Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Life List...

My dad sent this to me via an email... Its a "life list" - things to remember to make life a little easier, healthier, happier... I really like some of these so wanted to just have it on my blog so I didnt loose it & more importantly, to share :)

So here you go - good reminders for life:

Health:1. Drink plenty of water
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less food
that is manufactured in plants
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy
5. Make time for prayer
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2011
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours
10. Take a 10-30 minutes’ walk every day ---- and while you walk, smile

Personality:11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their
journey is all about
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead
invest your energy in the positive present moment
13. Don't over do ; keep your limits
14. Don't take yourself so seriously ; no one else does
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her
mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems
are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like
algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime
23. Smile and laugh more
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree

Community:
25. Call your family often
26. Each day give something good to others
27. Forgive everyone for everything
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day
30. What other people think of you is none of your business
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and
friends will. Stay in touch

Life:
32. Do the right things
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
34. GOD heals everything
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
37. The best is yet to come
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it

Monday, January 30, 2012

Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup:  A quick look back at what I did, what I learned, what I thought about the weekend:

* I met with my fellow youth leaders Friday at Q'doba for dinner... the funniest part?  As we were leaving, we ended up standing by the front door & someone came in... & did a major, MAJOR trip from getting his foot snagged on the high chairs.  If you dont know anything about me, know that when someone trips, I turn into a 10 yr old.  I had to hide my face so this poor man couldnt see me ready to explode from laughter... if I'm ever in a total depressed state, please someone, just trip in front of me...

* The sky is still blue!! I was beginning to wonder.  Its been hazy, gloomy & yucky here all week.  But the sun shone all weekend & the sky was a beautiful blue. 

*  I got in 4 miles on my run on Saturday.  The neuropathy is still horrid in my feet... but I just press through.  Its weird because it feels like the 3 middle toes are broke & wont bend.  Then the pain will go to the ball of my feet... & then it sorta works out a bit.  Sometimes anyways.  This is really getting on my nerves.

* This is what it looked like the rest of Saturday after I did my run & got my shower... just lounging on the couch.  Well, Buffy was on the couch.  I got to sit on the floor in front of her.  She's a big girl.


* I watched an interesting movie called, "Creation"... it was based on the life of Charles Darwin.  Dont know how accurate it was, but I didnt know he lost a daughter to an illness & he was angry with God about that. Hmm... makes you wonder even more about his theory.  How much anger was instilled in that idea that God wasnt in control?

* Got caught up on my "Project Runway: All Stars"... someone needs to tell Austin Scarlett that the moustache doesnt look right on him.  He looks like a 14 yr old boy who's trying to grow facial hair.  Doesnt work.  But this is the same guy who wears bolero hats. 

*  See this blanket?  Its a baby blanket & its taking me forever to get it finished.  My bicep tendonitis is in full force again so I can only do 2 rows & then I'm in serious pain.  Thank goodness I'm not making this for any baby in particular or they may be in college by the time I finish it.


(Its a totally rad 80's baby blanket)

*  2 bags of dog food for our fur-babies = $82.00 - OUCH!

*  Our Worship Minister's last day was Sunday... Ricky & I are a tad depressed about it & heart broken to see him go.  (Cue someone to trip in front of me please)  He does have a wonderful opportunity though & glad to see him happy in his new career... I told him though, "What's going to happen to us when we clap on the 1 - 3 beat.. or even worse, a 2 -3 beat... WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN?"... the guilt didnt make him stay though.

*  Someone posted this picture on Facebook this weekend.  That's Ricky & his sister in the crowd.  Isnt he A-DOR-ABLE?  I told him, I think this is the first time I've seen him with short hair :)  He said just looking at this brings back all the memories of being a kid.  Memories are an amazing gift to have, arent they?



Here's to a Wonderful week that lays ahead!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Friday Fragments

Mommy's Idea

Oh.my.word.... this week has been long.

No joke... when it was Tuesday, I thought it should already be Friday... time is such a weird thing.  Anyways, I've made it - its REALLY Friday.  So let's get to business & frag the day away.

*****
Health Update:  I'm still having good days/bad days with the numb hands & feet... but the 'down' days dont seem to be as bad.  Maybe I'm just getting used to it?  The numbness does tend to drive me a little crazy, but I'm just trying to just get used to it. People live with worse - right?... Countdown to see the neurologist is 20 days

But can I tell you how aggravated I am with this doctor... who I will never go back to in my life... I called & asked if there was anything I could do about the numb feet/hands.  After talking with the nurse, TWICE, because she was clueless & was talking in circles, they called me back again & said, "You should take Benedryl" - HUH?  Why?  The nurse said, "The doctor said it would help with you being wired"... SAY WHAT?  Not one time have I ever mentioned feeling "wired"... not one time have I ever FELT wired.  I just politely said, "Thank you" & hung up... when I really wanted to say, "you all are the worse doctor's office I've ever been to in my life"... my momma raised a polite gal.  Except my momma wanted to call & ream them too. :)

*****

MORE Health update:  My tendonitis is in high gear again too.  Nope - it never ruptured.... sigh...

