There is a real possibility that I will be working again pt time, back at my old position. In fact, I've already had one supervisor tell me they would be glad to have me back. This was before I even knew I was considered. I've already been sent the days I'll be working, Sunday, Monday and Thursday. What is the hold up? They don't do anything quickly. If I am not re-employed by Friday, I lose all my seniority. Not much chance of that; so be it.
I am looking forward to having some extra money again. It's been tight these last few months, especially with having to make trips to JAX every other week or two, but I am right now "Pain Free." Wahoo. I also have energy again, and I guess I'm tired of staying home everyday and doing nothing.
I have worked since I was 17 years of age, and I believe I "think" and move better when I am employed. I mean, come on, Ween can only look interested for a few weeks. She is nodding off when I talk to her now. It must be time to go back to work. And, if I have to work, there isn't any better place with as many perks. So, I guess I'll go back.
I can hardly wait to hear all those complaints again. It will be like "magic" to my ears.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
First Time
There is always a first time for everything, or so I'm told, and today I had a "FIRST" happen. Two or three weeks ago I had a procedure done at Mayo to alleviate the pain I had been having in my legs, (my right one mostly). Today, I had a call from my surgeon's office, his charge nurse, to find out how I was doing since the procedure.
I must be the queen of surgeries - tonsils, appendix, C-sections, gallbladder, hysterectomy, 2 knee arthroscopic, and a rhinoplasty (I think that is all), but NEVER have I had a Dr or hospital call to see how I was doing after a procedure.
I have been so impressed with this hospital. They are not only organized and do not waste my time with appointments that don't happen or are off schedule, they are also kind and extremely helpful with all the encounters I have had. I can't say enough good things about this place.
I would advise anyone who is having medical problems and your doctors can't seem to focus on the real problem, just make an appointment and go there. It is not only beneficial, but also rewarding and emotionally settling. They are the best place I have ever seen a doctor, nurse, or office staff. They should give lessons.
I must be the queen of surgeries - tonsils, appendix, C-sections, gallbladder, hysterectomy, 2 knee arthroscopic, and a rhinoplasty (I think that is all), but NEVER have I had a Dr or hospital call to see how I was doing after a procedure.
I have been so impressed with this hospital. They are not only organized and do not waste my time with appointments that don't happen or are off schedule, they are also kind and extremely helpful with all the encounters I have had. I can't say enough good things about this place.
I would advise anyone who is having medical problems and your doctors can't seem to focus on the real problem, just make an appointment and go there. It is not only beneficial, but also rewarding and emotionally settling. They are the best place I have ever seen a doctor, nurse, or office staff. They should give lessons.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
SMOOSH
Who invented the mammogram? It had to have been a man - no women would inflict that torture on another woman. Why do we suffer? Why the pain? Why is it necessary? It saves lives!
I have a friend who has had 2 mastectomies. She is the same, outwardly, physically. For the most part, she is the same emotionally. What has she been through? Only she can tell you that. I have just seen a very brave person go through a personal hell, and survive. Her husband is supportive and protective. Their marriage goes on, much in the same way it has for the last 40 years. Could I have been so brave? I like to think so, but you never know how you will respond until you go through something. She's a hero, but she'd be the first to deny it. I am so proud of her.
My young friend, Mock, got out of the hospital today. I picked him up and took him home. He was all ready to do laundry and go back to work tomorrow. I suggested he take another day off, and do laundry tomorrow, a little at a time. He text me later and said after his shower, he decided to follow my advice. He was wiped out. (Sometimes I do know something).
The other Sheila is doing better. She has worked her way up to liquids for meals, instead of the IVs, so she's progressing. She probably won't be let loose until Thursday or Friday, so I offered to take her home. She said she'd let me know if her husband couldn't take her. We'll see.
Also heard from another friend, Cloe, that wants to do dinner on Thursday night. Sheila in Clearwater, and Cloe in Tampa. I think that would be easy to get to both friends on the same day. I hope that works out. I have great friends and I'm always excited to see them.
Ween's eyes are getting droopy and she needs to go to bed. Since we sleep together, she wants to stay up until I get ready, but she's too sleepy. I call her my "undercover dog" because she always burrows under the covers and sleeps until she get too hot, then she wiggles around and comes back out to her pillow and sleeps until she get too cold and then repeats the process again. (She's gone for the evening).
It's late. I'm all alone; typing and listening to tv at the same time. Multi-tasking has always been one of my strong suits. Where was I again; Oh yeah...
I have a friend who has had 2 mastectomies. She is the same, outwardly, physically. For the most part, she is the same emotionally. What has she been through? Only she can tell you that. I have just seen a very brave person go through a personal hell, and survive. Her husband is supportive and protective. Their marriage goes on, much in the same way it has for the last 40 years. Could I have been so brave? I like to think so, but you never know how you will respond until you go through something. She's a hero, but she'd be the first to deny it. I am so proud of her.
