the days (worked out a lot, went actual striking, just generally living it up). I knew if we went back it’d be as intense as it was before, only possibly more so (if possible) because of the time we lost.

Aurora pusing a cart at Food Forward — Gotta always get that butt shot.

So, when I saw this opportunity on volunteer match, I jumped on it. My amazing friend Chloe, who was in the same work limbo with me, went with me! (I really loved having her here, as her adventurous energy was very inspiring and wonderful.)

This event was pretty simple.

We walked around to booths of at a farmers market, dropping off boxes (marking down how many we dropped off). Then, as the market was winding down, we took the boxes back (checking them back in on the same sheet where we checked them out).

All the boxes got labeled with the name of the vendor so that after they were weighed, vendors would get receipts of what they’d given.

After we gathered all the boxes, we brought them back to a central area, where they were weighed, labeled, and accounted for on paper. (That way, there was a central document so people could know what was going where, and who had given what).

The boxes were sorted into three stacks, because three different food pantries would be coming to pick up the boxes. Each stack got a variety of food (e.g. if there were 3 boxes of lettuce, one would be put in each stack.)

The pantries were very prompt in getting their food. Trucks drove in as the market was being taken down. Very kind and thankful drivers helped load the food onto their trucks, then went away. One food panty was just immediately down the street, so they were able to bring a cart up and grab food.

The day was easy, as there were many volunteers. Each part of the process took hardly any time, with so many hands helping.

I didn’t realize before that day that there was an organization to help take food that might otherwise be thrown out at a farmers market. And how lovely it is that one exists!

Less waste. More food for people in need. Tax benefits for farmers (I’d assume). It sounds to me like everybody wins!

(#40) Setting Up For Long Beach Opera Fundraiser (October 12, 2014)

December 4, 2014

I don’t have any incredible reasons why I chose this one…

It was within walking distance from the Long Beach 5k. I didn’t have anything I really needed to do that day. I still needed more volunteer activities. And I love the arts. So, let’s do this thing!

I did hear from some of the other volunteers that the reason they came was because they adored Long Beach Opera. Word on the street is it’s a very creative opera company. So, I’m happy to know about it. Maybe I’ll check out a show sometime!

I just helped to carry things in, and then glue numbers on the back of paddles. It was a very simple day.

One thing I took away from it though, is that it’s good to try to think “What would one step better than this be, and can we do that?”

When we were gluing on the numbers, someone (who’d been a city planner, so I understand the awesome attention to detail) mentioned that when she first heard we’d be attaching numbers, she thought they would’ve been printed on labels that could’ve been peeled and applied.

Working with glue sticks was more time consuming and messier than if we’d used labels. (Also, we went through a surprising amount of glue sticks!)

(Since this woman’s ides for something better intrigued me, I even found a nice little advice video when it comes to making auction paddles. (Yay for the good ol’ internet – full of information.))

Granted, we were all volunteers. So, ostensibly, we had the time to spare. And none of the volunteers had any real complaints. But I love that that woman spoke her thoughts out loud, because she made me think about the fact that if I ever run an event like this, I do want volunteers to feel that I’m using their time as best I can. (And I want people attending the event to feel that the stuff around them is quality.)

So, my main takeaway (which I think is good not only in events, but also in life) is, “What would one step better than this be, and can we do that?” Can you imagine what we could accomplish if we asked that about every thing we did?

That Time I (Hopefully) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 52 (And a No from Cedars…)

December 3, 2014

Picking up from Sunday –

So, I was denied at OSU, which meant I could start over again. I’d just have to do it with another hospital. I suppose Cedars-Sinai (somewhat close to where I live) made the most sense.

The requirements at OSU and Cedars were different.

At OSU, I was well within the acceptable weight requirement to give a kidney.

While this is embarrassing… For Cedars, I needed to lose a little over 20 pounds before they’d even begin the process.

It’s so embarrassing to be fat – especially to be too fat to do certain things! So, it pains me to admit this is part of my story But I can’t escape the truth. I want so very badly to give a kidney to a stranger. I knew I needed to lose the weight not only for me, but for someone else.

So, I worked out harder, ate a lot smarter, and slowly but surely shed enough weight. Woo hoo!

I thought that that had to be the last hurdle… right?! I now had a much better idea of the importance of the interviews, and the amount of reverence with which they should be treated. I knew my medical tests would come back clean. So, we had to be all good at this point. Right?

Wrong.

After Cedars took a couple of weeks to look through and process my initial paperwork (with medical records from my heart surgery), they called to let me know their surgeon would not work on someone who’d had as many heart issues as I’d had.

They were nice about it. They let me down easy. They said, “Our surgeon is just very conservative. Just because we can’t take you doesn’t mean someone else won’t. We’d recommend trying with another hospital.”

Aye, aye, aye. Another one.

Well, at least this time I only lost a few weeks, and I didn’t have to endure any extra tests…

I did have to fill out what seemed to be a fairly large amount of paperwork – medical history, information about who was gonna take care of me, results of 3 blood pressure screenings …

So I guess I did have to have a tiny bit of non-exact testing that can be done at oh-so-many locations (not just doctors offices or labs) after all. But it barely counts, since it’s so convenient, non-invasive (and free).