I've been reading up on surgery for it.  Doesnt sound too good. They say its very painful, the physical therapy afterwards is horrible & in the end, it MAY NOT HELP. Geez...I'll deal with this after I get feeling back in my hands & feet...
*****
Anyone else sad about the news of Picnik shutting down? 
It's made me glad I forced myself to learn Photoshop, but the convenience of Picnik was so nice... any other good online editing sites you like?

*****
Can I ask what the big deal was with Steven Tyler singing the National Anthem?  I know it wasnt awesome... but was it THAT bad?  Doesnt everyone know he has a screech scream on a normal day anyways?  And I kept hearing "WORSE ANTHEM EVER"... do people need a reminder of Rosanne Barr grabbing herself, while spitting, singing it?

Steven Tyler is the only man I know that can pull off some funky hats

*****

So I heard the President gave a speech?  State of the Union?  ... I chose to watch "Dance Moms" instead...

Dancing makes me happy... the state of where our country is at?  Not so much

*****

I did a 2nd attempt in placing a cover on my Kindle Touch.  Let's just say, Fingerprints/Bubbles = 2, Rebecca = 0  ... I end up pulling it off, screaming, & then wading it into a sticky ball.

*****
Remember when my last half marathon, I injured my knee 2 weeks before the race?  Guess what?  My step-daughter, Julie, is running her first half marathon in 2 weeks.  And guess what?  She INJURED herself!  She pulled her hip flexor. OUCH!  So can you send her well wishes?  She's been going to a chiropractor, got some KT Tape & some suppplements to help & she's still planning on going for it in the race.  She's in such good shape that I told her to take these next 2 weeks off & heal up... & then cross that finish line! :)

Be warned:  in training - 2 weeks before your race, it must be the time you're body says, "nope - I dont want to do this thing"

(Julie at her 10K this past October)
*****
Spat of the week:  CD's & iPods.... I got Ricky an iPod for Christmas.  Or as he calls it, "a little jukebox".  I tell him to stop calling it that, because that shows his age & makes him sound like he's going to a sock-hop.  But Ricky has had a great time of loading up his songs on it... except its gonna be the death of me.  He is going through all our CD's & downloading them onto the computer.  Problem with that?  The CD's then lay on the bed - or at night, get thrown on the floor, or put on the dresser.  Not back IN the CD holder.  I took him the CD case & told him to take the CD out, download it & then put it back before he takes another one out.  So what did I see last night?  The case laying on the floor with 10 CD's scattered on top of it.  My "Walk to Remember" Soundtrack CD was in the middle of the pile... I told him if my CD's get scratched up, I'm scratching his eyeballs.  Again, its the sweet words I use that communicate what I really mean... I love you...

*****
I think Bob on "The Biggest Loser" has met his match... Dolvett. 

And by 'met his match' - I mean, CUTIE PATOODY!!!!

Any other Dolvett fans?

*****

And this is why I can blog....
*****

Hope you all have a Fantastic Friday!!!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Hodgepodge


Its been a busy, hectic week, so to let my brain rest, I'm joining Joyce in the Wednesday Hodgepodge... you can click the button above & join in too... its the cool thing to do.

1. The NFL playoffs were held this past weekend and this year's Superbowl will feature the New York Giants versus The New England Patriots. How do you define 'patriot'?
Wait... the SuperBowl already has its teams?  I had no idea... so am I the opposite definition of a patriot? Someone who's all about their country? Isnt that America's past time? ... or is that baseball?  See - the talk of sports has my brain all in a tizzy... let's just move on.

2. What's something in your life right now that feels like a 'giant'?

My laundry pile

3. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to being 18?

Feeling so grown up, but still not knowing a thing... maybe that's why when people ask me what age I'm in, I always want to say 18...

4. Coconut-mashed potatoes-vanilla ice cream-mayonnaise...which white food would be the hardest to give up?
 
This question would literally make my husband throw up.  He hates "white stuff".  Its OK - I have many food quirks of my own, so I dont judge.  My "white food" I cant give up? Vanilla frosting... by far...
 
5. Describe an incident or a day you remember as being the coldest you've ever experienced.

Anytime I get out of the shower during the months of November through March... is there ANYTHING colder then that? Especially with wet hair...

6. You're hosting a brunch....what's your favorite dish to prepare and serve?

I'd prepare gift certificates to Cracker Barrell...

7. How do you combat negative thinking?

I combat everything with my quick, ninja-like skills... or humor... whichever works best in the right situation.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have a lavender boom box in my office... totally rad...


