Doctors are only "Practicing" medicine, right?

Another week of drs and appointments.  It seems like that is all I do some weeks.  I was at Mayo for an appt with my orthopedic dr.  Status quo, I guess. He wants me to have surgery to remove the spurs from the spine.  I don't think I'm ready to do that for several reasons - I want to wait to have the stomach surgery, I don't like the idea of them working on my spine, and I can still maintain with pain pills and aspirin.  So, we'll wait.

I've also had blood work, a CAT scan (I didn't even know I had a cat) and will have a breathing test at the Dr's office tomorrow.  I've had some breathing problems and he wanted to check all possible reasons for it, including the diagnosis and progress of the sarcoidosis.

Let's see - is there any Dr I haven't seen lately - Nope.  I'll just have to wait for the diagnosis and results.

I have recently had my phone off.  This has sent some people into cardiac arrest, or at least upset to some degree.  They could not imagine that I would ever do anything like that.  Some times I just don't want to talk or hear the phone.  That is not computable with some people.  I have a hard time dealing with some issues in my life right now, so my SOP (Standard Operational Procedure) is to "back off" and regroup.  I know it is evading issues, but at the time that's all I can do, for my own sanity.

I've always liked the Beach Boys and one of their older songs is "In My Room" by Brian Wilson.  That song and Mandisa's "Stronger" are my lead songs right now.  I'm trying to process and I don't know how or why.  So, I follow Ween's idea of "sleep it off."  She's my hero right now.

NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE

What do I do now?  I've never been fired before.  Part of it wasn't my fault.  Yeah, I know that has been said before, but this time it's true.

To begin with, the person I followed each day did not like me.  She made it very clear.  I don't know whether she was jealous or what, but I knew it from the beginning.  Every chance she got, she "reported" to one of the Managers every mistake I made.  And, I didn't exactly impress two of the three Managers with any aspect of my work.  One even told me to take off my necklace.  I told her I never take it off.  It's a religious icon for me.  She put that on my record card as a reprimand. The "record card" is kept on every "mistake" made and is on file for all to see.  I haven't any hope of anyone even considering me for another job with the record card I accrued in this position.  You also get points taken off when you're out sick.  I had taken off sick twice.

In all honesty, I did not balance the deposit one time while working there.  To being with, I had 4 trainers - all  4 did things differently so it made it hard for me to get a take on "HOW" I was supposed to complete the work.  I was $100 over last Sunday and $24.25 over on Monday.  No one could figure out how that happened.  I learned tonight that the person I followed was "short" $100 on Sunday. Duh. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what happened there. Only no one bothered to tell me at the time.

So, as I said, what do I do now?

TESTING - ONE, TWO,

What is God trying to tell me?  I keep asking and He just keeps giving me tests to take.  My life is in a moderate spiral.  Today was another example - Just "bopping" down the road, enjoying my tunes, and there he was behind me.  There is no other feeling when the "po po" come up behind you with their lights flashing.  I didn't even know why he was stopping me.  (I wonder if he knew my heart almost stopped)

I was doing 62 in a 45 m zone.  I hadn't even paid attention to the speed limit or my speed.  I was just having a good time singing along with the TOKENS and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

One of the many disadvantages of getting stopped by the "berg" po po is they don't have access to updated info.  If it had been a sheriff, or state trooper they can access my info and know my insurance is up to date.  With the local guy, he couldn't.  So, I also got a ticket for not having a recent copy of my insurance in my car or on my person.  That one is done away with as soon as I take the updated copy to the court house.  That I can afford to do.  Paying the $165.00 ticket, I can't do. 

I know I have 30 days to pay it, but unless God provides, I won't have the money in 3 months.  My roommate has to have surgery and he will be out for at least 2 weeks.  That means no money from him.

I was on my way to have my car "Serviced."  $155.00 later, I was told the oil change was free.  (That was comforting.)

So, what is God trying to tell me.  BEATS ME.  I just keep getting deeper and deeper in debt.  Oh well.  There must be an end, right?  Could I have that day and time, please?

