ONE WORD BLOG -- IT WAS FUN TO DO!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Here we go -- I gotta give it a try!

(Not as easy as you might think! Copy and Paste into your own blog, change the answers to suit you. It's really hard to only use one word answers. )

Where is your cell phone?
pocket

Spouse?
Wayne

Your hair?
Brown

Your mother?
Bernice

Your father?
LaVern

Your favorite thing?
Music

Your dream last night?
None

Favorite drink?
Coffee

What room are you in?
Bedroom

Your hobby?
Reading

Your fear?
Birds

Where do you want to be in 6 years?
Home

Where were you last night?
Home

Something that you aren't?
Shy

Muffins?
Blueberry

Wish list item?
Piano

Last thing you did?
Ate

What are you wearing?
Jeans

Your pets?
Tails

Friends?
Special

Your life?
Busy

Your mood?
Good

Missing someone?
Yes

Drinking?
Water

Your car?
Toyota

Something you're not wearing?
Shoes

Your favorite store?
Penneys

Your favorite color?
Red

When is the last time you cried?
Yesterday

Where do you go over and over?
Outside

Five people who email me regularly?
More

Favorite place to eat?
Asian

Favorite place I'd like to be right now?
Whirlpool

Ta Da--I did it!

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LONG PAST DUE UPDATE! ANOTHER "TAIL", TUMOR & WHOLE LOT MORE TRUST!

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Good morning everyone! I thought I should pass along a bit of an update as it’s been awhile! First of all, for my friends who remember my “fatal” blogs, I’m still here – so there’s the good news! Some days are good and others.... Now, for the unsure news, and the news that I want no one to worry about as, you know me, stubborn and determined and, mostly, not one to pass along negatives to anyone, and especially all of my fantastic friends!

Where do we begin???? Job: I’m still unemployed, but I’m looking at more of the part-time customer service sort of jobs. I think I’ve dealt with attorneys long enough—31 years—it’s time to try something totally new! So, we’ll see what happens on that end. There are so many options out there—now, to see which one would fit my personality, etc., and would like to hire me. All I know is that I have to be active, physically, mentally and sharing the smiles. Hmmmm….let’s see what happens on that one!

Health— the unsure news! Again, my friends know that I have Lupus so you are familiar with the ups and downs in our daily lives, but I think I’m handling it pretty good. I keep up with my cardio to help the circulation and “thick” blood issue, and the strength exercises to keep my body ready to take on whatever the condition itself decides to make me feel like in a day! I’m still experiencing the TIA’s, but not as many as I had before. Gotta keep that stress level down—which definitely helps! So, flexible, moving and determined not to let anything slow me down! Some days it works, and others…well…..maybe not so well – but we gotta try!

Now, the touchy one for me—as some of you may have known Monty68 (I miss ya so much, my friend) he always thought we had a lot in common and it always surprised him to read my blogs and feel a connection—and so did I my friend, which is why this "unsure" is hitting me harder than most.

I think I passed along in the past that my critical care pulmonary specialist told me I had damaged the lining of my lungs due to the Lupus, but he wanted to keep an eye on it. Which was fine with me. BUT, the other day, I received a call again, and they want me to come in again for another CT scan to check on the progression. This time they told me they wanted to see if the “tumors” had grown! Huh!!! I think with the recent passing of my dear friend, Monty68, due to lung cancer, this one has definitely struck a nerve! I always had the term “damage” in my mind, not “tumor” again. Remember, my fun Schwannoma tumor that is within a nerve ending on my back. I’m walking and flexible as ever, so I put that little “Schwannoma” out of my mind! But, back to the latest, I made up my mind – good, bad or otherwise – I gotta trust my heart and the good Lord above! I asked if I could put off the testing for a bit and they checked with the doctor, and he said 3 months was the longest I should wait. So, I’m going back in 3 months and now just trying to get that concern out of my head in the meantime.

I’m going to fight it all – will I win, who knows! But we can’t stop fighting and, mainly, living the best life possible each day!

Anyhow, I have other things I’d rather concentrate on these days – my parents are doing fairly well and I’m sharing a picture of their 63rd wedding anniversary – I wanted Dad to feed the cake to my Mom also, as they do at weddings, etc., but he chose to stay sitting, which is fine and understandable, as he has Parkinson’s and mobility is not the easiest for him. But, he keeps trucking along with his walker, cane or using a shopping cart for stability. But, check out their smiles—that’s what counts the most! Love and togetherness!


Plus, I now have their dog, Lilly, as she has somewhat of a shrill bark and liked to bark at every noise she heard. But, she’s my Mom’s best bud and companion, and she was going to take her to the Humane Society as she felt Lilly was causing too much disruption for Dad, but I said “nope!” So, yes, Lilly has a new home--mine! So, Lilly is still part of our family and remains as such! She’s such a little cutie and I’m slowly breaking her of some of the barking. Mom and Dad stop in and visit their little bud – and you can see the relief in my Mom’s eyes! Lilly has a new home and one filled with the same people she has grown up with –our whole family!

And, who couldn’t fall in love with this little button…and my dogs love the extra company as well!