Monday, January 23, 2012

Worries...

Y'all know I love to knit...

Well, I did before my I got the bicep tendonitis in my arm....

My love for knitting is still there, its just painful now.

(Dang... I really AM falling apart...)

I have been trying to knit things that are "light"... things that dont get too much weigh on them.

Like this blanket.  Its a perfect example of something that is NOT light to knit.

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest


When you start off, its just a few rows of yarn...

Not a problem to hold... easy to carry... easy on the hands & arms.

but then you keep at it & work on it & then it gets bigger & bigger...

... & heavier & heavier...

With all my aches & pains & misery & questions I've been going through lately with my hands & feet, I've been adding worry & worry & more worry to my life.

Its just like that heavy knitting needle...

We do that, dont we?  Add the worries on without even thinking about it.  Piling them on... not making the load lighter.

But I have to remember who our God is.

He's the one who is strong enough to toss a mountain like a pebble... He's bigger then the universe.  So we can rest our cares & worries upon His shoulders, cant we?

God knows we collect our worries in our lives... & how heavy they can get.  Most of the time, the weight isnt even our own worries - we add some that arent even ours to bear. 

These anxiesties & worries sap our energy... take away the joy that is in our lives...

So I'm reminding myself... & you... that God has everything under control.  He wants to lighten our load... He wants us to give Him our worries.  He'll exchange it for His peace...

... & in the end, we can enjoy the beautiful creation of life that He has knitted for us...

(You totally knew I had to throw in my blog title here) ;)

Give your entire attention to what God is doing RIGHT NOW & dont worry about what may or may not happen tomorrow.  God will help you with the hard things when they come.
-Matthew 6:34


Weekend Roundup

What I learned, did, saw or thought about the weekend:

*Merlin is back on for another season... I am kinda obsessed with anything involving King Arthur.  Anyone remember the mini-series on TV that was called Merlin as well?  Martin Short was in it... I loved it.  First Knight with Richard Gere?  Still watch it everytime its on... I do love this series though.

*Watched Burlesque ... it was corny... but I love a movie that has singing & dancing.  And man, oh man!  Christina Aguilera has changed over the past few years, hasnt she?  She looks like a baby in that movie. 

*One of the youth kiddos asked me, "Who is Billy Graham?" ... I was shocked... wonder who will be this next's generation's Billy Graham?  Anyone?

*Since giving up Diet Coke, I'm now addicted to tea.  I went a few weeks ago to Sam's Club & got a couple of these pitchers.  I have to have 2 pitchers at all time in the fridge.  This weekend, I think I made tea about 8 times.... trading one addiction for another one.


*I'm thinking this steroid is just gonna come & go... I was feeling better last week. Friday, I bombed out again. My feet were horrible & I felt achy & weak all over again on Saturday. Not to the extreme I was before - but it was bad. Just hoping these ups & downs just get further & further apart & the downs arent as DOWN... this is getting old.

*Because of the way I felt Saturday... I didnt even get out of my PJ's except only to take a bath...

*This little man was my snuggle buddy all weekend too... he's probably the only one who's happy when I'm not feeling good, because that means laying on a couch & holding him all... day.... long.


*I attempted 2 new dishes.  Black Bean Soup in my crockpot ... which was a SUCCESS!! And cornbread... which was an utter failure.  It tasted weird.  Like there was too much flour?  Or baking powder?  Now I'm on a mission to make good cornbread.

*Sunday, we watched Soul Surfer.. EXCELLENT movie!  I told Ricky that if one of the kids in my youth group have a movie made of their life, I want Carrie Underwood to portray me as their youth leader as well.  Just dye her hair red.  Or just go with Emma Stone since she's already a red head.

*I got to get caught up on Parks & Recreation on my DVR.  Did anyone else see the one where they had to walk across the ice to get to the stage?  I literally laughed so hard, I had tears rolling down my cheeks.  There are so many good comedies on now.  Laughter IS the best medicine!

*Yes, I realize my whole weekend revolved around TV, movies & my DVR... I was sick & that was the only energy I could exhert... my eyes focusing on the boob-tube.

*I also just realized I'm probably going to get weird traffic to my blog because I now have the word "boob-tube" here.

Here's to a new week... hope your weekends were entertaining...

Friday, January 20, 2012

Mommy's Idea


Friday... Finally...

I thought the week was going by pretty fast, until everyone around me started saying around Wednesday how slow the week was going... that put the brakes on my week.  Thursday lasted forever & now we're here... let's hope today flies by... get to that weekend!  Until 3:00 comes, let's frag...
*****

What the heck time of year is this?  January?  Then can someone tell me why we just had "Day O' Tornado" this week?  Seriously!  We had, last I saw, confirmed 5 tornadoes on Tuesday & the count was going up.  They were dropping everywhere!  We sat by the window at work (yeah, I know... smart) & watched power lines popping & flashing electricity & our big work trucks literally rocking so much, we thought they would topple over!  There was a semi that was THROWN off the expressway onto its side... what in the world?  Tornadoes.... January..... the world is having some major hormone issues.