But it’s all good. It was disappointing, since I felt like there was mainly one thing/person who held me back at OSU. Without that I thought it’d be smooth sailing. But when is life ever what you think?

Forging on to UCLA!

Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles 2014 (October 26, 2014) – Part 3 (The Race)

December 2, 2014

Picking up from last time –

I’ve made a few bad decisions when it came to getting up for races before. So, you’d think I’d learn and never make mistakes like that again.

(One thing keeping this blog is teaching me is that sometimes I think I learn a lesson, or I think I change and then I realize… maybe I don’t…)

Anyway, I could’ve sworn the website said the race started at 7:30. I remember looking! I don’t know why I thought it started at 7:30, but I did. So, I set my alarm for just before 7. (The race is just downstairs. I didn’t need much time to throw on my costume and walk down.)

My alarm goes off, and I’m all, “Meh. I’ll just snooze. So tired.”

And then… I hear “3, 2, 1 [tons of start line cheering and music].” Uh, wait. What? The race is starting?!

I heard them starting corrals. I knew corrals would most likely be starting for at least 20 minutes.

Nonetheless, I leapt out of bed (as there’s a difference between having a soft half hour, knowing if you don’t make it right at 7:30, there will be plenty of corrals – and have a hard 20 minutes, where if you miss the last corral you’re in trouble!).

I still hadn’t even tried on my costume (as most of the pieces had something drying on them last night). So, thank goodness it all fit!

I threw on my costume, grabbed my bib and timing chip, and ran out the door. Then I ran back in the door when I realized I forgot to put on sunscreen and grab my sunglasses. And then I ran back out the door again.

Once I got down there, I was happy to see I still had plenty of time. I affixed my bib and timing chip, and even got to stretch a little. (Woot.) I had forgotten to grab a banana, but I was over it.

Within the first mile, some guy looked at me and said, “Are you Mo’ne Davis?” YES! Last year, no one knew who I was – even after I told people, they still didn’t know who Wendy Davis was!

So, yay for being recognized – which happened at a few different points, if you can believe it!

In my rush to get ready in the morning, I didn’t bring my phone with me! I was too nervous (about the time) to run back up and get it.

In the middle of the race, I passed close enough to my place that I could’ve gone up and gotten it. I told myself “this is your one chance. If you want it, grab it now!” (I could’ve gotten a banana while I was at it.)

But I was doing fine, and I was actually kind of enjoying a phone-less race. It’s nice to try to just be present.

Once the race was over, I ran back to my apartment, grabbed my phone, got a few photos at the finish, and then it was off to work!

Good race. Good people. Good times. (And only 2 more years until I get to be Hillary Clinton! :-))

Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles 2014 (October 26, 2014) – Part 2 (Putting Together The Last Minute Costume)

December 1, 2014

Picking up from last time –

I’d put the decision off for so long that there were only two days left before the race!

I googled to see if there were any Mo’ne Davis Halloween costumes, but alas, I did not find any. I asked around to some costume-making friends and no one had the time on such short notice. I then tried to hire a task rabbit to put the look together for me one piece at a time. She said she was having too much trouble doing it, and that I should pick someone else.

Thankfully, there was amazing Chloe to save the day.

(I’d needed to hire a PA for Living with the Jacksons, a show I was working on (that we will so talk about), so I hired an alum from my high school who’d just graduated. So, she was staying with me while trying out California.)

Anyway, she stepped up to the plate and said she’d be more than happy to do it! Thank goodness for Chloe, and her problem-solving skills, and her positive attitude. (No wonder I hired her on a TV show. I’d hire her again!)

By the time I’d finally made it to Chloe (and exhausted those other options), it was the day before the race. She had one day. (Tons of applause to her.)

I was in rehearsal all day. And she’d give me little updates or ask my opinion on things. I loved knowing the costume was coming together. I was slightly nervous that maybe something wouldn’t fit. But she knew my size, and I just had to trust things would fit. (And they did.)

When I got home, I would say I was pleasantly surprised, but I wasn’t surprised as I had faith in her. Nonetheless, it was still very pleasant to come home to my awesome costume!

The only thing I wish we would’ve been able to do was to get a maroon hat. Chloe said she looked at at least 3 different stores. I ran out to Target (as it was the only thing close and open by the time I got home) to see if there was anything even close to Maroon.

(I think she’d even already been to Target. I trusted her, of course, but still thought it wouldn’t hurt to look since it was just a couple of blocks away.)

Not surprisingly, since she’d already looked and found nothing, I found nothing either. But I did buy an extra hat, and cut out some of the maroon fabric from my undershirt and try to glue it on. I made a total mess of that hat. So, we went with the grey one after all.

All in all though, I was obviously Mo’ne Davis – even down to the little details of Chloe putting the small stripes down the side of my pants. So, thanks Chloe! You’re awesome.

And I’ll pick up with the race next time.

That Time I (Hopefully) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 51 (Getting Into My Medical Chart! – Finishing Out The Psychologist’s Report)

November 30, 2014

Picking up from Wednesday –

Finally, in her last paragraph (the impressions paragraph), she said I was unaccompanied to the appointment (again this is being mentioned!).

In all seriousness – as a legitimate question – I’m wondering how people knew to bring other people. Since when do I bring people to doctor’s appointments? I’d had a million tests leading up to this. No one had to come to those. How was I to know I was supposed to bring someone? I can’t believe how many freaking dings I got just because of this. Eeeeeesh!