My young friend, Mock, got out of the hospital today. I picked him up and took him home. He was all ready to do laundry and go back to work tomorrow. I suggested he take another day off, and do laundry tomorrow, a little at a time. He text me later and said after his shower, he decided to follow my advice. He was wiped out. (Sometimes I do know something).
The other Sheila is doing better. She has worked her way up to liquids for meals, instead of the IVs, so she's progressing. She probably won't be let loose until Thursday or Friday, so I offered to take her home. She said she'd let me know if her husband couldn't take her. We'll see.
Also heard from another friend, Cloe, that wants to do dinner on Thursday night. Sheila in Clearwater, and Cloe in Tampa. I think that would be easy to get to both friends on the same day. I hope that works out. I have great friends and I'm always excited to see them.
Ween's eyes are getting droopy and she needs to go to bed. Since we sleep together, she wants to stay up until I get ready, but she's too sleepy. I call her my "undercover dog" because she always burrows under the covers and sleeps until she get too hot, then she wiggles around and comes back out to her pillow and sleeps until she get too cold and then repeats the process again. (She's gone for the evening).It's late. I'm all alone; typing and listening to tv at the same time. Multi-tasking has always been one of my strong suits. Where was I again; Oh yeah...
Monday, July 19, 2010
Earth, The Moon, or Mars?
For some unknown reason, Bob got the "wild" idea to go to NASA Sunday after he had worked all night. Loving to drive, and he being a little tired, I drove to the space center.
Beautiful day, clouds fluffy, and little or no traffic made it an easy drive to Cape Kennedy. A few things have changed since I was last there. The 3-4 hr bus ride is now broken up into 3 stops instead of being one continuous drive and only "viewing" different areas. They have even added 2 or 3 new restaurants. After the bus ride, Bob was pretty much wiped out, he was ready to go. (short and sweet trip).
With the few pictures I did manage to take, they seemed to be fairly clear. I enjoyed seeing the changes, but we really didn't see anything new. I guess it's hard to conjure up new experiences once the idea has been introduced. We did have a good lunch at Cracker Barrel.
(Picture of V A B or Vehicle Assembly Bulding)
Unfortunately, today I am a little achy and really need to take a day off. I was going to see my friend, the other Sheila, who had to have emergency surgery Sat night, but I text to tell her how I felt and she agreed that I needed to rest. Mock is also in the hospital; some sort of heart arrhythmia. He expects to have a stress test before they will let him leave; probably some time tomorrow. Some people. They just couldn't stand me having all the medical attention. Good luck and prayers to both.
Beautiful day, clouds fluffy, and little or no traffic made it an easy drive to Cape Kennedy. A few things have changed since I was last there. The 3-4 hr bus ride is now broken up into 3 stops instead of being one continuous drive and only "viewing" different areas. They have even added 2 or 3 new restaurants. After the bus ride, Bob was pretty much wiped out, he was ready to go. (short and sweet trip).
(Picture of V A B or Vehicle Assembly Bulding)
Unfortunately, today I am a little achy and really need to take a day off. I was going to see my friend, the other Sheila, who had to have emergency surgery Sat night, but I text to tell her how I felt and she agreed that I needed to rest. Mock is also in the hospital; some sort of heart arrhythmia. He expects to have a stress test before they will let him leave; probably some time tomorrow. Some people. They just couldn't stand me having all the medical attention. Good luck and prayers to both.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Another Year?
It's amazing to me how our bodies work, and that doctors actually know some things that help us to keep our bodies moving. This procedure has made a world of difference in my ability to move about. I am grateful.
Monday, July 12, 2010
D.O.B
I have two more appointments in August. Those are basically consultations in different areas and I'm not expecting anything major. The results of my two blood works done in the last two weeks were good. I am slightly anemic, and sugar level is of concern, but for the most part, they look good.
Today is my birthday and I am so grateful. I have to take it easy for the week - no driving and no pool, but those are very minor concessions for relief of pain. I have contacted my former Director at the park, and there are a few part-time positions available. I am interested. We will see where that takes me.
(Bottom picture is a view from the pool area in Jax)
Friday, July 09, 2010
Teachable or Our Own Thing
Back in the Ice Age when I was employed as a teacher, I was always looking for that "Teachable Moment". That time, in class, when something comes up for discussion, incidentally, that is actually pertinent to our learning. Most days it did not appear. Sometimes, it was like pulling teeth to try to teach anything. Something happened this morning that was a "Teachable Moment" for me.