*****
I am in awe of this SOPA thing.  I didnt really understand it.  Its the small thing that make me feel stupid in life... but the lovely host of Friday Fragments had a link up that explained it the best to me... here's the link: http://bandbacktogether.com/post/2490/

How in the world can we live in the United States of America & they censor the internet... really?  That just blows my mind.  It'll be a sad day when no one can blog anymore.... or I cant watch YouTube videos... or stalk people on Twitter and/or Facebook.  Sad indeed.

The only benefit of this will be, it may make me stop looking up every ache & pain on Google & discovering that I've got a horrible disease & will die in a few months.

*****

American Idol is back.... Stephen Tyler is still just adorable.  After 2 shows, I have two favorites.  One, being the Kentucky girl that sang "Country Strong" (WORST MOVIE EVER!!!!) & the guy that sang the theme song to "Family Matters"... when he said he was singing that. I was like, do what?  But he was fantastic!    Any favs you like from the beginning?

Ricky's favorite was the little boy that kicked off the show that sang the Michael Jackson song.  I will say, Ricky, every year has picked the top 5 people from the auditions every year... that just irks me...

*****

As of today, I feel like I'm 65% back to normal... which is good, because I was feeling like I was never going to feel right again.  I think now, whenever a doctor recommends a steroid, I may have a freak out...

I have to get back to 100% by Monday.... hear that body?... but its the start of my training for my next half marathon.  14 weeks... time to kick it in gear again.

AWESOME RUNNING SIGN!!! :)

*****

So have you gone to see Beauty & the Beast in 3D yet?  Its A-MAZ-ING!!!!  Ricky & I took my twin nieces... they are 7 years old & could really care less about it.  I'm sitting there singing & dancing & they just look at me like I lost my mind.  Ricky?  He didnt pay me any attention... he was used to it...

There was a little girl in the theater who wore her Belle dress.  I looked at Ricky & said, "SEE!!!! I should have worn mine"... Ricky said, "Um... I think it woulda looked a little different with a 40 year old verses a 4 year old".... I still think I could have pulled it off.

*****

I love this...

good to remember

Source: google.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

*****

SPAT OF THE WEEK:  Talking at inappropriate times... Honestly, we still havent had a lot of "spats" this week.  (What IS going on? ... weird...)  but I did notice something this week that made me laugh, in a "that's messed up" sense of the word.  Everytime I remember to tell something to Ricky that I've been thinking of all day, I'll get a "Shhhh" & a finger pointing in the air.  Only to see that the news station is talking about a basketball game, or some score of something is on.  So then Ricky gets upset with me when he goes to tell me something & I'm like "SSSHHHHHH" & hold up my finger when I have to see the latest on Kim Kardashian for the day... because you KNOW, everyday something changes with her.  What?  Its important....

The best thing?  When we both are ready to hear what the other has to say & we're like "What were you going to say?"... we've both forgotten what was so important in the first place... oh well...

*****

Hope you all have a fantastic Friday!!!

Come on weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

My first Eggplant dinner

So far, I've enjoyed my New Years Resolution of making 2 - 3 Vegetarian/Vegan meals a week...

I have been a member of E-Mealz for awhile but changed my plan to the Vegetarian Meal plan.

That's where I got this goodie... Easy Eggplant Dish


(Yes, Kroger gets 80% of my paycheck)
 I have never even ATE an eggplant before so this was exciting. 

Going in the store, I was shocked to see there were only 5 eggplants to choice from & 3 of them werent looking good at all... later did I find out that eggplant is out of season.  I didnt even know that much.

Here are the ingredients:

3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 t onion powder
1 1/2 c tomato sauce
dash of garlic powder
2 eggplants... sliced thin


Look at my new cutting board... I'm in Looovvveeeeee
I was excited to cut into these babies... have never seen the inside of one.

And I got to put my new cutting board to use. 

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400. 

In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal & onion powder together.  Place tomato sauce & garlic powder into a larger bowl.  Dip eggplant slices into tomato sauce, coating well.  Then coat with the cornmeal.  Place slices on shallow cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick spray.

Heavily drizzle sices with olive oil.

Bake for 20-25 minutes




Here is a picture of them all coated & ready to go in the oven.

I will say, I didnt drizzle "heavily" & they turned out alright.  The coating wasnt as baked where the oil didnt hit, but it still tasted just fine.

And here is the finished product.

You can see the one in the back is more "drizzled" so its darker.  Again, the taste was just fine, but the oil covered ones were just more flavorful, I guess... they were more crispy too...