She just reiterated all the things we’ve already been over and ended with “It is not recommended that she proceed with non-directed donation at this time.”

*sigh* Even reading that sentence after all this time hurts a little. I remember how upset I was when it happened.

And I hope this story has really upset you too!

Now, because I get so wildly riled up about it, I’ve had some friends – honestly even a friend of mine who actually needs a kidney! – say that “oh, maybe she’s not so bad… I mean, you are kind of intense, etc. etc.”

And that is true! I am intense. It’s a word used to describe me all the time, and I believe it’s true. Sometimes that’s a wonderful quality when it comes to goal-setting, and focusing, and getting things done. And sometimes it’s not as great when you overwhelm people…

And I get it. And I think I’ve played devil’s advocate here before. So I don’t want to retread stuff too much.

But my main thing is, if the only thing she’s supposed to do is make sure I’m mentally and financially capable of doing this, then make me provide bank statements, or tax returns, or something.

Make me take a test to make sure I can be considered a mentally competent person who knows enough about kidney donation and possible complications and things. But please don’t twist everything I say and make me feel like I’m in this awful game.

This was an unbelievably horrendous experience for me. And I think many people would quit. After all, why in the world go through all this again?

But all this has done has made me more sure than ever that I desperately want to be a living kidney donor! (I will be.) (And there actually are bright sides to getting denied by OSU Medical Center.)

So, let’s try again. And let’s talk about it on Wednesday.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles 2014 (October 26, 2014) – Part 1 (As Whom Should I Dress?)

November 29, 2014

Last year, I started my new tradition of running as a different inspiring woman from the year every year.

I said that this year I’d be smarter and plan way sooner since my costume was sort of a mess last time. But alas, I did not plan any sooner. If it’s even possible, I think I actually planned later!

Last year, the choice to go as Wendy Davis seemed so natural. I’d watched the livestream of the Texas State Senate the night her filibuster happened, and I tweeted like there was no tomorrow. I was invested, inspired, and ready to lace on her pink Mizunos.

This year, as the half marathon got closer, I couldn’t easily think of any Wendy Davis-like moments that had grabbed me. I took my question to social media. A lovely blog reader, Sara, suggested Mo’ne Davis!

This was a brilliant idea, as Mo’ne Davis is very inspiring. She’s one of the few girls to play in the Little League World Series. And she’s the first one to pitch a shutout. (She was on the cover of “Sports Illustrated” as a cherry on top.) She’s seems really confident and cool.

There were a couple of other options mentioned (such as Malala Yousafzai – also not a bad choice).

Idina Menzel popped into my head, as a good option, as my Mo’ne Davis costume was being figured out (so I was a little late on that).

(Plus, one challenge with her was that while Idina had a wonderful and inspiring year, she didn’t have necessarily a defining look on which to base a costume (though there were things I could’ve chosen that would’ve made sense).)

But enough with the side notes, and back to the costume I wore.

Can I admit I was slightly nervous about dressing up as Mo’ne Davis? I don’t know what everyone’s rules are when it comes to dressing up as someone of a different race.

My understanding was that as long as I didn’t do anything offensive (with any dark make-up, or things of that sort), that I could dress in her uniform. I mean, why not right?

I was still slightly nervous about it. I didn’t want to inadvertently start any twitter storms. Honestly, I’m nervous about even talking about being nervous about it. Eeesh.

I like to feel that I’m respectful toward people, and generally smart. I try to have an understanding of the world around me. So, part of me feels like, “Am I allowed to feel uncomfortable? Shouldn’t I already understand normal societal rules – if I am indeed a smart, perceptive, respectful member of society? Is it offensive that I’m even questioning what will be offensive or not?”

But, you know, some people have made missteps in the past. And I didn’t want to accidentally make one (especially not while trying to show that someone’s so awesome).

Anyway, I talked it over with some various friends. Everyone said as long as I didn’t try to alter my skin color in any way that my costume wouldn’t be offensive.

After all, if I’m trying to honor super cool women each year, I’m really limiting my choices (and what I’m choosing to put out in the world) if I only get to choose from a pool of white women…

Aaaaanyway, moving on, decision made. I’m Mo’ne Davis this year.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

(#39) Long Beach 5k – Handing Out Medals (October 12, 2014) – Part 4 (The Other Things I Learned)

November 27, 2014

Aurora presending a medal to Gia at the Long Beach 5k 2014 — Photo credit – Gia’s family (uses hashtag @MillersSquad)

Picking up from last time –

I learned a couple of things that I think would make the day better for volunteers.

1) I did not realize how incredibly loud the finish line is for the volunteers who have to work there. I don’t know why that never dawned on me. Of course a finish line is loud. I think it would’ve been an incredibly lovely, thoughtful gesture to have earplugs available to us. (Or perhaps I should’ve thought ahead and brought my own. Either way, something to think about/remember for next time.)

2) I did not realize how much people relied on volunteers! Whenever I went anywhere other than the finish line (to use the restroom, to sign in/out of the volunteer tent, etc.), lots of people asked me questions! “Where is the half marathon finish line?” “What time does the marathon start?” “Where is the results tent?” And on and on. Since I had volunteer written huge across the back of my shirt, it makes sense to assume I might know what I’m doing.