While I was waiting to go to Mayo for my surgical procedure, I was enjoying the beautiful view from our balcony outside the spacious room. The waves were lazily rolling in, touching the sand, and rolling right out again. A man and his dog were on the beach. Periodically the man would stoop, pick up something, throw it with some sort of "flinging" thing, similar to the jai lai basket, and the dog would run down the beach, catching the item in his mouth or retrieving it from the water. Enjoying the moment, the dog would run into the next wave, do a happy dance in the water; eventually even laying down in the coolness; almost totally ignoring the man.
The man would call to the dog, the dog would look in the other direction, momentarily, then reluctantly pull himself up from the water, ever so slowly walk toward the man, tail and ears hung. As another dog approached, he was chained; dropping to the sand, the dog would roll back and forth as he was having a rapid back massage. He had given up.
The antics of the animal did not stop the man from his "thing" of exercising - stretching, bending, and contorting his body in stretches. With the chaining of the dog, the man proceeded to put the animal through a seemingly known set of obedience tricks - shake, roll over, etc. With some hesitation, the dog slowly obeyed.
Isn't this a good analogy of God with us? God sends us something to do, but we want to play in the nice, cool, comfortable water of our lives. He calls; we reluctantly head back toward Him, distracted by most any thing. He sends us again, we hesitate. We want to stay in the nice cool, water of doing our thing. He coaxes us; He offers comfort, but we want to wallow in the laziness of our own disobedience. Eventually, we have to be "reeled" in; possibly our chain even needs to be "pulled" to help us realize we are somewhere in an area that is not right for us; we are not doing His will.
I want to obey, yet I really like the comfort of my own decisions. I pull away at times; do my happy dance of selfishness, and show my reluctance of obedience. Eventually, I turn back to God. I am so glad God knows my heart and patiently forgives and calls again.
While I was waiting to go to Mayo for my surgical procedure, I was enjoying the beautiful view from our balcony outside the spacious room. The waves were lazily rolling in, touching the sand, and rolling right out again. A man and his dog were on the beach. Periodically the man would stoop, pick up something, throw it with some sort of "flinging" thing, similar to the jai lai basket, and the dog would run down the beach, catching the item in his mouth or retrieving it from the water. Enjoying the moment, the dog would run into the next wave, do a happy dance in the water; eventually even laying down in the coolness; almost totally ignoring the man.
The man would call to the dog, the dog would look in the other direction, momentarily, then reluctantly pull himself up from the water, ever so slowly walk toward the man, tail and ears hung. As another dog approached, he was chained; dropping to the sand, the dog would roll back and forth as he was having a rapid back massage. He had given up.
The antics of the animal did not stop the man from his "thing" of exercising - stretching, bending, and contorting his body in stretches. With the chaining of the dog, the man proceeded to put the animal through a seemingly known set of obedience tricks - shake, roll over, etc. With some hesitation, the dog slowly obeyed.
Isn't this a good analogy of God with us? God sends us something to do, but we want to play in the nice, cool, comfortable water of our lives. He calls; we reluctantly head back toward Him, distracted by most any thing. He sends us again, we hesitate. We want to stay in the nice cool, water of doing our thing. He coaxes us; He offers comfort, but we want to wallow in the laziness of our own disobedience. Eventually, we have to be "reeled" in; possibly our chain even needs to be "pulled" to help us realize we are somewhere in an area that is not right for us; we are not doing His will.
I want to obey, yet I really like the comfort of my own decisions. I pull away at times; do my happy dance of selfishness, and show my reluctance of obedience. Eventually, I turn back to God. I am so glad God knows my heart and patiently forgives and calls again.
Saturday, July 03, 2010
HEADS OR TAILS
There are times in my life that are vivid memories. Some are good and some are not so much. We had an experience while driving to JAX that I probably won't forget for some time.
We decided NOT to take I-95. We found US 90 instead. It runs North to South up the eastern coast of Florida. The beauty was not lost on us; greens, purples, rolling hills. The small towns passed, one much like the other, as we made our way to our destination. I was sailing along, approximately 60 miles per hour. During one "nanosecond", I saw four car lights headed toward me, on a two lane road, as they dipped into the pocket of the road. I immediately slammed on my breaks, and pulled to the right shoulder. Before my friend could even ask what I was doing, the black car veered into the left lane in front of the car he was illegally passing. Some time after that I started breathing again.
It will be a very long time before that image will leave my mind. We both thanked God for His mercy. He really does take good care of me.
We decided NOT to take I-95. We found US 90 instead. It runs North to South up the eastern coast of Florida. The beauty was not lost on us; greens, purples, rolling hills. The small towns passed, one much like the other, as we made our way to our destination. I was sailing along, approximately 60 miles per hour. During one "nanosecond", I saw four car lights headed toward me, on a two lane road, as they dipped into the pocket of the road. I immediately slammed on my breaks, and pulled to the right shoulder. Before my friend could even ask what I was doing, the black car veered into the left lane in front of the car he was illegally passing. Some time after that I started breathing again.