I think I touched on my latest events that have been happening and, as to a job, tomorrow I have an interview at a fine jewelry store. I’m not too sure about that one – I’m not too into diamonds, etc., but I’m always ready to learn new things! And, especially, if I can meet and greet people – so, we’ll see what the outcome on that one is. Plus, here’s another interview that I’m going to today! Get ready……it’s for a part-time “security” position! At first, I thought, what…do I get a baton and badge? How ‘bout pepper spray??? But, once the lady explained where it was (a large insurance company where I used to work back in 1979) and what it entailed (watching security cameras, walking the perimeters on the hour and misc. duties) I thought “let’s do it!” It’s only a part-time weekend position, but that’s another “let’s see what happens” after today’s meeting. Walking, which I love to do, and get paid for it! Maybe not such a bad idea at all. The only thing is that they want someone for the overnight shift, so I’m not sure how my body will like that one. Just keep the coffee coming, and hope it does it stuff!

So, keep fighting those challenges—find the positive sides of all—they’re out there, you just need to look sometimes! And, my rule of life, follow your heart and trust in Him above, he’ll guide you through as he has some pretty special plans for you. You may not know what they are, and I believe you’re not supposed to know or question the whys and how comes, just live each day as He has blessed you with and keep smiling.

Oops, I almost forgot, as to my pride and joy! My son has moved in with a friend and definitely is still spending too much time on the computer (LOL)!

Love ya, Peanut, and love this picture!

Have a wonderful day everybody! And, never said "never", as

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Video--Who Gets Slapped for English Class These Days!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Good morning everyone! It's been a bit since my last blog, but I thought I'd pass along a different sort of English assignment that my son's girlfriend was to do!

Things have definitely changed since I went to school, but click on the link below and see if you recognize anyone! (And, welcome to my house toward the end -- I even got to include one of my little "tails" in the video!)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5Upt4J-1Yw

They really worked hard on this one and I love how you can see they are trying not to laugh while filming it! Especially, when my son gets slapped -- I'm not too sure they'd make it in Hollywood as any sort of film stars, and I know for certain, I wouldn't make it as a great camera person, but it was an experience and something to see once completed.

I wonder how the teacher graded this one -- all I know is that they had fun doing it so I think they probably graded each other pretty high, as did we! Putting forth the effort and doing it together -- showing the ups and downs of life and proving that love can and does conquer all just by following your heart and not being afraid to show it.

So, have a fun knee-slappin' Saturday and remember to help one another by sharing a smile, a nice word and just being there for one another no matter where and what your assignment is for today and you'll get an A+ in your heart for completing and doing the same!

to all! And, love you, peanut, from one proud and loving Mom! You're my A+ every day!!!

(And after posting this blog, I asked my son about the grade his gf received -- WOO HOO -- an A+ and EXTRA CREDIT! WTG Kenzie and Peanut!)

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IN CASE I'M MISSING, I AM HEADING NORTH OR SOUTH! DEPENDS ON WHAT TIME IT IS AND WHY!

Monday, January 23, 2012

Good morning everyone! I just wanted to pass along my whereabouts lately as I haven't been as active here as I always love to be. There have been times over the past few days when I'm not even sure where I am!

One thing I do know is that I've been sleeping over at my parents' home lately. I've been going there later in the afternoon and overnight, and then up and at 'em early to come back home to check on my Spark buds and take care of business at the homefront.

The reasoning behind my sleepovers and more is that, you know when you get that feeling that something just doesn't feel right? For some reason, and one that scares Mom and me, is that my Dad seems to more down and saying that he's not hungry and other things that gives us that uneasy feeling as to what is going on. He's 86 and always loved being sooooo active for all of his life, but after a back surgery, mild heart attack, stroke and now Parkinsons, he is totally limited as to mobility and it's like he has lost his spark and is giving up.

But, he tends to forget that I got my determination and stubbornness from him and I'm not ready to let him keep going down that road. I can still bring on a smile and laugh -- and that may be the best therapy for him right now. Action, movement and more! We're doing it!

Last evening I brought my two dogs along to romp around with their dog -- and Dad loves to watch them all run around the living room. One "tail" is chasing another, sniffing on this one, sniffing on that one, eating out of the other one's bowl and more -- but they all get along great and they're such loyal and loved companions -- and definitely know how to add activity to a room! Pet this one, pet that one and keep Dad smiling even if we're not sure which dog we're petting after awhile!

And, thanks to Sparks, Mom and I have been "creating" healthy meals! She always makes healthy meals, but we're having fun "creating" new ones! A little eggplant in this, or how about a little jicama in that one -- you just never know what we'll come up with! We've done a veggie pizza and now I think we're going to move into the soup mode. Hmmm....leftover ham, low-fat cheese, should we toss in a diced tomato? What should the base be? I'm going for more of a potato base. But, we'll see what we come up with this evening. You just never know!! We're experimenting and having fun playing in the kitchen!! Maybe that's why Dad says he hasn't been hungry lately! It's our creativity and fun at work! But, unfortunately, Mom said he has been saying that for awhile -- so back to those uneasy and worried feelings and we can't even blame them on the dinners we've been making.