The volunteers had tons of time in the volunteer tent in the morning, as we waited to go to our assignments. I think it’d be pretty rad if maybe they had some kind of mini-info session where we get an overview of the most often asked questions so we could actually be helpful when people are asking us things.

(Or it might be nice to have a little cheat sheet with that. I don’t believe in wasting paper, and I know not everyone has pockets. But I hated the feeling of not being able to help these frustrated, lost people just trying to not miss their racers’ big moments.)

Aurora putting a medal over Gia's head at the Long Beach 5k 2014 — Photo credit – Gia’s family (uses hashtag @MillersSquad)

3) Before the 5k started, 3 of us were picked out and told that we needed to tell the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female that there would be an awards ceremony. And we’d explain where the VIP tent was, where they could go.

We weren’t assigned, “Okay, you do 1st. You do 2nd. You 3rd” – though with the frenzied finish line, I don’t know that that would’ve been the best answer (though it may have helped as long as we were good at communicating that 1st and 2nd had crossed).

When the winners were coming across, I was in the back of the two lines, and the other two winner-tellers were in the front (sort of boxed in with other volunteers). And the winners went pretty far past the finish line and seemed to just want to walk immediately (no stopping), so I’d grab them quickly on their way out.

Basically, I think since there were oh so many volunteers, we really could’ve almost each had a person (1nd 2nd and 3rd place male and female), and walked them all the way to the VIP tent – so they wouldn’t have to stop moving, and they wouldn’t have to try to comprehend instructions in their tired brains.

That may have been overkill. But it doesn’t hurt to consider it.

Anyway, that’s everything I took away from it! I did not imagine working a finish line would be such a worthwhile experience where I’d learn so much about behind-the-scenes race stuff, and making things better for runners, spectators, and volunteers. So, yay for all that!

That Time I (Hopefully) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 50 (Getting Into My Medical Chart! – The Most True (and Funny) Parts of Her Evaluation)

November 26, 2014

Aurora looking very agitated after being woken up — Since we’re talking about being agitated, I thought I’d post a random agitated photo I have from when I was woken up in the middle of my night.
(As you can maybe tell, I’m wearing my retainer!) So, here is one of my agitated faces. 🙂

Picking up from Sunday –

Even though she thinks my range of intelligence is “average,” at least she said attention was good and recall was good (there’s that important memory stuff I was telling you about).

She said “psychomotor behavior was agitated.” Well, yeah! I’d say so. She had to at least be trying a little to goad me.

Right? At least a little? Because no one – especially a psychologist who should be in tune to human behavior – can treat me like that, and say the somewhat ridiculous things she said, and not be at least somewhat aware that you are agitating the other person. Right? Maybe?

In the mental status section, she said I had a nervous laugh. I absolutely cannot argue with her at all on that point. I’ve noticed it in every interview I ever see of myself. I laugh at things that really aren’t funny, ’cause I’m a little nervous – every single interview I can think of. So, she’s right. No argument. I’m working on changing that habit.

I laughed out loud at this part, “Patient was adequately groomed, but presented to the appointment in pajama pants which is socially abnormal behavior, as a healthy adult.”

I think I misunderstood the day. I was going into it thinking it was going to be a very long day starting very early in the morning with lots of various tests (meaning I’d have to take my clothes on and off a lot during the day – and pajamas would be the easiest way to do that).

And actually, that’s exactly what the day was! So, I was sort of right on.

However, I did not realize that these interviews were intensely serious business, and that I needed to dress as though I were going to a job interview.

I just did not know. My whole previous experience with medical stuff had been so unbelievably long and involved that I thought I understood the hospital world, but goodness did I learn that I do not.

I wish I would’ve known to approach this differently, but at least I know for next time.

The psychologist did say my mood is “euthymic with broad affect.” My understanding is euthymic just means kind of in the middle. It’s not too excited. It’s not depressed. It’s just a normal, at least semi-pleasant human being.

And I understand that broad affect means a normal range of affect, with affect meaning expression of emotion, or feelings, displayed to others (with emotional signs such as hand gestures, facial expressions and such).

So, yay! One point for me, ’cause at least she things I’m semi-normal…

Of course, in her next sentence, she says my “judgement appears to be questionable.” My immediate reaction to that when I read it was “hey!” But then I thought, “well, I live in Los Angeles, so my judgement must be at least somewhat questionable, right?” (ba-dum-cha!)

And this is where we’ll pick up on Sunday.

(#39) Long Beach 5k – Handing Out Medals (October 12, 2014) – Part 3 (And That’s A No On My Idea)

November 25, 2014

Picking up from last time (getting admonished) –

I’m not trying to be different for the sake of being different, or be a jerk.

I was just trying to do any small piece I could in trying to solve an issue, when there were no black-shirted people around to help you. If a superior isn’t around in a time sensitive manner, in a case where you can take initiative, you do, right?

I get that we’re in a loud area and a lot is happening, so maybe it would’ve been a little harder to say something like, “We prefer to have two lines of volunteers. And if you could go back into one of those, I’d appreciate it.” But it just hurt to hear this person admonishing me, acting like I’m not even giving out medals when I’m giving everything I have to make these runners feel special.