It will be a very long time before that image will leave my mind. We both thanked God for His mercy. He really does take good care of me.
Friday, July 02, 2010
Oh well
At the last minute, actually, the Dr realized that I was allergic to Lidocane and cancelled the procedure for the day. I was ready to go ahead, even with the allergy, but he said no. We have rescheduled for next Thurs and Friday. Now he has to do surgery instead of a simple procedure. More tests next week and have to stay somewhere all night Thursday. My friend has offered to go with me again, but she has to check with her husband about their schedule.
I am very disappointed that the procedure wasn't done. I was ready to be out of pain. This is supposed to work, and again my weight was mentioned by everyone I talked with yesterday. I HAVE TO LOSE WEIGHT! I'm considering a lapband procedure. I have to contact my head doctor at Mayo to see if he will refer me, AND, if medicare will cover it. Who knows?
The procedures and processes take a long time at Mayo. They are very thorough. But, I'm frustrated, at times, with everything. I hope that I am learning something; at the very least - patience. And, we all know I certainly need that.
Back at home today and really wiped out. I have to take the "Sim" that is in my bipad to the company today. They need to read it and see if I'm following all the rules. I THINK I should be okay. I'm certainly sleeping better, usually for at least 6 hrs or more.
It was good to "refresh" my relationship with my friend. It's very interesting in that we have a lot of the same ideas on what we need to be doing with our lives. I wonder if God planned this? He's know for doing things like that.
I am very disappointed that the procedure wasn't done. I was ready to be out of pain. This is supposed to work, and again my weight was mentioned by everyone I talked with yesterday. I HAVE TO LOSE WEIGHT! I'm considering a lapband procedure. I have to contact my head doctor at Mayo to see if he will refer me, AND, if medicare will cover it. Who knows?
The procedures and processes take a long time at Mayo. They are very thorough. But, I'm frustrated, at times, with everything. I hope that I am learning something; at the very least - patience. And, we all know I certainly need that.
Back at home today and really wiped out. I have to take the "Sim" that is in my bipad to the company today. They need to read it and see if I'm following all the rules. I THINK I should be okay. I'm certainly sleeping better, usually for at least 6 hrs or more.
It was good to "refresh" my relationship with my friend. It's very interesting in that we have a lot of the same ideas on what we need to be doing with our lives. I wonder if God planned this? He's know for doing things like that.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
No Lottery Today
Being in Tallahassee gives me pause for thought - What if? It certainly makes my head spin. I went to Jacksonville yesterday for a follow-up visit. I saw the "Pain Management Dr." and he wants me to come back today to get injections in my back. That in itself isn't unique, but ending up in Tallahassee could have been.
A friend I have know for about 10 years is with me. Coming to Tallahassee and staying at her daughters apartment was not only to visit, but to be in the "general" vicinity for my appointment today. It's great to renew friendships and to learn what has been happening during our time apart. We also dreamed of what we could do for God with all the Lottery money.
It's a good thing my friend is with me. She has to drive back. If you know me, my car is just another thing to me. Don't get me wrong, I do like it; can't afford it; but like it just the same. She thinks I have issues about someone driving my car. (It's probably a control issue thing.) Little does she know, I really don't care who drives my car and look forward to sleeping on the way back. It could have been so much more interesting though if we had won the money.
A friend I have know for about 10 years is with me. Coming to Tallahassee and staying at her daughters apartment was not only to visit, but to be in the "general" vicinity for my appointment today. It's great to renew friendships and to learn what has been happening during our time apart. We also dreamed of what we could do for God with all the Lottery money.
It's a good thing my friend is with me. She has to drive back. If you know me, my car is just another thing to me. Don't get me wrong, I do like it; can't afford it; but like it just the same. She thinks I have issues about someone driving my car. (It's probably a control issue thing.) Little does she know, I really don't care who drives my car and look forward to sleeping on the way back. It could have been so much more interesting though if we had won the money.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Anyone have tissues?
Is it okay to call all tissues "Kleenex?" Probably not, but whatever you want to call them, I need some. Somehow I have developed a sinus infection and have probably blown my nose so much I could probably paper my bedroom wall with the amount of tissues I've used. In fact, I think I saw that episode on HGTV, starring Vern Yip. I now have antibiotics, sprays, inhalers, and most anything else I can take to try to stop the drainage. (Yes I know, thanks for sharing.)
I actually have been feeling so much better lately that I am even considering going back to work. I have an appt on June 30 at Mayo. I will get an update on my progress. I am now on a Bipap machine and have been sleeping quite well at night, except to get up to blow my nose. This machine is quiet and I have a nose clip that I use instead of the face mask. It has 2 levels-one to start and then it ramps up to my prescription amount on the 2nd level.