Happy Fourth

Being in multi doctor's offices the past three weeks is the ONLY way to waste your time.  In addition to my local doctor, a MAYO trip was made.  After all the blood work, x-rays, probing, poking, and anything else they could think of, the Dr said approximately the same thing as my local Dr, with the exceptions of a Urinary Tract infection and an irregular heart beat.  I've had those for some time but never mentioned them.  One good thing did come out of the visit, I got to spend the night with my friend and her family.  Her Mother cooked.  MAN was it good, especially the dessert which were fig cookies, similar to baklava, only better.

There are times when you just have to do something different, if not to have a change in routine just to enjoy life.  The night with Aida and her family was interesting to see how another culture behaves, but also to see the love between individuals.

Skipping to today, another year has gone by and I'm another year older, or broker.  I occasionally look back at a period of time, to evaluate and to reflect.  This year has been interesting if not enjoyable.  So many things have changed, and yet they have remained the same.  "Ween" woke me up about 7 this morning with kisses and snuggles. She is my "therapy" dog - petting, feeding, and just plain attention are her agenda.  She has no hidden reasons for being there - she just loves being loved.  Attention and food, and she's there.  Even as she has curled up beside me on the couch, she has to reach out to touch me.  That must be reassuring to her.  And, in a way, to me too.

How will I spend my day - no plans.  Maybe just stay at home and pet Ween.

Doctors are only PRACTICING medicine

Why is it some people have to go to doctors more than others?  I feel like I've built more medical buildings than I care to count.  How many hours should I bill my doctors?  Isn't my time as valuable as theirs?  It seems unfair.

On one of my "weekly" visits last week my doctor told me that there was nothing "medically" wrong with me.  She had tested everything she could test.  "Could it be" she asked, "that you're depressed?"

What could I possibly be depressed about?  Well, let's see - Bank account overdrawn by about $300; can't work because I'm sick so there is no money coming in there; separated from my husband; constantly aggravated by a pesky dog.  Did I leave out anything? Oh yes, approximately $50,000 in debt.  SO, she gave me more medicine to take which is for fibromyalgia and depression.  Isn't this where we started?

I don't know - seems very "repetitive" or redundant to me, or is it redundant and repetitive.  Who's to say.  At least I have peace and quiet for a few minutes - "The Beast" is sleeping off her breakfast.

FIRST WEEK BACK

Interesting, if not enjoyable, has never been truer.  I HOPE I can do this.  Lots of pain with walking and standing with going to bed early each night.  Today is Friday and I'm just starting to feel almost okay again.  I don't know -  SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME.

It's good to be back at work.  It's good to be out of the apartment on a steady basis.  And, it is actually good, to make money again.  I "PRAY" I'll be able to do this.

I OWE, I OWE

In the background of my mind, I hear a "funeral dirge" slowly playing to set the mood.  Time is up; the party's over; or however you want to say it - "It's back to work I go."  Y E S.  The day is Thursday.  I go to Traditions, for the fourth time.  I should be able to teach the class, but I'm getting paid to attend and if I answer the questions correctly, I get a small polymer character as a prize.  All is not lost.

I have finally worked my way back to the big "D" as my employer. I'm surprised, but I'm excited to be going back to work.  My days will be S,M,Tu.  Not sure about the hours yet, but it really doesn't matter to me.  It would be nice if Mock and I had the same hours, but Ween doesn't care, so I don't either.

Traditions Class, for those who are wondering, is a class of indoctronation about the company.  It is a full 8-hr day but it starts at 7:30 am, so we're done by 3, usually.  As a trainer, I used to pick newbies up from this class.  This will be a different role for me.  It's at DU and not bad at all, if I remember correctly.  I'm supposed to go to work on the next available shift.  I'll be working at the Poly inputting information for their two larger restaurants.  Hey.  It's a job and a new adventure.  And, you all know how I am about new adventures.  Wahoo!!! I get my magic pass back.

TIME FLIES...

 When you're having fun, it's hard to keep track of time and it truly goes too rapidly.  We have had visitors for the last week and a half. I am so tired.  I ache in places I didn't even know I had places. (Is that possible?)  I've slept for 2 days and thank heavens, so has Ween.  She has been so good.  It's a little scary.

