And We're OFF...!

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

"Nobody can bring you peace but yourself."~Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of my favorite authors! He was an amazing man, way ahead of his time. He even believed in space travel and the possibility of life on other planets...
Another of his ideas: "The world belongs to the energetic..."

I'm getting there... I have been taking my B12 for only 5 days now, and I can FEEL the difference! About time, huh? LOL

I have PT in a little bit, and I'm actually kind of looking forward to it... kind of... lol

I'll be back!...
Kathy

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MOMMA_BEAR_69 9/13/2011 11:36AM

Going to have to get some B12. I am too tired to go to sleep at the moment. Will have to get a nap before going to get McKenzie. after school. Love and hugs, Helen Report Inappropriate Comment

SETAGOAL1 9/9/2011 10:05PM

Hi Kathy B12 I must try some. Glad to hear you have some moments of feeling great. Hope the moments get longer and longer. Have a great weekend Janet Report Inappropriate Comment

SHIHJABO 9/9/2011 4:14PM

Thanks for the pinwheel. It definitely brightened the week! Wow, so much going on with you. Losing 2 lbs. Energy Brian back and your inspiring quotes. Fun read!!!! Be hugged Barb Report Inappropriate Comment

I.M.MAGIC 9/8/2011 2:36AM

You are SO right, as usual, Mary! LOL I was told it would take 3-4 weeks before I notice a difference! Yeah, right... I guess my system is pretty sensitive to the little stuff, huh? Picture me, little "hot house flower" type... NOT! The energy doesn't last more than about twenty minutes right now--but if it's any indication of 'coming attractions', it's going to be *GIGGLE* I crashed like crazy after PT... and later I went out and BOUGHT dinner for Brian and myself, instead of cooking (too hot in here! Yuck!) Yes, Brian's back for a bit, taking care of loose ends again. Driving me crazy, I'm still not used to having the place to myself and there he is on the doorstep again! LOL It feels weird... but kind of nice too. Hm. LOL Kathy Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 9/7/2011 5:36PM

Kathy, that's Report Inappropriate Comment

DUCKYONTHERUN 9/7/2011 11:49AM

Wow, even your short blogs exhaust me. You are so full of energy that it really inspires me. Take care and hugs. Faith Report Inappropriate Comment

WOWEETOO 9/7/2011 8:51AM

b12 the mmiracle maker lol the lady mary!! Report Inappropriate Comment

I Guess I Missed a Few Things... lol

Monday, September 05, 2011

Happy Labor Day, everyone!

It doesn't FEEL like a day off... the only day off I really have anymore is one I set for myself, SUNDAY... when I don't do a regular workout. I do everything else, the heavy cleaning, running errands, etc. Just no workouts and no physical therapy. Otherwise it's six days a week of the same ol' thing... sort of. LOL

Doctor appointments, PT, necessary shopping and phone calls... no wonder it gets hard to tell the days apart! LOL It DOES make the time go by pretty quickly...


Last night I called my sister. Seems I wasn't informed of a few things because they all were a bit busy... my step Mom was in the hospital last week. Apparently, she is now suffering from one of the heart issues that has been plaguing my Dad the last several years: fibrillation issues. So for now she's on Kumadin and something to slow down her heart rate...

And my aunt--the one with pernicious anemia--was in the ER a few days ago because she was having trouble breathing. She has just been diagnosed with the same problem my grandmother had: congestive heart failure. The doctors have put HER on a diuretic... Of course, she's my mother's older sister by a couple of years (the oldest died a few years ago) and Mom would have been 81 this year...

I guess age is catching up with all of them. Just like me? Hm. LOL


We all have our own little set of challenges. Mom always said it isn't what happens, it's how you deal with it... and other than having to tweak things, we just keep on keeping on. LOL

With all it's ups and downs--and SIDEWAYS-- Life is STILL GOOD! LOL


Be well!
Kathy

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MOMMA_BEAR_69 9/13/2011 11:41AM

Life sure has its own way of shaking us up and getting us back in line. You are doing a great job and you are so right: "Life is still good"!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CBEVNOW 9/6/2011 3:48AM

Well at least you have time to write this blog. I know what you mean ,so many things to do. I am so glad we are still able to do them, tomorrow its to the eye Dr. for me. Take care. caroline Report Inappropriate Comment

DUCKYONTHERUN 9/6/2011 12:53AM

Thank you for sharing this. Hugs to you. Faith Report Inappropriate Comment

WOWEETOO 9/5/2011 5:55PM

this is life not a dress rehearsal loves the lady mary Report Inappropriate Comment