I have a friend going with me to Mayo. It was somewhat confusing when I worked with her, as her name is Sheila too, but we have remained friends and I really appreciate her friendship. Since I haven't seen her for a while, we will have a lot to talk about while we motor to JAX. We've decided to make it a "road trip", maybe even staying overnight on the beach. Who knows? But then again, we could also end up in Tallahassee. We might have to pick up that Lottery winnings.
I actually have been feeling so much better lately that I am even considering going back to work. I have an appt on June 30 at Mayo. I will get an update on my progress. I am now on a Bipap machine and have been sleeping quite well at night, except to get up to blow my nose. This machine is quiet and I have a nose clip that I use instead of the face mask. It has 2 levels-one to start and then it ramps up to my prescription amount on the 2nd level.
I have a friend going with me to Mayo. It was somewhat confusing when I worked with her, as her name is Sheila too, but we have remained friends and I really appreciate her friendship. Since I haven't seen her for a while, we will have a lot to talk about while we motor to JAX. We've decided to make it a "road trip", maybe even staying overnight on the beach. Who knows? But then again, we could also end up in Tallahassee. We might have to pick up that Lottery winnings.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Is Honesty Really a Good Policy?
When someone hurts your feelings, what should you do? Tell them? Ignore it? or come back with some sort of "retort"? I'm never sure how to respond. I try to ask questions to find out why they feel that way, but usually I am so surprised that I can't do anything at the exact moment.
Yesterday was one of those days, one of those comments, and it came from a "friend." I had just been to a movie with this "friend" and she text me, and when I opened it she said, "You are so mean; you hate everyone." How do you respond to that?
I responded with "What makes you say that?" Her response was, "Everyone thinks that." I asked her who thought that and where was this remark coming from. She said it would take too long to explain, but she would talk to me soon. (She left it at that)
My youngest son says I have control issues. My husband "implies" I can't do anything right. And now, from a friend I'm mean and hate everyone? I don't know. I must be a horrible person, but I don't see any of that. I try to be kind to everyone. I have no control over anything-sometimes not even my body functions. I don't hate anyone. And, I know of a lot of things I can do right. So, where do I go from here?
Yesterday was one of those days, one of those comments, and it came from a "friend." I had just been to a movie with this "friend" and she text me, and when I opened it she said, "You are so mean; you hate everyone." How do you respond to that?
I responded with "What makes you say that?" Her response was, "Everyone thinks that." I asked her who thought that and where was this remark coming from. She said it would take too long to explain, but she would talk to me soon. (She left it at that)
My youngest son says I have control issues. My husband "implies" I can't do anything right. And now, from a friend I'm mean and hate everyone? I don't know. I must be a horrible person, but I don't see any of that. I try to be kind to everyone. I have no control over anything-sometimes not even my body functions. I don't hate anyone. And, I know of a lot of things I can do right. So, where do I go from here?
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Green Acres
It's a good thing I have a smart GPS or who knows where I would be today - trying to decide whether to play the theme song from Deliverance on my banjo, or sing "bop bop, Green Acress is the place to be; farm living is the life for me..." decisions, decisions. There were slight apprehensions when I couldn't find 2 streets my GPS was trying to direct me to take. Only later did I find out that the name of 2 of the streets had been changed. Needless to say, I did not have the faintest idea where I was or in what direction I needed to go.
I stopped by to see my friends who have moved to "God's Country" in North Florida. I use this title because even the satellites on my phone or car could not get any signals; only God can reach this place easily.
It WAS peaceful and quiet - The birds were the only things"twittering". Trees, trees and more trees; lots of quiet, and more trees. I DID sleep 9 hrs that night which might or might not have had to do with PT at Mayo, and a 4.5 hr drive in the sun, or a very long day beginning very early. Who knows for sure. I do know this-it was good to see them after a very long absence.
These are the type friends that are always there-no matter how long between visits, we just picked up where we left off. We all went to college together 40+ years ago and have lived close to each other several times in those years. In fact, two of the three times I've been married, Byron facilitated. We have a lot of history, and they are very dear to me.
Since then, I've been visiting drs, picking up information, and continuing to try to get healthy. I now have a "bipap" machine to help me breathe better at night. I am sleeping longer and deeper which allows really wierd dreams. I may even include one or two sometime just to let you know how really crazy I am.
Tonight we are going to MK to see the former electrical street parade and new fireworks. It will certainly be a good time had by all.
I stopped by to see my friends who have moved to "God's Country" in North Florida. I use this title because even the satellites on my phone or car could not get any signals; only God can reach this place easily.