Geosphere

Starting with Sunday eating dinner with Margaret and her family at the "Pepper Market."  The next day they went to MK for Evan's birthday.  "I am only wearing this 4 t-shirt one more day.  Tomorrow I get to wear a 5 t-shirt."  A direct quote from Evan. He was so excited he couldn't even stand still. Mock got them rooms at one of the resorts with "Pirate" rooms.  Evan was "over the moon."  We really enjoy making a "Magical" experience for anyone, but especially for kids and birthdays.

On Tuesday, Mock and Brandon once again helped them into MK.  I went to the airport to acquire our friend, Lucinda.  Using "a relative's car"; he took us back home to rest.  Lucinda had been up since 2am. Mock returned and we were off to "E".

Of course, the first stop is the geosphere.  It's always a nice "sit down, cool off" ride in addition to it being informational.  Soarin next with a "clinging" Lucinda.  That was not her favorite ride, suffice to say.  Test Track on the other hand was.

Off Kilter - UK

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First stop around the countries, UK.  We enjoyed the Scottish group - Off Kilter.  They are not only funny but talented musically.  On to Mexico for dinner.  Not my favorite place to eat on property.  The food is extremely expensive and does not agree with my stomach.  It is more Tex-Mex than straight Mexican.
Afterward, we were excited to see the fireworks.

Belle and Lucinda

If it's Wednesday, it must be Magic Kingdom.

Breakfast with PRINCESSES, Belle, Jasmine, Ariel, and a picture with Cinderella.  As always, they are very gracious and patient.  I believe it was one of the highlights of the trip.  Sometimes, you can even imagine being a Princess.  

We received wands and Mock got a sword. It's exciting to eat at the Castle, and even more special to celebrate birthdays there.

Rides-Jungle Cruise, Pirates, Big Thunder, and the train; Shows-Castle Show, (Tiki Birds was closed) and more during the day. We had another friend join us for dinner at Tonys; always excellent. Their calamari is unbelievable, not to mention the desserts.  Pixie dust, spaghetti, lasagna, and a birthday cupcake - WOW.  Another great meal.for dinner and the rest of the evening.  As I was worn out, I asked Cindy if she would bring Lucinda and Mock home after fireworks and I bailed.

Breakfast at Chef Mickeys is always a treat. Probably the favorite character is Mickey, but it's always good to see all the characters. Studios wasn't very crowded and we got to see most of  what we wanted to see. Fantasmic was great.  Each fireworks show is different.  I think Lucinda liked EPCOT'S best of all the shows.

Friday started a little later.  We were tired and decided to sleep in a little later.  Off to DAK and the Cavi, the Tree, Safari Ride, and the Lion King.  More shows; more rides, 3:00 parade which starts at 4:15.  (Inside joke)

Ft Wilderness - Hoop de Doo.  A real-live "Ho Down."  I'm not even sure how to spell that, but the food is served family style and as always, too much, too good, and too full.

As all things do, the week had to come to an end which for us was at DTD and lunch at HOB.  I soooo enjoyed having Lucinda here.  She seemed to enjoy her time and now has a better idea of how to help guests before, during and after their visits.

I think I can safely say - A good time was had by all.

Just Getting Through It

Being the pragmatic person I am, I suppose just getting through the day can be interesting to say the least.  We got through the "dates" of deaths, good Friday, Easter, and Cinco de Mayo without any major incidents.  Now we are coming up to Mother's Day.  This has always been an interesting day for me.  Any female of any species can have off springs.  It doesn't take any intelligence, education or really any preparation.  So why should we celebrate it?

I think it's more of an honoring or celebration of life.  I don't know how my mother felt when she found out she was pregnant with me.  I can guess, but it wouldn't be fair to her memory for me to "suppose" how she felt.  I DO know how I felt.