PICKIE98 9/5/2011 3:37PM

Human bodies sure can take the abuse, can't they? We don't always know what we are supposed to do to care for some things, but we sure find out in a hurry!! Back in the olden days(way before you were born) we did not have all the meds to control conditions, no CT scans, no MRI, just an EKG and X-rays!! Blood work and that was about it!! Pulmonary functions, barium enemas, were high tech!! NO kidding!!! Usually when we got a call about a relative, either they were too far gone to save or were already gone! We are blessed to have the diagnostic tools we Do have, albeit, they are very costly!! sure hope your relatives feel better soon!! The neurosurgeon that is doing my surgery tomorrow, wants me to get an MRI and keeps telling me I should get one. I told him if he wants to donate the cost of it, I will tear up the road to get to the hospital to get it. Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 9/5/2011 2:54PM

Oh yes, time and unforeseen occurrence's befall us all. Report Inappropriate Comment

CJSARGENT1 9/5/2011 11:58AM

Life happens...............ready or not Report Inappropriate Comment

SETAGOAL1 9/5/2011 11:33AM

Thanks for the update. It is good to hear where you are. I must do the same thing. Have a great week!!!! Janet Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 9/5/2011 10:56AM

Oh my, hope everyone gets in a more stable health mode! My parents both have atrial fibrillation which they take Digoxin and Coumadin for. They keep up on their protimes (a bleeding time they need to have tested to make sure their dose of Coumadin is correct!) Ain't growing old fun . . . NOT (sometimes). Report Inappropriate Comment

Taking Steps...

Sunday, September 04, 2011

This quote came across my desk this morning...

"Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time. "~Steven Wright

We are the ones controlling our destiny. Every step we take is something we decided on... so if we want to get to a specific destination or goal, it is how we spend our time that makes the difference in whether or not we get there.

Pretty profound, that... made me think of my current situation, with the physical therapy for neuropathy issues... how often I need the reminder to PAY ATTENTION to where my feet are going! LOL

Thanks to the higher levels of activity that have become necessary for this to work, I am dealing with an increased level of discomfort--and outright PAIN-- but I will keep putting one foot in front of the other, even if it means I have to slow down a bit... because I'm heading in a good direction! LOL

...and I've lost another two pounds! How about THAT! *giggle*

It applies to more than just the physical things, too. ANY goal, you have to take steps to reach...

Life is an interesting journey, and I'm enjoying living it "on purpose" instead of wandering and being pulled willy-nilly in every direction the wind blows... Life makes more sense when there is something to work toward!

I'm glad I have my SP friends with me on this journey... Makes it FUN, too! LOL

Be well, dear ones!

Kathy

This is the kind of stuff that grows in the outlying areas of town... LOVE it!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MOMMA_BEAR_69 9/13/2011 11:43AM

WAY TO GO on your weight loss. You are doing AWESOME!!! Love and hugs, Helen Report Inappropriate Comment

I.M.MAGIC 9/12/2011 4:52PM

I LOVE that we all "get" this! LOL It makes ME happy! Kathy Report Inappropriate Comment

ABERLAINE 9/12/2011 2:04PM

This made me feel less like a victim. If each step I take is one that I chose, I am in command of my life! Thank you, Kathy! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANASAMM 9/7/2011 2:51AM

on your weight loss Kathy! I'll have to remember that quote. Report Inappropriate Comment

JUSTYNA7 9/6/2011 9:13AM

Love the quote... yes quite profound. Keep on walking! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 9/4/2011 4:30PM

on the weight loss. We learn and take so many steps, some good some not so good. Report Inappropriate Comment

Best Friends...

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Friends and good manners will carry you where money won't go." ~Margaret Walker

Interesting quote I came across this morning. Friends seem to be a given for most people... even criminals and creeps find friends here and there! LOL But MANNERS?

I don't know what happened to even the concept any more... I like that the people on SP are primarily kind and thoughtful. It is sure different out in the real world sometimes...

I was so pleased when a young man dressed in chains and torn jeans, with tats and spiked hair, held the door for me the other day. It was such a pleasant surprise, especially since not five minutes earlier, some man in a suit and tie had just brushed by and knocked a book out of my hand--and didn't even pause!

I'm thinking that young man in chains took more time working on HIMSELF than that man in the suit... he was his own best friend, and knew how he himself wants to be treated. The man in the suit is losing out every day, chasing an image that doesn't reflect who he is. Maybe he doesn't even know who that is. He looked like a carbon copy of some CPA ad or something. Blah.