Then, before I even have a chance to move – immediately after she says she’s going to need me to give out medals, a security guard comes up right behind her and says I need to be in one of the two lines.

I don’t know where he came from, or if they thought I was going to be difficult, or if it was just coincidence or what. But it was a slightly overwhelming, when for 20-ish minutes, I didn’t have any idea anything was wrong.

Right as this is happening, a few runners come in who take my last medals. And there were no more medals left to get. The race had run out. So, the idea of me moving became moot anyway, as there was nothing left to do at the finish line.

Had there been time, and still medals left to give, I would’ve loved to have talked to the security guard about why they were doing two lines – which seemed a little unsafe with all the bottle-necking. I wouldn’t have done it abrasively or anything. I’m not suggesting I know more than the person who’s paid to watch for the security of others. I just think it’s always great when people can work together and collaborate to make things better.

I saw the whole two line thing work at a Disney race, so it’s not to say that that can’t work well. But the difference was, instead of being immediately after the finish line, you had to walk a small bit to get to the volunteers. Also, they were *spread out.* And they stayed spread out – that was the key. You went to them. So, nothing got bunched up and bottle-necked. It worked wonderfully!

So, I’m not against two lines. I just feel we need to get out of the way of runners. (I know I’m a green shirt. And staff members/volunteer leaders have every right to ask me to stand in a line with no explanation. And that’s fine. I don’t mean to sound entitled. I just wanted us all to be the best we could be, if possible.

Anyway, I’ll finish out with other things I learned from volunteering here next time.

(#39) Long Beach 5k – Handing Out Medals (October 12, 2014) – Part 2 (Trying to Make a Change)

November 24, 2014

Picking up from last time –

The two people I’d talked to sounded so on board, but when I asked if they wanted to start a third line, they were not doing it.

They almost seemed a little afraid, but I wondered what they were afraid of. We were left to our own devices here, and what we’re doing obviously isn’t working. So, how about we try something new?

Had a black-shirted person perhaps come by before we started and somehow I missed them setting us in this configuration? Is that why people didn’t want to move?

Or were we just living in the awful status quo? No one was communicating any reasons not to move with me. (Of course a lot was going on at a finish line, so I’m not saying it would’ve been easy to do that, as things are happening quickly…)

Anyway, I had no power whatsoever. We’re all just green shirts. So, I really can’t ask the people to make a 3rd line. I can say it’s a good idea and ask if they want to. And if no one moves their butt, what kind of authority do I have? None.

So, I decide I will just go over to the huge empty space on the left side of the finish line, and see if runners come over to me. And maybe if I get busy, then other volunteers will decide to come over with me.

So, I go over there – an no one does come over with me. Nonetheless, I’ve still helped us to spread out at least a little. And some runners do come over to me.

Now, I am giving it my freaking all over here. In between runners, I’m dancing to the music and cheering people on. When people do come in, I give them a great big congratulations and put the medal on the person (unless they choose to put it on themselves).

And then, a black-shirted volunteer person comes over to me.

In a tone as though she’s admonishing me, she says, “I’m gonna need you to hand out medals” (as I’m handing out medals, mind you!).

So, uh, can you tell me what I’ve been doing all this time, then?

This is where I’ll pick up next time.

That Time I (Hopefully) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 49 (Getting Into My Medical Chart! – Yes, Even More Notes From The Psychologist (But At Least One Is Valid))

November 23, 2014

Picking up from Wednesday –

The psychologist talked in her notes about her concern with not wanting people to visit during recovery. She said: “[Aurora] demonstrated some lack of insight into how her surgery may impact her family and other who care about her.”

Okay. I kind of, sort of, get what she’s saying. But the people who care about me know me! They know this is me. Even though a lot of people thought I was a bit crazy at the beginning (I think due to shock more than anything else), people totally got on board and understood it. And they were cool about it.

People would be fine. I don’t want to say her concerns aren’t valid. I do understand that surgery can affect families. Of any concerns she’s had, I’d say this is probably the most legitimate. But I also think that I’m more independent than she thinks, and that the people in my life are
a) more used to that than she thinks and
b) stronger than she thinks.

But I suppose that would be a question for my friends and family – not for me.

(Although in the end, even though I wildly care about some people, it doesn’t actually matter how they feel about it. Because ultimately it’s my body, my life, and my decision. People can be worried if they want. I will still love them and try to be kind to them. But that shouldn’t affect if I can give a kidney.)

There’s a whole compliance section in here. And the psychologist said that I mentioned the day I went home from open heart surgery I attended a recording session for my college class and “did not rest as directed.”

That wasn’t at all what I was trying to say when telling her that. She was saying I was going to need all this help in recovering. And I was just trying to say, “Hey, the day I got out of the hospital, I was in the studio. I’m gonna be fine.”

I wasn’t trying to say I was a big rebel. I was trying to say I’m strong and capable. Ugh. At least I know for future reference, that story apparently works against me, rather than for me (in this medical sense at least – I think it works well for job possibilities and random story times when getting to know people … but it’s not good for psychologists, it seems).

Her notes say I have an average range of intelligence. Ouch a little, right? I’m in Mensa, and people tell me sort of often they think I’m smart. So that stung a bit. How does she even gauge that? Whatever. I don’t care. It’s a small point. It wasn’t an IQ test. She can think I’m however smart (or dumb) she wants to think I am.