I had always known I would have a son, someday, AND I knew I would name him after his father.  From the minute I knew I was pregnant, his name was IRL THOMAS STOVALL, III.  I called him Tommy before he was born.  I spoke to him by name.  I loved him so much, and I now love him even more, if possible.  My second son, I felt was going to be a girl, so Tommy named "her" Cara Sue, partly after his grandmother and his Aunt Susan, both that he loved.  Along the way, I have "acquired" 3 more sons - by mutual adoption of love.  Bret is the oldest, and is married with 2 beautiful daughters.  I love them all.  His wife, Julie, is like the daughter I never had.  She is so talented and capable; with so much energy I'm sometimes jealous.

Then, there's Edward.  He became part of the family by friendship with Tommy.  He and Tom were even roommates for several years.  I miss not seeing him on Holidays.  Actually I haven't seen him since Tom moved to DC.  Mother's Day was a very special day when I saw them all.

This year I have an "added" son - Charles Mock.  I call him Mock, so as to not confuse him with my first Charles.  He is my roommate at this time.  I don't know how he feels living with me, but I appreciate him and his presence.  And, Ween loves him.  There are not many people who can adopt your dog and still be friends.

That is my crew, and a motley one they are indeed.  But, I love them all and wish them the best on the up coming holiday.

WHAT IF

One of my favorite games as a child was "What if?"  What if I lived someplace else?  What if I had different parents?  What if I were smart?  What if I could change my life?  I could instantly go someplace different and be someone else.  Interesting, huh?

Of course that never happened, but I must still be playing that game as an adult because I was just imagining what my life would be like if Tom had NOT died.

Today would have been my Mother's 98th birthday.  On Thursday, Tom will have been dead 9 years. What if he had not died?  How different would my life have been?  We would probably still be in Pasco county; he MIGHT have still been teaching; and, who knows what work I would have been doing.

I could not have imagined my life for the last 9 years without him. At times, it still seems so unreal that he is gone.  I especially feel this way around dates that are important to me.  I don't think I have done anything especially exciting or interesting or even helpful to anyone during this time.  But, more importantly to me is where am I going?  I was just discussing with my room mate what I should do or be doing.  I really haven't any motivation to do anything, or at least anything that makes money. I know I should be concerned by that last statement, but I can't even wrap my brain around that either.  

All the ideas I have cost money, but could I really complete something I start even where money is involved?  I don't know.  I want to be motivated.  I just don't know how.  Of course, when I win the Lottery, I think that could motivate me in ways I can only imagine.  What if...?

WEEK INFORMATION

When it rains, it pours or so it seems.  Supporting the AMA seems to be my occupation lately.  Seeing three doctors in one week is enough to get me at least part of a practice somewhere, except they are three different doctor specialities.

My allergist on Monday - infected right ear, sinus and bronchitis - kind of rhymes doesn't it - and, sarcoma is active again - trouble breathing; easily winded.  I put the scripts into the pharmacy.  The ear drops are $124.00.  (Yeh, like that is going to happen)  She DID give me a new inhaler and I didn't have to buy that.

New dentist on Wed (am) - I've had the same dentist for the last 35 years; new adventure.  Exam; x-rays; eval.  Nothing wrong that $1,000 won't take care of.  Interesting.

Follow up with regular doctor - Wed (pm)  Blood work back - high thyroid; triglycerides; and, not losing weight.  WAHOO!!!  Needless to say, this has not been a "happy" good news week.  And, what do doctors know - They are only practicing any way.  Three new scripts from her.

I don't know.  Seems to me that you can't afford to live; and you can't afford the medicine to help you feel better; and, you can't afford to die.  What is the alternative?

I asked Ween what to do - she yawned; turned over and went back to sleep.  She is so smart.  I think I'll follow her example.

New puppies on the farm.  Who knew she was pregnant?  Mommy and babies doing fine.  So is daddy.

Change

The only things we can count on during this life are death and change. I am so glad I have to wait for change sometimes because the new is usually better.

For the last several months, I have been trying to get a "Restricted Rehire" off of my employment record for "D."  I didn't know about it until I was told that was why I wasn't being interviewed.  It was put on by mistake, but it had to go through my manager, casting administration, and labor relations.  I received notice yesterday that it had been removed.  I'm hoping it was in time to qualify for some new positions that have just come open.