It WAS peaceful and quiet - The birds were the only things"twittering". Trees, trees and more trees; lots of quiet, and more trees. I DID sleep 9 hrs that night which might or might not have had to do with PT at Mayo, and a 4.5 hr drive in the sun, or a very long day beginning very early. Who knows for sure. I do know this-it was good to see them after a very long absence.
These are the type friends that are always there-no matter how long between visits, we just picked up where we left off. We all went to college together 40+ years ago and have lived close to each other several times in those years. In fact, two of the three times I've been married, Byron facilitated. We have a lot of history, and they are very dear to me.
Since then, I've been visiting drs, picking up information, and continuing to try to get healthy. I now have a "bipap" machine to help me breathe better at night. I am sleeping longer and deeper which allows really wierd dreams. I may even include one or two sometime just to let you know how really crazy I am.
Tonight we are going to MK to see the former electrical street parade and new fireworks. It will certainly be a good time had by all.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
THE MONTH OF MAY
Life can be crazy and busy. Life can be confusing. My life in general tends to be all of the above, at the same time. Barb, my friend from out of town, came and spent a month with me. She came to help me organize my house and life. She also came to give me support, which I desperately needed at the time. She went to Mayo with me and will continue to support me as she has gone home. She gives me "Reality Checks" which we I need from time to time. Only a true friend can do that.
Returning to Mayo on Tues, I will have additional testing and determine levels of medication and Physical Therapy. I will go by myself this time. (I'm a big girl; I can do it.)
During this past two weeks, I have also had a cousin visit, nephew and his wife and 4 children, my sister-in-law and her daughter, plus some friends with their young daughter. Busy times, and I am tired. I have literally slept off and on for the last two days. Weiner has been right beside me. I don't know if that is good for her or not, but she is there all the same. Even though it has been hectic, these are people I have not seen for some time and have enjoyed every minute I have been physically able to spend with them.
My family and friends mean so much to me. They continue to support me with prayers and wonderful thoughts. To my husband, too many people can be overwhelming. To me, they are comfort and warmth. They are support and "warm fuzzies" when I need them, and they lift my spirits when they don't even know they are doing it. Without them, I'd be lost. I am blessed!
Returning to Mayo on Tues, I will have additional testing and determine levels of medication and Physical Therapy. I will go by myself this time. (I'm a big girl; I can do it.)
During this past two weeks, I have also had a cousin visit, nephew and his wife and 4 children, my sister-in-law and her daughter, plus some friends with their young daughter. Busy times, and I am tired. I have literally slept off and on for the last two days. Weiner has been right beside me. I don't know if that is good for her or not, but she is there all the same. Even though it has been hectic, these are people I have not seen for some time and have enjoyed every minute I have been physically able to spend with them.
My family and friends mean so much to me. They continue to support me with prayers and wonderful thoughts. To my husband, too many people can be overwhelming. To me, they are comfort and warmth. They are support and "warm fuzzies" when I need them, and they lift my spirits when they don't even know they are doing it. Without them, I'd be lost. I am blessed!
Monday, May 24, 2010
CULT OR CHURCH
Where does becoming a "follower" begin? Is it at the time of acceptance of Jesus, or could it be later, or earlier? I'm not quite sure, but I do know that God requires us to FOLLOW HIM. How we do that is different for each person as He has multifaceted paths for each of us-no two people are the same.
I do know He does NOT:
require us to "shun" our family
listen ONLY to the "leader" of our church
read ONLY books written by a "certain" group of people
argue with people about religious beliefs
We are not convicted by someone else's beliefs, nor are we to follow a "person" who says he is Jesus Incarnate. We must have a PERSONAL, MENTAL, and SPIRITUAL relationship with God. Prayer, Bible Study, The Holy Spirit, and having an "Open Heart" to God's leadings, are all things we must nuture in order to get stronger in our beliefs and have a closer, more personal relationship to God.
God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are on call 24/7.
I do know He does NOT:
require us to "shun" our family
listen ONLY to the "leader" of our church
read ONLY books written by a "certain" group of people
argue with people about religious beliefs
We are not convicted by someone else's beliefs, nor are we to follow a "person" who says he is Jesus Incarnate. We must have a PERSONAL, MENTAL, and SPIRITUAL relationship with God. Prayer, Bible Study, The Holy Spirit, and having an "Open Heart" to God's leadings, are all things we must nuture in order to get stronger in our beliefs and have a closer, more personal relationship to God.
God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are on call 24/7.
Mustard or MAYO
If you have never seen an Ant Farm, and would like to see one, go to the MAYO Clinic, Jax, FL. Trails, levels, places to eat, and oh yes, ants. Switch ants to people and you have the place.
One week there of testing and exhaustion is enough for me. Efficient, logical, timely, and any other positive adjective you can imagine for the clinic. "Testing" days, ending with 3 flights of stairs up to our condo just about kicked it for me. Barb and I decided to come home early. (We really missed Wiener) The condo was not all it was cracked up to be.