Inside, the boy had more to give than that grown man ever will.

He's his own best friend, that boy. He's learning to be a good person, as well as a creative and confident and expressive individual. He's not afraid to acknowledge his own innate kindness...

I remember when I was that way, and wonder when I lost the connection. Was it when I listened to someone else's opinion of who I am? Was it because I wanted to belong to something bigger than me and gave up me to do it? That whole thing about losing ones' self to find ones' self? HUMBUG! LOL You can't lose something if you don't have it in the first place!

That doesn't mean you can't explore who you are by sharing yourself with others. I am a staunch believer in the connection between love and service--but I believe that I have to love myself first to have any service to give! I call it enlightened selfishness. It doesn't mean that I'm more important than any one else...

It means that I am JUST AS important. And if I don't learn and recognize my own needs--and how to take care of them--how will I ever understand what someone else's needs are? How could I possibly give them what they need?

It's funny where a simple line of words can carry you.

...and words are so important. How we talk to ourselves affects how we treat others. The shy and the bullies of the world have the same issue. They lack confidence in their own value. They talk down about themselves, and pass along the lack that creates in everything they do.

They need a best friend who sees them for all their good qualities--and that best friend is best found in a mirror!

I'm going to look around and stop concentrating on my faults--and concentrate on my strengths, my good qualities, instead. I'm going to treat EVERYONE with courtesy and kindness... including ME!

I've said this before, and I'll undoubtedly say it again...

I'm going to give myself the best gift ever (like SP! LOL)

I'm going to be my own BEST FRIEND--FOREVER! LOL

Join me?...

Be well, dear friends!
Kathy


Me, YEARS ago, laughing at my friend behind the camera. We were goofing off in the lakefront park in Tukwila/Renton WA area...

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MOMMA_BEAR_69 9/13/2011 11:46AM

Love this blog and your picture!!! AWESOME!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

1_AMAZING_WOMAN 9/5/2011 4:33PM

Lots of excellant points here. And, yes the shy and bullies have a lot in common. Bullies were likely bullied themselves, and are very insecure or they wouldn't feel the need to bully. As far as suits... I have had some problem trusting men in suits. My first experience with 'suits' was at 16 and my mother got involved for awhile with some guys who were into organized crime. They seemed like gentlemen/businessmen, but when you seen the real people, OMG! At least the youngsters with spiked hair are giving you an honest picture of who they are; even if it is rebellion. Yes, we need to be our own best friends. Amber Report Inappropriate Comment

ABERLAINE 9/3/2011 9:24AM

You put lots of thought into this one. Well done! And so true! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTHASPARKS 9/1/2011 10:53AM

Great blog! Report Inappropriate Comment

SAMI199 9/1/2011 3:43AM

You have hit the mark with this blog-I learned a long time ago that you can't judge a book by it's cover-I'll take your Spikey-haired young man everytime!I'm sorry you had a bad experience with the Red Cross-I have heard negative things about most big charities.I agree that working at our local,community levels is the best way to go-I edited that blog & included your link-thanks.You keep doing what you do-I for one can never hear it enough! Have a good day,my wise friend. Report Inappropriate Comment

SETAGOAL1 8/31/2011 7:11PM

You always practice what you preach. Kathy I am not surprised at the words you share. You are and a good friend. Janet Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 8/31/2011 3:06PM

How often we are reminded that you can't judge a book by it's cover. The majority of mankind has let learning and teaching manners go by the way side. They are so wrapped up in themselves that no one elsr really matters. They are the important one and get out of my way or I'll go over the top of you. That's like a family here in our park. If you even dare to ask them to lower the booming bass on their electronic device, you are made to regret it in more ways than 1. They are entitled to make other peoples nerves and windows vibrate. You say anything and they attack. We just keep working on ourselves to keep from replying in like manner. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUGARBABY51 8/31/2011 11:49AM

Well spoken Kathy. Respect and manners will take you a long way. Love those red socks and so enjoyed your blog. Your smile tells it all. Chris Report Inappropriate Comment