D is advertising for Teachers to go to China for several months. That would be a great opportunity for anyone, and I would love to do it. In addition to a salary, they are also providing a place to live and a "stipend" for food.  Who knows?  Anything is possible.

Another item of concern were the expenses that had seemed "insurmountable." God has provided and we are now able to "breathe" a little financially.

My advice - "Stand still and know that I am God."  "All things work together for good to the called according to His purpose."  and, "The Lord is my Shepherd - I shall not want."

YESTERDAY SEEMS SO FAR AWAY

The Carpenters were one of my favorite singing groups, and I guess they still are since I have one of their cds in my car changer.  Their songs were really sad, if you stop and listen to the words but sadder than that are the happenings in their life.  Just like we all experience, things happen - daily.

Spending 7 hrs in the ER yesterday also seems so far away and a basic way of life lately.  Out of the blue, Sat night I starting having what I can only describe as "a type of dizziness," swirling inside me with heat, cold sweats, ending with throwing up.  I can honestly say I've never felt this way before, and I hope I never do again.  The "episodes" continued in quantity and intensity until around 8:30 am yesterday when I yelled for Mock to come help me.  By that time, I couldn't raise my head.  Progression was - he called 911, paramedics were called, was transported to Sand Lake Hospital, not without throwing up on the way, and spent the next few hours learning everything was perfectly normal with all the tests.  The Dr diagnosed "Vertigo" with unknown cause.

This was not just vertigo!!! I've had that before.  This was a whirling, burning inside my whole body that felt like I was going to explode.  His comment was - "Now, logically, you DO know your body can't really explode, don't you?"  (Can we say CONDESCENDING?)

The ending results are that I have to have a follow up with my regular Dr today.  Why? is my question.  If I am only normal, why do I have to spend the time and money to see her?  Probably just CYA, and could it be the $75 they're going to change my insurance to once again tell me I'm normal.  I'd like that in writing, please.  My friends will tend to disagree, I'm sure.

UPDATE:
Went to my own personal Dr today.  She checked all the results and agreed that nothing was showing up as being wrong.  I DID find out I've been diagnosed a Diabetic.  I did not remember that.  It was Mayo's diagnosis.  This is even more important that I get the weight off.  Yesterday's sugar level was 120; not bad but the weight MUST COME OFF.  Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work I go.

UPDATE TO UPDATE:
Diagnosis - Possible "ASPARTAME" poisoning; too much sweetener in my system.  Who knew?  I am in the process of detoxing and will keep you updated.

Once a Week, Go Greek

Yesterday was very productive for me - up early, signed refinance papers on car, got gas, had car washed, made several calls, paid rent, phone bill, and sundry other chores I had pending; all before 11:00.  Whew!  I was tired.

Mock said I had been such a good "doobie" that I deserved a reward and suggested we try a new place for lunch.  If you know me, I have a lot of opinions.  With restaurants, I have #1 places and all others are 2nd best.  This is very true with my Greek food.  There is NO better place to eat than Tarpon Springs, Florida if you want to "go Greek."  My personal favorite is Platkas on the "main drag."  NO ONE MAKES BETTER GYROS (Yearos)  They just nail it as far as I'm concerned.  But, never let it be said I'm not willing to "try" another place.

Maria, one of my O'town Greek friends, suggested a new restaurant in St Cloud that I just "HAD" to visit.  I am multicultural, so I try all the ethnic foods I can get my mouth on, and she knows this.  Being Greek, I just knew she had found me a closer restaurant to visit.  (Maybe, or maybe not)

It is a little hole-in-the-wall place, which is not necessarily a bad thing.  They're just starting out and I can live with that.  They only serve Pepsi products - Strike 1.  We had to "walk up" to make our order - Strike 2.  And, their Tzaszeki Sauce was too thin and lacked taste - Strike 3.  Not enough meat - Strike 4, but salad parts were okay.  I guess what I'm saying is - Go to Tarpon.  Only place to get good Greek food, in my humble opinion.  Plus, lots of atmosphere and desserts galore.  Yum.  Can't wait to go again.