On a more upbeat note, I received good news and even better news. Diagnosis is multi-faceted:
1. Bone spur in one of the nerves of my spine
2. Fibromyalgia
3. Border-line diabetes
4. Extremely high-
Triclycerides; thyroid- should not be higher than .4 and mine was
77.6; blood pressure; white cell count (usually indicates infection);
5. Vitamin D deficiency - practically non existent
6. Sleep Apnea - timing out once every minute I was asleep - Going back
June 1/2 for "full blown" testing for this
I THINK that is it, but all treatable. PRAISE THE LORD!!!
It is hopeful that the bone spur can be dissolved and not have surgery. I'm doing PT and go back for "shots" and consultation duing June 1/2 visit. Already started on medications to help deal with other issues.
Reprieve is the only word that comes to mind. The condo is a whole different issue.
One week there of testing and exhaustion is enough for me. Efficient, logical, timely, and any other positive adjective you can imagine for the clinic. "Testing" days, ending with 3 flights of stairs up to our condo just about kicked it for me. Barb and I decided to come home early. (We really missed Wiener) The condo was not all it was cracked up to be.
On a more upbeat note, I received good news and even better news. Diagnosis is multi-faceted:
1. Bone spur in one of the nerves of my spine
2. Fibromyalgia
3. Border-line diabetes
4. Extremely high-
Triclycerides; thyroid- should not be higher than .4 and mine was
77.6; blood pressure; white cell count (usually indicates infection);
5. Vitamin D deficiency - practically non existent
6. Sleep Apnea - timing out once every minute I was asleep - Going back
June 1/2 for "full blown" testing for this
I THINK that is it, but all treatable. PRAISE THE LORD!!!
It is hopeful that the bone spur can be dissolved and not have surgery. I'm doing PT and go back for "shots" and consultation duing June 1/2 visit. Already started on medications to help deal with other issues.
Reprieve is the only word that comes to mind. The condo is a whole different issue.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
HOWEVER OR BECAUSE
Tutoring is a favorite thing for me to do. I am now working with a lady who is back in school to regain a new profession. She's having some problems with language and math. We are working together 2 or 3 days a week in those areas.
One of the things she had never learned in school was not to use However or Because to start a sentence. It doesn't seem to be a rule any more; why I don't know. In fact, we come across the usage frequently in her practice books. Teaching to the test, which is what most teachers have to do in this day and age, does not give you much time to actually teach the skills necessary for reading and writing.
I know Charlie Crist has had some flack about vetoing the teacher merit evaluation but it is probably one of the best things he has done while in any office for the State of Florida. He and Jeb Bush, in my opinion, have really messed with the Educational System in this state. My question is "How can you make decisions about ANYTHING that you have not experienced or about which you have no first-hand knowledge?" Leave it to your advisors? This is probably what is being done, but as we all know GIGO-Garbage In; Garbage out. If they are advised by people who have axes to grind, so to speak, or don't really know anything about the classroom or teaching, then you get poor decision-making tactics and lousy laws.
Why should a teacher be paid on student performance? No one else's salary is done this way. If my surgery doesn't go well, do we withhold the Hospital's payment? If my car doesn't perform correctly, is the mechanic sued or the car? Most people are paid on "their" performance. And, while I'm complaining, why must we have the idiotic tests anyway? Tests only tell us what someone doesn't know; not what they do know.
Most European countries have two strains of learning - If you want to go to college, you take certain qualifying tests, if you pass them, you stay on the "strain of learning" that leads to college level classes; then move into college almost as an additional "level of learning" much like here when students move from Junior High to High School. If you don't want to go to college, you take the "strain of learning" leading to some sort of trade or apprenticeship. I personally think this makes much more sense than the way we try to cram all students into the "molds of learning" we have in the United States. But, again, no one asked me.
It's time to retire my soap box once again and go to bed (total waste of time). Tomorrow is another day and God is still in control. I am grateful for this. But one more thing I've noticed - What about the earthquakes and volcanic activity we have had? Anyone read Revelations lately?
One of the things she had never learned in school was not to use However or Because to start a sentence. It doesn't seem to be a rule any more; why I don't know. In fact, we come across the usage frequently in her practice books. Teaching to the test, which is what most teachers have to do in this day and age, does not give you much time to actually teach the skills necessary for reading and writing.
I know Charlie Crist has had some flack about vetoing the teacher merit evaluation but it is probably one of the best things he has done while in any office for the State of Florida. He and Jeb Bush, in my opinion, have really messed with the Educational System in this state. My question is "How can you make decisions about ANYTHING that you have not experienced or about which you have no first-hand knowledge?" Leave it to your advisors? This is probably what is being done, but as we all know GIGO-Garbage In; Garbage out. If they are advised by people who have axes to grind, so to speak, or don't really know anything about the classroom or teaching, then you get poor decision-making tactics and lousy laws.
