PJs_Bucket_List_Reef_75
Active Member
For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by the ocean, particularly life on the coral reef. Growing up in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, I read everything I could get my hands on, and watched everything I could. I even liked that ocean knock-off Smurfs cartoon, the Snorks. Yep, just gave away how old I am lol. Countless hours daydreaming about how amazing it would be to go scuba diving, swimming amongst the life of the reef, and experience that magical place up close.
Life came along, and for one reason or another, that dream was put on hold. Not necessarily bad reasons. Three amazing kids, all grown now, and both my first born and her daughter share my fascination with the aquatic. While my youngest was deciding on colleges, I was daydreaming about future travel plans as an empty-nester, deciding where I could make the first dive into my dreams a reality.
But it was not to be. I got the diagnosis in early March of 2020. Stage 4, and surgery wasn't an option. I started thinking it was time to work on the "bucket list", things I'd always wanted to do, but put off because "I'll have time to do it later".
But first things first. I did the standard recommended course of treatment. Chemo, radiation, other specialists for this and that. Total waste of time for me. Right about now, if you're still reading, you might be thinking this post has been a waste of yours lol, and I apologize for the length. I just want to make it clear what this build means to me, so if you're still hanging on and reading, thank you.
In a strange, metaphorical sense, my experience with this has been like trying to keep a reef aquarium lol. Everything seemed fine one day, until I discovered that something bad, a Killer Algae, had gotten into my system. Can't just reach in and pull it out, so you try different treatments, dose chemicals, and try to get the parameters stable. You can't get rid of it, but you do what you can to keep your system stable, and keep the algae from growing, spreading, and crashing your tank. And that's what I did. For seven months, I did what the experts recommended, followed the package directions, dosed, treated, and fought to get my parameters in check. Then I crashed..
Pneumonia, sepsis, and massive renal failure. During the height of Covid-19, my kids were saying their goodbyes over the phone. Obviously, I made it through that, because I'm writing this almost four years later lol. Unfortunately, the procedure that saved my life and still keeps my kidneys functioning prevents me from being submerged, or being in water deeper than my knees. Goodbye, warm bubble bath, relaxing jacuzzi, a dip in the pool, and yes...any hope of diving and seeing a coral reef up close. It's been quite the adjustment, but I still consider myself blessed, and I'm grateful.
Long story short (am I serious?! This is ridiculously long), I found the right treatment and dosing schedule. My parameters have been stable for the last three years, and I'm ready to see a coral reef up close! I can't dive, and traveling is difficult for me, but I can definitely devote the time and effort to have my own little piece of the ocean, right here in my living room. And peace of mind and heart, being able to finally check that off the List. Thanks for reading... and now, on to the build!
Tank: 45 gallon Marineland Simple Modern LED Aquarium & Stand Ensemble
And yep, so far that's it lol. I'll update the details every time I get another piece of the puzzle. Hopefully getting the rock next weekend. This isn't the best picture, and I'm tight on space. I added the fake decor (no water) so I don't have to look at a plain glass box. I'll be adding more photos with updates, when it's interesting to look at . Thanks for reading, y'all. Stay safe and stay blessed!
Life came along, and for one reason or another, that dream was put on hold. Not necessarily bad reasons. Three amazing kids, all grown now, and both my first born and her daughter share my fascination with the aquatic. While my youngest was deciding on colleges, I was daydreaming about future travel plans as an empty-nester, deciding where I could make the first dive into my dreams a reality.
But it was not to be. I got the diagnosis in early March of 2020. Stage 4, and surgery wasn't an option. I started thinking it was time to work on the "bucket list", things I'd always wanted to do, but put off because "I'll have time to do it later".
But first things first. I did the standard recommended course of treatment. Chemo, radiation, other specialists for this and that. Total waste of time for me. Right about now, if you're still reading, you might be thinking this post has been a waste of yours lol, and I apologize for the length. I just want to make it clear what this build means to me, so if you're still hanging on and reading, thank you.
In a strange, metaphorical sense, my experience with this has been like trying to keep a reef aquarium lol. Everything seemed fine one day, until I discovered that something bad, a Killer Algae, had gotten into my system. Can't just reach in and pull it out, so you try different treatments, dose chemicals, and try to get the parameters stable. You can't get rid of it, but you do what you can to keep your system stable, and keep the algae from growing, spreading, and crashing your tank. And that's what I did. For seven months, I did what the experts recommended, followed the package directions, dosed, treated, and fought to get my parameters in check. Then I crashed..
Pneumonia, sepsis, and massive renal failure. During the height of Covid-19, my kids were saying their goodbyes over the phone. Obviously, I made it through that, because I'm writing this almost four years later lol. Unfortunately, the procedure that saved my life and still keeps my kidneys functioning prevents me from being submerged, or being in water deeper than my knees. Goodbye, warm bubble bath, relaxing jacuzzi, a dip in the pool, and yes...any hope of diving and seeing a coral reef up close. It's been quite the adjustment, but I still consider myself blessed, and I'm grateful.
Long story short (am I serious?! This is ridiculously long), I found the right treatment and dosing schedule. My parameters have been stable for the last three years, and I'm ready to see a coral reef up close! I can't dive, and traveling is difficult for me, but I can definitely devote the time and effort to have my own little piece of the ocean, right here in my living room. And peace of mind and heart, being able to finally check that off the List. Thanks for reading... and now, on to the build!
Tank: 45 gallon Marineland Simple Modern LED Aquarium & Stand Ensemble
And yep, so far that's it lol. I'll update the details every time I get another piece of the puzzle. Hopefully getting the rock next weekend. This isn't the best picture, and I'm tight on space. I added the fake decor (no water) so I don't have to look at a plain glass box. I'll be adding more photos with updates, when it's interesting to look at . Thanks for reading, y'all. Stay safe and stay blessed!