Again, with the Questions

Don't ask me why, but I had occasion to visit "Orange County" Courthouse this week.  What an experience!!! Chaos and confusion were the first two words that came to mind.  It is a number system, but the numbers were not called in any order nor were all the walk up windows open even though the whole room was full to overflowing.  Employees were standing around. (Probably holding down the floor).  Why does this have to be this way?

Osceola County Courthouse, on the other hand, is organized, employees actually helping the people who are there for various sundry reasons, and I have never been there more than 15 minutes.

Why the difference?  Who can say.  I just think Orange can take lessons from Osceola on "How To".  I'm grateful I don't have to go to either one very often.

Another question I have this week is "Why are some tax payments done quicker than others?"  Why can't we just use the system of "Levels of Taxes?"  $20,000 and under - don't pay taxes; $20,000 - $60,000 pay so much; and so on.  That would eliminate so much hassle and confusion.  If you make a lot of money, you pay a lot of taxes.  But no.  That isn't the way.  In fact, the people who get crunched are the "Middle Class."   Why can the rich get out of paying taxes, when they obviously are the ones who can afford to do so?

Every day I am amazed at the number of people who can't possibly do their job and yet, there they are and I have to deal with them.  Is it just me, or is this world upside down in it's abilities and work force?  I've applied for a job that I did for 2 1/2 years, and yet they prefer to hire someone who has no experience.  I always got good reviews and received several awards for my work.  I just don't understand things some times.  (So many questions; so little time).

God is holding out on me again.

Garth Brooks

Only in the last 10 or 12 years have I started listening to country-western music.  It says it all, doesn't it!  I like Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Were Dying," Willie Nelson's "On The Road Again," and Terri Clark's "Just Want To Be Mad For A While."  Right now, though, I can really relate to Garth Brooks.

Talking to God is my mode of living.  Not just lately but for many years.  It has seemed as if I've been stopped from going forward with plans that I have had or programs I have had in my mind.  ALL are legitimate good ideas and yet, I'm going (As my mother would have said) NO WHERE FAST.  In Garth's song, he meets an old girlfriend that he had prayed to marry.  Obviously she has not "aged" well and he is grateful to God for "NOT" answering his prayers when he was in high school.  That is something I haven't done lately.  I have not been grateful for "Unanswered Prayers."  I have only been looking at what didn't happen.

Even though I haven't met her yet, my loan officer, Cynthia, just made my life easier.  I traded my car about a year ago to a very expensive gas guzzler that I could afford then.  "It seemed like a good idea at the time."  Not working and having to move, no husband backup, and, medical bills piling up, I have been financially challenged, for over a year.  It's not easy to "juggle" finances; to keep everyone paid. At least I have had friends, family, and resources to cover most everything.  My last hurdle was my car and a cc that I "FOOLISHLY" used to cover other expenses.  As our Pastor is preaching this month, "OH WHAT A MESS."  Cynthia has just combined all the loans into one that is actually less than that of my car payment.  I can breathe a little easier now.

"Sometimes, I thank God, for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talking to the man upstairs
Just because He doesn't answer, doesn't mean He don't care
Some of God greatest gifts, are unanswered prayers."

Amen.  And, thanks Garth.

HEART HEART HEART

Yesterday was probably the first Feb 14 that I didn't receive flowers. (Sad, huh?)   My current husband says he wants to stay married.  My question to him is "WHY?"  There is no response.

The only special days of the year, to me besides Christmas and Easter, are birthdays.  I truly believe if a spouse treats you with respect and love the other 365 days of the year, Valentines Day is not all that special.  It is only one day that you "HAVE" to say I love you.  Should you need a reminder to say it or be nice to another person?  I don't think so.

My roommate gave me chocolate kisses and cookies.  (He knows me).  And, I received several texts from friends.  That's more than enough recognition for February 14.  What about the rest of the year?

My friends, Kris and Melissa, have the right idea.  They so totally love and respect each other that every day is seen as a gift.

One day I will have that again.  Until then, celebrate each day with kindness, respect and most of all love.  It's amazing how much people need to see and hear this, and it produces wonderful results.