I'll have to play with the "drizzle"... maybe find a spray bottle & find a way to spray them evenly with the oil.



I paired it up with some steamed veggies & some garlic bread... & it was perfection.

I will definitely be making this again.

The eggplant with the tomato coating though tasted like it would be perfect with pasta though.  Ricky agreed so I know next time I make it, it'll be on a heaping pile of wheat pasta... & I'll be keeping that garlic bread with it...

Let me know your favorite dish with eggplant... I'm anxious to find some new ideas to make with it.


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

My Kindle will keep me healthy...

I never knew I could love my Kindle so much....

As a reader, I dont know why I waited so long to get one.

But I've mentioned how hard it was for me to find a cover. Well, I ended up with two this weekend.

I found one I liked ...

Its kinda thick - makes it look like a real book...

but I like its really padded.  Like it would really protect it if I dropped it...


You'd think I'd be happy...

but then I found another one I like

this one is MUCH thinner... & I like how the cover folds completely back & lays down like its not covered at all....


See how thin?  It fits perfectly in my purse now...

but the back is a plastic container covered in leather, so if I drop it, this baby isnt helping to protect in any way.

And THEN...

I got a screen protector.

GEEZ!!!!! It was $25.00... & I open it up to see there is only one screen cover in there.  $25.00 for ONE.

I knew I had to get it right the first time. 

Having put screen protectors on my iPod, I knew the odds of messing up were great.

So I lay it down & of course, there are bubbles... but it came with a tool to help smooth out the bubbles...

nope - didnt work.

I ended up pulling it back & trying again...

more bubbles...

this happened like 5 times...

when I laid it down again & then found it had a black spot on the back side of the screen.

DANG IT!!!! I peel it off again & try to remove the black dot...

only to have it SMEAR across the screen protector...

noticeable?  OH yeah.... there is now a black smudge down the whole thing.

I think it was a bug that got caught up in the Kindle madness & died an unnecessary death

So needless to say, I just ripped it off & threw it away.

So much for that $25.00

I guess I'll just keep my hand santizer next to me (like I do anyways) & make sure my fingers are always clean before I use my Kindle...

Look at that!  My Kindle is going to keep me germ-free & more healthy!

I did read that the screen covers put a glare anyways... so alls well that ends well...

except that I coulda used that $25.00 for a few download books :)

All in all - I've spent more on accessories then what the Kindle actually cost...

Amazon is smart like that...

So which cover do you like?  I'm still debating on whether to keep my purple one or take it back...


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Dying, Jesus & Heaven... from a child's view

My cousin sent this to me in an email & I have watched it over & over...

I know, its a little long, but its one of those videos that go by so fast...

& will touch your heart.

This young man knew he was going to die soon & they talked to him about Jesus & his views on Heaven...

mercy, the faith of a child is something, isnt it?




Monday, January 16, 2012

Your Yes

Today, just a simple message..

but I think it says alot.

Our Youth Minister taught the class yesterday & said something in the middle that really stood out to me:

"For every 'yes' you say, you say 'no' to something else"

That really stood out to me.

I know a lot of you are busy... heck, who isnt?

So remember that simple sentence.  It really makes your 'yes' more valuable.  Because what are you saying 'no' to then?  Friends?  Family?  Things that need your attention more?

... what are you saying YES to? 

More importantly, what are you saying NO to?


Friday, January 13, 2012

Friday Fragments


Mommy's Idea

Friday.. more like FRIGID FRIDAY!!!!  BRRR!!!!!  I guess we cant complain.  Its been in the 50's here for weeks.  But when the temps drop, that makes it feel even colder.  The only good thing?  We're not that far out from Spring.  I'm ever the optimist.  While I'm thawing out from the cold morning, let's frag...

******
So today is THE day... Beauty & the Beast... back in theaters... in 3D!!!!! I'm so giddy about it!  Feels like I'm back in 1991.  When it was in the theaters in 1991, I think I saw it on the big screen at least half a dozen times.  Wonder how many times I'll check it out in 2012?  I'm kinda nervous though because I havent seen a 3D movie since....oh... I dont know... that's how long its been.  I know I saw "A Bug's Life" in Disney World with that 3D thing... & its only 5 minutes long... & I got SICK!!!  I get such motion sickness - I'm hoping that I can survive the motion of 3D & just feel like I'm IN the movie....

I have been so tempted to wear my Belle Gold Gown to the theater.  I think it would embarass my nieces more then Ricky though... so maybe not.... that's OK. I have tons of Beauty & the Beast, Belle, Beast t-shirts/sweat shirts so I'll still represent the crazed fan.