WOWEETOO 8/31/2011 11:00AM

that was the first thing i taught my son and continuued all through his childhood..he never ceased to amaze me as i watched him and he never lost that..he says today that was the single most important thing he ever learned and it has carried him farther than he ever thought possible those lessons started as a young child i used to take him to the revolving restaurant at the hyatt downtown once a month we dressed for the occasion and we could only afford to order one fruit plate but the waiter always bought out an extra cup of sherbet lol and we would sit there with out napkins in our laps and have a conversation and eat that fruit plate (it was huge) and he would say please and thank you at all the right times he was only three but then that is when you learn those things for sure..he has never failed to surprise me in his kindnesses shown to others,,and it's just not a frivelous show but a beautiful thing thing to see in action and never expected yep he turned out ok for sure the lady mary Report Inappropriate Comment

REDROSEMARIE 8/31/2011 10:53AM

Excellent insight and being our own friends is something that a person should remind themselves of everyday. I have two sons 21 and 23 and they both have excellent manners. They hold doors, give up their seat to others, and treat everyone the same way they want to be treated. I notice that a lot of people really appreciate their kindness. I think to understand another persons feelings I must understand my own and also walk in another persons shoes. My friendship with myself is a rock, and there is no reason why I should give it up. I can rely on me just like you can rely on yourself. Report Inappropriate Comment

Still a Busy Little Person...

Monday, August 29, 2011

So...

I had my "Neuropathy balance evaluation" last Friday, and the "homework" I was given actually contains exercises that I'd already been doing--but I had difficulty with some of the others. Go figure! LOL Might be due in part to the fact that my fibromyalgia is flaring up for some reason...

Today I have my first actual therapy session. Should be interesting... and I'll talk to the therapist about maybe modifying the exercises I'm having trouble with as to form details, AND the number of repetitions. I'll see what he says.

As for the walking experiment... a success! YAY! LOL I CAN do the walking at a faster pace. It's harder, and I can't do ALL the walks at that pace--yet--but just knowing that this is a direction that WORKS gives me hope that it will buy me the time I'm looking for!...

AND, I finished one project this weekend, though I do still have the clean-up to take care of... I FINALLY got the wicker lampshade painted, the hooks hung, the on/off switch wired into the cord... and yes, my swag lamp now proudly hangs over my dining table, AND... it WORKS! LOL It even lights the other side of my living room, so I won't need to buy another lamp for that! YAY! LOL

On top of that, I made bread yesterday. From scratch. Yum! It gave my hand a real workout, and doesn't have the preservatives in it that are hard on my kidneys... only problem is, I make REALLY GOOD bread! Not bragging, seriously, just making a point that it's SO hard to resist homemade bread, fresh and still warm from the oven...oooh. SOOO hard! LOL

I'm making a sandwich with it to take to my therapy sessions. Yep, plural, and back to back, my balance thing first and then the hand again. That hand is a tad bit swollen this morning... like I said, the bread was a good workout! LOL THAT should be interesting, too... LOL

Have to go get ready, and I want to do at least a FEW emails before I leave... so

Bye for now!...

Be well!
Kathy


Isis, on the prowl!... LOL

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MOMMA_BEAR_69 9/13/2011 11:50AM

Fresh bread...YUMMY!!! I can only eat gluten free bread now so it's easier not to eat it...raises my blood sugars too much. Hope you are having a good week. Sorry about your computer problems. Love and hugs, Helen Report Inappropriate Comment

NANASAMM 8/30/2011 3:22PM

Ahhhh Real homemade bread or should I say "hand"made bread? A RED light food for me. OMG! But my absolute favorite Report Inappropriate Comment

I.M.MAGIC 8/29/2011 10:33PM

The lampshade is shaped like a tiffany lamp, with scalloped edges--but it's made of wicker, and I painted it white. If I knew where my camera port was, I'd post a picture! LOL The breadmaking? I saw my OT (occupational therapist, who works on my hand) and told her I'd made bread--she said it was really good exercise for my fingers! LOL I made four loaves, and one is gone already--but I shared it with the neighbor, a single mom and her three year old son, and with Brian, who is still here in WA taking care of some business!... and there are three loaves in my fridge... Report Inappropriate Comment

ONLYTEMPORARY 8/29/2011 2:08PM

Awesome progress! I quit making bread because everyone went through it too fast and as you say, it isn't easy to make. Report Inappropriate Comment

WOWEETOO 8/29/2011 11:24AM

me too!!!! you go girl!!! loves the lady mary Report Inappropriate Comment

SHIHJABO 8/29/2011 10:11AM

Oh Kathy, I can smell that bread all the way over here in Tennessee.. If it tastes as good as it smells. . . I hope your p/t will be helpful and encouraging to you. You go, girl!! What color is the lamp shade? I think swag lamps are so cool! Blessings,, Barb Report Inappropriate Comment