Why should a teacher be paid on student performance? No one else's salary is done this way. If my surgery doesn't go well, do we withhold the Hospital's payment? If my car doesn't perform correctly, is the mechanic sued or the car? Most people are paid on "their" performance. And, while I'm complaining, why must we have the idiotic tests anyway? Tests only tell us what someone doesn't know; not what they do know.
Most European countries have two strains of learning - If you want to go to college, you take certain qualifying tests, if you pass them, you stay on the "strain of learning" that leads to college level classes; then move into college almost as an additional "level of learning" much like here when students move from Junior High to High School. If you don't want to go to college, you take the "strain of learning" leading to some sort of trade or apprenticeship. I personally think this makes much more sense than the way we try to cram all students into the "molds of learning" we have in the United States. But, again, no one asked me.
It's time to retire my soap box once again and go to bed (total waste of time). Tomorrow is another day and God is still in control. I am grateful for this. But one more thing I've noticed - What about the earthquakes and volcanic activity we have had? Anyone read Revelations lately?
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Longer
For some reason, this April 7 was harder than usual for me. It took several days to get back to my "normal," activities, whatever those happen to be. The "normal" line keeps moving in my world, so it's hard to tell where it is at any given time. Time marches on and I'm back up to "doing" and "moving" in my spaces.
Wiener is having some health issues in that she has a "rash of some sort" from a mysterious unknown allergic reation. She really needs a bath, which she will get tomorrow as she has an appointment on Friday with a new vet. My previous vet has moved to Emergency "vet things" whatever that happens to be, and a friend recommended a new vet that I'm going to visit. Her other vet was about an hour away and extremely expensive. This change is probably good. I look forward to meeting him.
I went to a new dermatologist this passed week and I also have a rash on my shoulders and chest. It is a mysterious, unknown allergic reaction to an undiagnosed substance. Sounds familiar doesn't it? Maybe we both should either see the vet or the dermatologist together. Decisions; decisions. I'll just ask for additional meds from the vet. That should take care of everything.
Wiener is having some health issues in that she has a "rash of some sort" from a mysterious unknown allergic reation. She really needs a bath, which she will get tomorrow as she has an appointment on Friday with a new vet. My previous vet has moved to Emergency "vet things" whatever that happens to be, and a friend recommended a new vet that I'm going to visit. Her other vet was about an hour away and extremely expensive. This change is probably good. I look forward to meeting him.
I went to a new dermatologist this passed week and I also have a rash on my shoulders and chest. It is a mysterious, unknown allergic reaction to an undiagnosed substance. Sounds familiar doesn't it? Maybe we both should either see the vet or the dermatologist together. Decisions; decisions. I'll just ask for additional meds from the vet. That should take care of everything.
Monday, April 05, 2010
ONCE AGAIN
It's been another year without Tom; eight altogether now. The "wound" is not so raw; it just aches. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and what might have been. I know God loves me and wants the best for me, so why wasn't Tom that "good" that I needed. As my friend's grandson used to say, "I can't know."
Wednesday I will do my usual "hiding" thing somewhere by myself and try to get through the day one more time. I'll try to remember the events of THAT day; my friends; the numbness; the police; my sons; and, I'll get through it again. And, I'll go on. My biggest question is "Why not me?"
Wednesday I will do my usual "hiding" thing somewhere by myself and try to get through the day one more time. I'll try to remember the events of THAT day; my friends; the numbness; the police; my sons; and, I'll get through it again. And, I'll go on. My biggest question is "Why not me?"
Thursday, April 01, 2010
WHAT TO DO?
The old adage that you really don't get involved until it affects you is true. With resigning from my former job, I had to reassign my health insurance. What a mess of paperwork!!! That is not why I'm upset. I went to pickup 4 prescriptions yesterday and they wanted me to pay almost $300.00. That is with two different insurance companies supposedly covering me. What is with that?
Not only do I not want to pay that much, I won't pay that much for pills that I don't even want to take in the first place. No wonder Americans can't afford to be sick. THAT IS JUST WRONG!!!
We are the richest nation in the world. We feed and clothe every other nation in the world. We send money and supplies to everyone else and can't even take care of our own people. It is a crime. Where does it stop?
Not only do I not want to pay that much, I won't pay that much for pills that I don't even want to take in the first place. No wonder Americans can't afford to be sick. THAT IS JUST WRONG!!!
We are the richest nation in the world. We feed and clothe every other nation in the world. We send money and supplies to everyone else and can't even take care of our own people. It is a crime. Where does it stop?
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