And honestly, if I couldn’t read her, and I couldn’t figure out how this all works, and apparently I gave all the wrong answers – then maybe I’m not nearly as smart as I think I am!

I’m learning that seeing other people’s perceptions of me can be a bit rough. Eesh…

I’ll pick up here on Wednesday.

(#39) Long Beach 5k – Handing Out Medals (October 12, 2014) – Part 1 (Our Set-Up Is Terrible)

November 22, 2014

Originally, I was signed up to course marshal the marathon. But when I got there, they needed people at the 5k finish.

I would think finish lines would be the most coveted spots. But for whatever reason, in this case, they needed people there. So, off I went to the 5k finish!

First we all unwrapped the medals. Then, we got to just hang out for a while ’til the race started. Not long after the start, volunteers loaded medals over our arms and went out to the finish line, prepared to hand them out.

And we were pretty much a mess.

We ended up making 2 lines perpendicular to the finish line. However that configuration came to be, it was soon apparent that it was a pretty terrible idea. We’d made kind of a chute, and volunteers in the back of the lines kept coming in closer and closer in so racers would see them and go down to them.

With our lines moving in closer at the end, we were creating a total bottleneck. Racers seemed annoyed, and there was a lot of unnecessary traffic. So, something needed to be done.

First, I took it up with one of the people in the black shirts. We green shirts were just there to help, and the black shirts were there to organize, answer questions, and help guide us.

So, first, I deferred to the correct hierarchy – asking the black-shirted person above me. And that person was too busy doing a bunch of other things (which I could totally understand – I’m sure they have a lot of responsibility). At that point, I figured we green-shirted people obviously needed to figure out a solution on our own.

I started going to the other people who seemed to be noticing that our setup was terrible. And I said, “At the very least, we should make 3 lines [to cover more of this very wide finish area, and help dispense people in a better way where runners will have more access to us].”

One person I was talking to was this woman I thought might be involved as perhaps some sort of scout leader or teacher of some sort. There was a group of high-schoolers there who seemed to know this woman, but I wasn’t totally sure. At the time, I thought enlisting her help may easily get that group to break off, and boom! We’d have our third line.

Well, she either was not in charge of that group, or chose not to change anything in the group, (or was just placating me when she said she was in complete agreement and that we needed to do something to change our set-up), because she did nothing with that group.

And this is where I’ll pick up next time.

(#38) Dining in the Dark (October 11, 2014) – Part 2 (End of the Night/Auctions)

November 20, 2014

Aurora De Lucia with other table hosts at The Joshua Project Foundation's Dining in the Dark event 2014 — The table hosts!

Picking up from last time –

At the end of the night, I also was to write the name of anyone at my table who won an auction item (along with the dollar amount of that item).

Then I even got to use one of those cool credit card swipe things that attaches to my phone to charge the person’s card.

Again, I only had 6 people. So, I got the money for donations, silent auctions, and live auction items done in a jiffy.

If I had to pick one thing that could’ve made this volunteer experience better, it would’ve just been knowing which copies of which receipts I need to give to which parties, ’cause there didn’t seem to be a definite answer on that. But, it all worked out (as far as I know, at least!).

Even though I did feel a little wonky about not knowing that I was totally doing the right thing with receipts (even though I did ask!), as I was leaving, I still somehow got the compliment I always love to get.

My volunteer coordinator said she thought I was fast and that I just “got it” (re: the whole night). So, yay for that. I still don’t know exactly what I do to earn that lovely yummy feel-goodness, but I’m gonna keep striving to hear that as much as I can at these various volunteer activities!

(Uh, #humlebrag much? I don’t know. Just let me have this y’all. I wanna be smart. So when I’m called out as such, I want to remember it! :-))

One thing I have learned about these events is that if you have a middle amount of disposable money (like enough to drop a grand without thinking about it, but not so much to go to really high-end silent auctions) then finding these smaller and newer charity events around town is a great way to get some incredible experiences at a big discount!

In the silent auctions I’ve worked this year, I’ve been amazed at how many had big trips (or even a backstage experience at Modern Family!) go for under retail value.

After I go on Wheel of Fortune and win $60,000 (this is just a dream at this point, as I am not in the contestant pool on Wheel – not yet anyway! ;)) – I’m totally gonna stop by a sweet silent auction, swoop in and grab something amazing, for a great deal, while doing good in the world. Doesn’t that sound awesome?

Final thought about this event: after if was over, we got thank you cards with Starbucks gift cards inside that had Braille on them! How dope and thoughtful, right?

That Time I (Hopefully) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 48 (Getting Into My Medical Chart! – The Psychologist Is Annoyed With Me – Part 2)

November 19, 2014

Picking up from last week –

We were talking about how annoyed the psychologist was with my “provocative comments” about mentioning The Price is Right but saying I wasn’t supposed to… So, picking up where I left off trying to explain myself –

I honestly just wanted to put her mind at ease (since *she* was the one who seemed so nervous, even though they sort of act like I was a basket-case…), but I couldn’t outright say that I was about to net some extra thousands of dollars to help pad my finances a bit.

I was trying to be cute! Maybe that’s the lesson. Never try to be cute.