My advice - Open the day and rejoice.

Florida in the Winter

Being a TOTALLY heat and sunshine person, Florida is the perfect place for me.  When I was a kid and lived in the "snowy" part of the USA, I never went out in winter except to go to school.  If I had known about "Home Schooling" I probably would have opted for that.

Personally, I think snow is evil.  People who are on the road a lot seem to become "bumper car" drivers and take on a grimace on their face that freezes until "thaw time" in the Spring.  (Gritting your teeth does not help you drive better.)  Snow makes the beautiful black roads turn into an "ICKY" frozen mess that turns slushy and then back to frozen with little notice.  Inside heat tends to dry out all sorts of things - noses, bread, flowers, and who knows what else. Overloaded trees, who would never think of dropping their branches, give up and crash their body parts onto any object that seems to be in their way.  (It's not pretty.)  And, beautiful green grass goes underground to escape for as long as possible.

None of that happens in the "Sunshine State"- the grass stays green, the trees stay dressed, the black roads shine and welcomes everyone to Florida.  There is no need for turning on your heat with your central a/c system.  I didn't even know my thermostat had a heat setting until my room mate pointed it out to me.

I am currently, as I type, looking out onto my patio, beautiful blue skies with white fluffy clouds blowing by and it makes me smile.  73 degrees and on the way to 81 today.  I love it.

I almost forgot the sunsets.  They can be breathe taking, such as this one I captured just last night.

Ween and I are both enjoying the view.

YEAH TANIA

IVs are highly UNDERRATED!!!  I so recommend them especially when you have been throwing up and had diarrhea for approximately 2 weeks.  I can relate it to a "tune up" that you have for your car. I thought I was going to have to die to feel better.

Tania, my PA that I see regularly, highly suggested it as she diagnosed dehydration.  She also made me aware of many side effects of dehydration - aches, pains, high blood pressure, and continued intestinal problems to name a few.  (No wonder I felt so bad).

Having an IV in my drs office is so much easier than in an ER.  Mock, who has been so much sicker than I have been, was "2 quarts" low, is now feeling much better too.  Earlier in the day, we had been directed by "The Center" to go to an ER for IVs.  When we arrived at a local Emergency Room, they said it would be at least 2 hrs or longer for anyone to see us.  With "sick" people all around us and the way we felt, we left after about 45 minutes.  We went to another ER and they said it would be at least 3 hrs, probably longer.  Needless to say, we went home, called my drs office and got an appointment for the next morning.

It is a shame that with all the technology available in this world, it would take 2-4 hrs to get to see a medical advisor.  At both places, which were full of patients, there was hospital personnel "standing around" with a seemingly indifferent attitude, and almost totally ignoring the people who came to a facility in hopes of getting help. We too experienced a lot of frustration during the experience, but we had options.  What about those who don't?

DIET IS A FOUR-LETTER WORD

Being told as a child I could not use 4-letter words, I have tried to avoid even being in the near vicinity of any with the exceptions of "LOVE" or "FOOD".  Unfortunately, I have become all too acquainted with the word "FOOD".

Since my retirement just about a year ago, I have had very little extra curricular activity AKA 'exercise' or some form thereof. AND, due to the fact that Ween is totally related to me in that there are very few foods we don't like, I am forced to face up to the "BIG D" word - (Diet).

Officially, I don't believe in Diets.  (That's my story and I'm sticking to it).  I don't think they are productive or healthy in the long run.  I do, however, believe in Food Plans and exercise.  That is exactly what I have decided to do.  I have several close friends who have tried to be helpful, and suggested many ways I could go, but I have to find what is right and what works for me.  It is a life-style change - a 24/7 day focus.

I don't have the energy nor the will power to have that kind of focus right, but just cutting down on bread, potatoes, and red-meat is how I'm starting.  I know me.  I don't choose to get rid of them altogether because if I decide to do that, I'll start craving them, and that would defeat the whole purpose.  Starting next Monday though, veggies and fruit only.  THE BIGGEST SACRIFICE IS NO DIET SODA.  We'll see how it goes and how long it lasts.  Hang in there for the updates.