*****

Update on how I'm feeling:  Well, my hands are still tingly... the right arm & shoulder down to my hands feel like it is asleep... the bottoms of my feet keep going numb & burning.... I keep getting "waves" of the steroid kicking in.  I'll feel my head get fuzzy feeling & then its like a disconnect feeling & then a roid rage.  So yeah... I'm still pretty miserable.  Add in the shoulder problems that are still the same... My body waited until that magical of 40 to fall apart, didnt it?  I do have an appointment with a neurologist but the earliest they can get me in?  5 weeks... I guess I should be happy with that.  I've heard of worse.

Thanks for the prayers & encouragement... keep those prayers lifted for me.... I need it - I'm a whiney person when I'm not feeling good.

******
This past weekend, guess what happened... Our youngest grandbaby had a birthday!  He turned 2!!!! TWO!!!! Wow... I can remember Julie telling us she was pregnant with that 2nd one... & now he's 2.  Amazing!  I have to say - we didnt think there could be anything cuter then Isaac... & then Luke was born... & mercy me!  That boy's smile just makes me happy.  He's the cutest little dude ever!!!  Tied with his brother... of course.



******

Got in the mail from Netflix yesterday, "Soul Surfer" & "Bridesmaids"... I'm not sure which one to watch first... I have a feeling I'll be laughing super hard at one, while crying my eyes out in the other. 

******

I have to say, I'm excited about Ricky Gervais hosting the Golden Globes this weekend.  I thought he was hilarious the first time he did it.  Thought it was so funny how sensitive these people are that make MILLIONS of dollars for the work they do.  When he got so much flack & then 'banned' from the show, I thought it was ridiculous.  So I think its even funnier that they've asked him back, knowing he's going to be even harder on the people.  I love that he even admits, "This is a room full of the most privileged people in the world & they cant take a joke"... go get 'em Ricky!  The star that can handle the jokes the best - those are the people I applaud!

******
I am so in love with my Kindle... but am going crazy because I cant find a cover for it.  Every store has been sold out of them since Christmas... HELLO!!! Christmas was how many weeks ago?  I cant believe stores arent stocked back up on them.  I have been putting off ordering one off of Amazon because I like to touch & feel the cover myself... but I'm getting desperate.

******
Tell me I'm not the only one that things this is true....

******

SPAT OF THE WEEK:  ....crickets...chirp... chirp...
.....
.....
I have to say, I cant honestly think of anything we've spatted about. What is wrong with THIS picture?  I said it earlier this week - I've got to give it to Ricky - he's been so good at taking care of me while I havent felt good lately.  He hasnt even complained about all the vegan meals I've been cooking... or laundry not being done... or having to feed the dogs...
.... believe me people, this will probably change soon... so take this moment in today & sit in silence & appreciate it... because I do :) 

*****
Hope you all have a FANTASTIC Friday .... & get out there & see Beauty & the Beast!  Know I'm sitting in a theater, singing along... out loud... with the movie myself :)


Thursday, January 12, 2012

My New Years Resolution...

Most of you know - I gave up eating meat last year...

& by meat, I've not eaten, as I call it, anything with 4 legs... I do eat a bit of chicken... but that's even been cut back drasicially

I cant believe its been a year...

Why did I do it?  For a couple of reasons.  First & foremost - I saw how they slaughter a cow.  Seeing that disturbed me that much.  Plus, hearing everything that red meat, specifically, can do to your system - that bothered me too.  Especially having a father who had a run in with colon cancer.

I've not missed beef and pork one bit...

I watched "Food Matters" awhile back & that documentary stuck with me...

There is another one out - its called "Forks over Knives"... its on Netflix... if you havent seen it - PLEASE watch it.

The info in it will blow you away. 

The facts, figures, proof that our diet can control so many things that we dont even realize.

But what I've discovered?  People get touchy about the idea of giving up meat & dairy... They get defensive & angry about it.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe its like trying to take a toy away from a child... its what they know & love & they dont want to give it up.

I definitely would never push anything on anyone...

but I do challenge everyone to watch this documentary & tell me it doesnt make you want to change.

So this year, my resolution has been to make at least 2 - trying for 3 - Vegan meals a week.

So far... its been pretty good.  Ricky has actually enjoyed it - even asked me last night to make the Spinach & Mushroom Quesadillas.  Tonight? I'm frying up Eggplant in Coconut Oil with a tomato based breading :)

Honestly - I ask you to look into it because I think that's the thing - we dont know any better.  Our country is so used to what we know, what we eat... but when you hear of whole countries that eat basically plant-based foods & their count for prostate cancer is 19.... 19!!!! ... for the whole country... that's got to tell you something.  Especially when the US was like 500,000 for the year...