Another reason I may be missing here on Sparks for a bit more is that yesterday there was a strange vehicle that drove up a section of their 1/4 mile driveway and drove directly into the woods! Huh? Who is that? And, why? There isn't a trail there, no tracks that someone else has driven in, meaning why would anyone want to drive through smaller trees to go into the woods through the deep snow and ditch? It turns out that the same vehicle and unknown occupants did the same sort of thing by my sister's home which is right next to my parents but closer to the highway (and you can't see their home as the woods are between as well). My brother-in-law was able to go to the vehicle and ask them what they were looking for and didn't get a response. He told them the land was posted as "No trespassers" and that they should leave, but they didn't move very fast? What's up with that? But eventually they left and my brother-in-law noted there was no license on their vehicle, which really brought up the questions! So, he called the police and they came to check out the tracks, etc., where the vehicle entered on one side of the woods (by my sister) and then the other side (my parents' driveway) and couldn't see anything unusual, but they're going to keep an eye on the area as there have been break-ins, vandalism, etc., and this is somewhat in a rural and quiet area. So, by me going up and down the driveway every day with fresh tracks, these unknown people can see there is activity going on at this home and up at the house on top of the hill, as Mom doesn't drive that often and not in deep snow, so the house can look vacant from the main road if there aren't any tracks coming in or out. But, I'm plowing through and making fresh tracks at different times of the day and night, so, sorry, for those that are trying to find out if anyone lives there or if you know that there are two elderly people living there on their own. It's just sad when a person has to think like this or distrust other's actions -- but nowadays, unfortunately, you need to at times and better safe than sorry! And, if anyone wants to make my parents worry, get ready....I may only be 115 pounds--but let me at 'em! More so, where's the phone and I'll handle this situation by calling for help. The cars and other buildings are locked and secure, so we've done what we can and let's hope this is a one-time occurrence.

So, to sum is all up, I've been spending my days and nights between two homes and it's a good thing we don't live too far apart with the bad weather we've been having! I'm adding more activity and fun at my parents' home and also to share a little extra care to the caregiver (Mom) who has been feeling like she doesn't how long she can handle it all. She's a toughie -- but even toughies need to take care of themselves and their well-being, and I'm there to make sure she does! Create our fun meals, play cards to keep the minds active, talk out our feelings about things in our lives which otherwise we feel we aren't always able to do with others in our lives. Just let it out and feel better afterwards -- what great therapy for the both of us!

So, you can see that I've been juggling my hours and days, being here, there or on the road in-between.

Same with being on-line! while at home but no Internet access while at my parents.

But, no matter what, remember to:
Stay active
Keep the smiles coming
Share the love
Don't give up and
Make each day count!

everyone and make your day happen in a super great and safe way!

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SHARING A BIT OF MORNING LIGHT & UPDATE TIME!

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Good morning everybody! It has been awhile since my last blog and, for those that were following my "fatal" status, I'm still here!

A quick update as to the last medical specialist seen and tests done. Yes, once again, the same have indicated that those last few years of stress while at work and my allowing another to speak/treat me as they did, really did a number on my body and my emotional well-being as a whole. I wonder how high of a number I was at a few months ago while this was happening -- trying to cope and stay positive with it all. But, that's in the past and we're now looking ahead to better days. We found a possible reason for the blood in the urine and it may have been from a urethral stricture and which now has been treated and corrected. This may have set off my inflammation values also when my blood was routinely checked at the last Rheumatologist appointment for lupus. My body has been in such a tense mode for so many years and, even though I didn't realize it, the test results are speaking to me and the doctors loud and clear -- it's time to relax, take care of that immune system, realize I don't need to have my body in the tensed and tight mode all day and just breathe.

That brings us to now finding a job where I can enjoy being me, enjoy waking up each morning as I'm ready to go to work. I've gone to a few interviews and I can't believe how refreshing they've been. Sounds different, doesn't it, as I know alot of people get nervous and I do to a point, but, even though I didn't get the position, I've enjoyed seeing what else is out there! I've seen the employees' work areas and how they're able to interact with one another -- and what a difference from what I'm used to seeing and being in. Wow! But, for now, I'm still looking for the right "fit." We'll see what the future holds job-wise. Now that we have more answers and have confirmed and/or corrected what caused a few of the "biggies" in the medical area of life that I was having a few months ago, some that have improved enormously and are no longer in the "fatal" zone or even of concern now, I think I'm ready to take on the world again! Well, maybe not the world but at least one that is going in the positive and forward direction again!

I've haven't given up yet, guys! I'm still meeting and greeting each new day! And, that's why I'm also sharing one of my favorite videos for you to enjoy and as a helpful reminder. Please click on the link below and allow your body and mind to relax and enjoy the serenity of the music and messages shared. Free your mind of the day's stresses/worries or things you have no control of and relax. Appreciate each day and don't let your fears take a minute of life from you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkCX5xp_Crg&
feature=related
Feel and hear yourself breathe--be aware of your body-mind connection and simply love the day!

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