Plus, I genuinely was really excited. I really was. I’d dreamed of playing that *exact* game on The Price is Right since I was a little girl. And we were getting close to my episode date. And I was telling everyone to watch – strangers on the plane, the front desk people at the gym – everyone!

Maybe that was wrong. I felt I couldn’t help myself. Most people seemed excited for me. But after reading these comments in the psychologist’s report, I can tell I was actually probably annoying a lot of these strangers. And that makes me feel awful.

But for the record, I wasn’t trying to be provocative. Again, I was trying to cut the tension with something fun. I was trying to ease her mind about finances. And I wasn’t trying to be all “oooh, this is such a big secret, I’m so provocative.” I just truly was only allowed to say “watch the show.” I couldn’t say anything else under penalty of death (hyperbole, a bit) because of that CBS contract.

I will also admit that I did mention it in my talk with the social worker as well, ’cause they asked if I got anxious or had fast heartbeats. Again, I was so obsessed with cutting the tension and trying to be cute (which I should’ve just realized was absolutely never going to happen), that I said something like, “Generally no. But it’s possible I was anxious in one of the few situations where it’s completely allowable. DVR Price is Right to find out. *wink*… No, but seriously. I’m good. I’m not anxious. My heartbeats are fine. *genuine smile*”

Was that over the top? Looking back on it, yes. Was that totally annoying? Yes. I can see that now. And I’m honestly very sorry. I was absolutely not trying to be a jerk. I was just way too excited about the show, and way too nervous about cutting the tension. I see I took it too far. And for that I’m really sorry (even though I guess that doesn’t really matter now…)

And I’ll pick up here on Sunday.

(#38) Dining in the Dark (October 11, 2014) – Part 1 (An Easy, Breezy, Fun Event)

November 18, 2014

Aurora excited with her red hand sign and blindfolds at The Joshua Project Foundation Dining in the Dark 2014 — Gearing up and getting stoked – with the sign for my red group, and some blindfolds for them to wear

What a cool event! I wanna go back next year.

The Joshua Project Foundation was started by a 7-year-old and his family. The mission is to get more Braille labels in grocery stories so blind and visually impaired people can continue to live with more independence.

At this Dining in the Dark event, guests are blindfolded before they go into the dining room. The goal is that guest basically experience what it’s like to have dinner as a blind person. Everyone really seemed to love it – and to be amazed at how hard it was to do simple things, such as drink from your glass or butter your bread, when you couldn’t see.

I got to be a table host, which meant I was responsible for everyone at the red table. I gave them blindfolds before going in, led them to their seats and made sure they sat down safely, and then I hung out in case I needed to lead anyone to the bathroom.

Most tables were full, but mind happened to have 6 people(!) not show up. (Each table was supposed to have 12 people.) So, I had an entire side of the table all to myself. I sat across from the 6 people at my table and talked to them. The wait staff even brought me all the same courses as the guests!

I was all, “Oh, you don’t have to do that. I’m just a volunteer.” But they were so cool and nice, and they’re like, “We have the food already. You might as well eat it.”

I probably didn’t need to stuff my face with a number of courses, but I did! And it was delicious.

(I didn’t get the main course though, as it was steak and seafood – and I’m still on my vegetarian/vegan challenge. They did have vegetarian options. But, since I wasn’t even supposed to be getting food in the first place, I was so not about to be like, “uh, yeah, and may I please have the vegetarian option?”)

Basically, it was an amazing and easy night, full of scrumptious food. And I’ll finish this story out next time.

(#37) Long Beach Marathon Expo Bib Pickup (October 10, 2014) – Part 3 (Bibs & A Moral Quandary – Part 2))

November 17, 2014

Picking up from last time –

So, we sent the woman to Solutions, despite her (true) protests of “but he had to electronically sign one when he signed up!”

(I’d still love to know what the deal is with all that. Maybe electronic signatures don’t hold up in court? But then how are these pages full of bib sign-out signatures that are supposedly waivers going to hold up, if it comes to that? Of course, I’m not a lawyer. So, what do I know? Nothing. So… moving on…)

Anyway, when she returned, she said, “They told me the electronic one is enough.” Now, she said it in a pretty frantic way – like the way someone would say it if she were lying, and grasping at straws, and doing absolutely anything to get her husband’s bib.

And I was preeeeetty sure they did not say that at solutions, as they’d already told us, “People must bring a signed waiver to pick up a packet. Absolutely no exceptions.” So, if the solutions table was going to give an exception to a no exceptions rule, I’d think they’d handle it quietly, or at least come over and tell us, “Hey, you know how we said no exceptions? Well, we’re gonna make an exception…”

Now, I never like the feeling of being lied to. However, I wasn’t mad at this woman because when you’re backed into a corner, and you’re desperate, and you’ve paid for the bib, and this is the only time you can get to the expo – I understand you’re fighting for survival in whatever way you can. She wasn’t lying to manipulate or be a jerk. She was just trying to protect herself and her husband.

And she was taking a risk that none of us would walk over to solutions to double check her story. But, I’m sure she could see we were understaffed, and most people were working more than one bib station at their table. And the expo was just starting to pick up with more people… So, her chances were pretty okay that a volunteer might either believe her or just show some compassion (maybe too much compassion, depending on how incredibly important these waivers are), and let her have the bib.