This little fact blew me away too:

"Humans have no nutritional need for cow's milk.  Cow's milk is designed to provide a baby calf with adequate nutrients to grow from 70 lbs to about 1,000 lbs in one year.  And, it contains casomorphins, addictive compounds similar to morphine, to ensure that the calf will stay near its mother, safely nursing & growing.  Casomorphins are addictive for humans as well, which can make giving up dairy a challenge"

Its just drilled in our heads that we need dairy for calcium... we need meat for protein... but we don't... plant based foods have those nutrients, even more so.

And no... I'm not turning all hippy & writing to PETA to be their number one fan.  For me, this is about health

Anyone else willing to try just a few nights a week of vegan?

Check out the trailer to the documentary... & let me know if you've seen it & what you think.  This stuff just needs to be talked about more... knowledge is power...



Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Run & Hide...

Every day when I come home from work, I have a habit of looking out in the back yard.

Why?

Because we have four dogs... & a doggie door.

Which means, every day, there is something out in that yard that shouldnt be.

It's most likely a pair of socks, a tennis shoe, or the clothes either I or Ricky slept in the night before.  It's also never an odd thing for a pair of our underwear to be out there too... Thank God for high fences so our neighbors dont have to be victim of those daily back yard viewings. 

I'd also like to see how the dogs get full pairs of jeans out in the yard... that's gotta be a pretty hard struggle... but its possible.

Its funny though because the dogs know when they're taking something they REALLY shouldnt take... the sweater that is folded on my chair... or the knee brace that Ricky wears to work... even better? the hair clips I use to hold my hair back when I straighten my hair...

They know when they are doing wrong...

When I go to the window, they will seriously all sit by me as I'm scanning the backyard...

& if they hear me say, "What is that?" - they will run & hide. 

All except for Buffy who knows you're going to go outside to get it & its the perfect opportunity to throw a ball... that's a labrador retriever for you.

The other 3?  They're scattered... one will run into the closet - another will go downstairs... & Zoe is the luckiest, she can fit under the bed where she crawls to the middle where you cant reach her.

Its just crazy to me how we all have that instinct to run & hide when we mess up, dont we?  We know we screw up & sometimes, instead of owning up to it, we just want to run into a closet, or down in a basement... or even better, in a tight spot where no one can reach you.

Made me think of the story of Adam & Eve... where they know they messed up & what did they do?  Tried to get under a bed where they could hide...

...didnt work...

God knew where they were... just as He knows where we are, even after we mess up...

which is a good thing really... He still cares to know where we are AFTER we mess up..

So just a thought for you today... remember in life, we're going to mess up... we're not perfect.  But God is always going to seek us.  He's never go to let us go off to that place of hiding & stay there afraid that He doesnt care anymore...

Nope... He's going to come find us & tell us that He still loves us...

....even when we pull underwear in the back yard

"Then the man & his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, & they hid from the Lord God amond the trees of the garden. 
 But the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?"
He answered, "I heard you in the garden & I was afraid because I was naked... so I hid"
-Genesis 3:8-10

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

games make everything better...

I have to give credit where credit is due...

I have a pretty awesome hubby.

While I've not been feeling well this past week, he's been on the ball.  Maybe not keeping our house clean & doing all the dishes, but he's been so attentive... getting me whatever I need, making sure I'm comfortable, feeding the dogs (which is a job when you have 4 dogs, let me tell you)

... he knows too that for me, my big stress relievers are running & knitting...

well, when your feet are numb & your hands feel like they are covered with band-aids, that throws out my 2 stress relievers...

so what have we been doing?

GAMES!!!!!

I was raised a "game player"

My mom always was playing games with us growing up.  Any card game?  Got it down.  Trivia games?  I'm the master of any useless information!  Word games?  My speciality...

Ricky's not a huge game player... I think because he's so dang competitive.  He doesnt care if you feel bad... if he looses, you WILL play another game.

Our game of choice this week?  Skip-Bo



I've never played it before this week.  But we read the directions... & then to make sure we understand, looked it up online.  Did you know you can find YouTube videos on pretty much everything.  Its always better to see things actually worked out in front of you sometimes.

I actually prefer "Double Solitaire"... but Ricky likes Skip-Bo... & I'll take anything that makes us laugh & takes our minds off the the stressful things of life.

Are you game players?  Got any suggestions for good games that 2 people can play?

And for the record... Ricky will never ever play me in Scrabble... but I'll never ever play him in chess... we know what lines are safer not to cross :)

Monday, January 09, 2012

pretty sure this is what dying feels like....

I know I've been MIA the past few days...

I've not had a good week.

Let me give you a quick update without being too boring...

I think I've never felt so close to dying in my life as the past week... & still ongoing actually...

sound like fun?

Yeah... sounds as much fun as its felt.

It started last week.  I went to the doctor because my left hand was feeling numb.  Like a pinched nerve or something, but wanted to make sure it was OK.  Especially because I looked on Google & read if its the outer 2 fingers, then it could be heart related, or a stroke waiting to happen... or carpal tunnel... but you know how it goes when you read the internet.  Its gloom & doom... better to be safe then sorry, so made the appointment.