Now, I’m not going to say definitively in writing on a public forum whether someone did or didn’t give her her husband’s bib (though if I were you, I’d be willing to bet he got to run). But, I’m curious (if you’re reading along), how do you feel about the scenario? Would you have given it?

That Time I (Hopefully) Gave Away A Kidney – Part 47 (Getting Into My Medical Chart! – The Psychologist Is Annoyed With Me – Part 1)

November 16, 2014

Picking up from yesterday –

The psychologist also said I made a point of making “provocative comments”

– ‘e.g. talking about a television show she will be on, though she prefaced it with the fact that she was ‘not supposed to talk about it’.’

Look, let me take a breath for a sec on to say that when I was first reading through these notes, I was just mad (about so many things… the rejection and not feeling heard and all that jazz). But as I kept reading, I actually started to feel bad.

I really do.

I do not want to be the kind of person that people put up with when I’m around, and then talk behind my back about how annoying I am.

I am totally aware that I’m sort of loud, and I’m really outgoing. Sometimes I can be a bit much. Even my closest friends say I’m intense (which I actually take as a compliment and most of the time view as a good thing).

However, I know I can be the sort of person you need a break from. I try to generally keep things to normal fun human level, but I understand that I can be a handful.

In fact, just recently, when my dad was telling me a story about when I was a little girl, I said, “Gee, I sound like such an adorable handful.” And my dad said, “I don’t know that a more accurate description of you has ever been uttered… except it might be more than a handful. You’re like two handfuls.”

So, I get it. But, some people like the outgoingness. I try to keep a balance. But geez. I don’t want to be so annoying and so story-telly that people cannot stand to be around me. So I feel bad!

(Genuinely, I feel bad.)

She also said my comments were “mostly tangential from any direct question that was asked.”

…But in my opinion, I didn’t bring big things up for the fun of it. I brought things up because she asked me. When she asked about my hobbies, and I said running, and she asked me to elaborate on running – I’d recently finished my big project. To me, it made sense that the 52 half marathons came up. But apparently not to her.

The Price is Right thing came up because she was really not letting go when it came to finances. She seemed extremely concerned that I wasn’t working at the time. So, I tried to – in sort of a cute way – kind of imply “well, if a nice extra chunk of money were about to come into my life, that might put your mind at ease… of course I can’t give specifics as to what I won. But just DVR TPiR. *wink*”

And we’ll pick up continuing this thought next week.

(#37) Long Beach Marathon Expo Bib Pickup (October 10, 2014) – Part 2 (Bibs & A Moral Quandary – Part 1))

November 15, 2014

Yesterday, I mentioned we didn’t really have to deal with any problems.

However, there was one woman who actually may or may not have gotten her problem solved at our bib pickup (instead of the solutions table). She was supposed to be picking up a bib for her husband, and didn’t have a signed waiver. The rule was we absolutely had to have a signed waiver to give out a bib. She said, “but he electronically signed one when he got his bib!”

She’s right about that part, you always do that for races. Yet again, I don’t truly understand all the waiver business.

Anyway, judging by how desperate she was, I’m thinking she would’ve forged it – if she could have. There weren’t any blank copies of waivers anywhere, and there wasn’t a printer available to people where she could’ve printed one.

Usually, there are blank copies of waivers and/or printers everywhere at these things. I think the reason there weren’t any at this expo was probably specifically to curb people forging signatures of other people, as race participants there to pick up their own bibs just had to sign the paper in front of us.

I didn’t realize how super serious this whole – no blank waivers anywhere – thing was so serious until someone from the solutions table walked down our row telling all of us that there were no blank waivers available anywhere in the expo, and if people didn’t have them, we had to send them out to get one – no other options.

And I held up a small stack of blank waivers, and said, “Oh, someone printed too many and left these with me. So, I have some.” She grabbed them out of my hand and said to tell no one they existed. Then she left with them. I imagined her shredding them with how serious she was making the whole waiver thing.

So, getting back to this woman who was absolutely desperate in trying to pick up her husband’s bib – when she first came to us, we dutifully sent her away, all, “So sorry. There’s just nothing we can do.”

I wish I’d had my waiver stack to give her one! Technically, all I need is a signed waiver. If she doesn’t sign it in front of me, who am I to say she didn’t meet her husband in the parking lot?

Sorry, is that too “by the book” logic-y? Even if I did have waivers to give, should I have refused if I was pretty sure she went out of my eyesight and signed? Not that it truly matters, since it’s a moot point, since I didn’t realize waivers were so very precious at this expo – until I’d already shown my precious loot! *dum dum duuuum* (scary chords)

Feel free to give me your thoughts so far, and I’ll finish this story in part 3.

Thanks so much for coming to my blog!

I’m Aurora (as you probably guessed)!

This blog started when I ran 52 half marathons in 52 weeks after open-heart surgery for a weird congenital heart defect (Wolff-Parkinson White).

(That inspired more “52 in 52 weeks” projects you can see if you scroll down to check ’em out!)

I also won a car on The Price is Right (and lost a trip to Mexico on Let’s Make a Deal).

Currently, I’m completing Project 882 – 882 race miles in a year to represent the 882 Americans sexually assaulted every day.

Thanks again for visiting! Stick around, and read today’s post (to your left), or check out the projects (below), and feel free to contact me – let’s be friends! 🙂