The doctor said she thought it could be carpal tunnel... sigh of relief... but she gave me a steroid pack to help with the inflammation in my hand.  She even said it would probably help with my shoulder - DOUBLE BONUS... or so I thought...

I started taking the medicine on New Years Eve... a week ago.  That day, I ran 6 miles - felt great... no problem

I should have known how strong the medicine was right then because that same night, I couldnt sleep.  Insomnia is a side effect of the medicine.  I literally got 2 hours of sleep... felt jittery... felt weird.

But I kept taking it. 

Sunday & Monday, I felt a little odd, but I know I dont tolerate medicine well & just kept on with life.

Tuesday.... the rug was pulled out from underneath of me...

I came to work & walked up the steps to get to my office. WOOOOWWW - what happened to my legs?  They felt so weak... my body started feeling horrible.  My brain felt strange... like I couldnt focus on anything & I could pass out any minute.  It was the weirdest sensation ever...but stupid me.. I kept taking the medicine.

Wednesday... Give me strength Lord... everything kept getting worse.  I was on a downward slope to feeling 100% poopy.  Then I didnt know what to do about the medicine.  Everything I read kept telling me, DO NOT STOP TAKING A STEROID PACK or you'll have extreme effects.  But I was already feeling "extreme effects"...

I called the doctor who wasnt too friendly when she said, "If you cant tolerate it, just stop it then"... but wait?  I thought you shouldnt just stop?  I thought you had to wean off? ... "If you CANT TOLERATE it, then STOP it"... nice bed side manner there doc...

so I stop

Holy cow... break open the gates of hell on earth...

Thursday, I literally couldnt put my brain in a straight thought... And I literally couldnt walk a straight LINE... dizzy, feeling "off", & then the kicker... I lost all feelings in my hands & feet.  Ever try to walk with no feeling in your feet?  Its not fun... ever try to do ANYTHING with no feelings in your hands?  Not fun either...

on top of that, my face started going numb... couldnt feel my cheeks... my face kept feeling cold.  I was having a bit of this sensation before the medicine, but now?  Oh forget about it... it was bizzaro world.

The doctor sent me to the ER to have an MRI done....

I asked why & she said she wanted to make sure I wasnt havent strokes or had a brain tumor....

WHAT???????????  A STROKE?????????????  BRAIN TUMOR?????????????

This is what 40 feels like?

They did the MRI & sent me home...

I wake up on Friday feeling even WORSE!  How is that possible, I dont know?  I would go to bed thinking, I'll feel better in the morning, only to wake up & feel LESS of my body. 

Friday, I couldnt even stand up... my body hurt so bad that I couldnt even touch my skin.  A bath?  Felt like razor blades touching me....it was like the worse flu ever IMAGINED!!!!....

I stayed at home in my bed all day waiting to hear the results of the MRI.

There is really nothing worse then waiting, is there?

To make a very long, even more dramatic story, LONGER... they finally called me at 5:00 pm on Friday & told me "your MRI is fine... if you're still having these problems, call us Monday & we'll set you up with a neurologist"

First of all, this will be the last time I deal with this doctor... after all this, THAT is the only explanation I get?

And as of this morning, I'm still feeling awful.

I've since read the effects of this medicine (Its called a Dexpak 10) on web sites & how it effected other people...

here's just an example I found:

"I have had chronic sinusitis for over 2 years. This drug has been my worst nightmare. Extreme heartburn, swelling all over, numbness in feet and arms, burning sensation in feet, dry/cracking skin that bleeds easily, raw feeling like a bad sunburn, extreme irritibility to the point of wanting to be violent, extreme nervousness and inability to sleep, increased appetitite but food has no taste, a drunk-like state of being, constipation and no relief from the sinus pain. I stopped the Dex-Pak 3 1/2 days early, and became worse. Swollen body has intensified, body feels bruised and tender, extreme sinus pain again. I will never take a steroid again unless it is definitely a life or death situation."

"The side effects were so severe I spent a day in the ER - thought I was having a stroke or something. Whole body numbness was unbearable. Never will take again."

"Took for poison ivy. Caused dizziness,nervousness,fatigue,numbness throughout my body, food tasted awful. Worst feeling I have ever had from taking medicine.I could not concentrate on anything. Stopped taking on day 11 of 13. I was up several times that night with vomiting and diareaha. Also had leg cramps. Will never take again! This drug should be pulled off the market!"

These are just a SMALL sample of what I've read....

at least I know I'm not alone.

But I still feel horrible...

I was up most of the night again last night.  Its like the steroid are on time release because I'll feel like I'm getting better, then BAM... my body feels like its going to sleep, I get hot, feel like I cant focus on anything & feel like I'm just plain going to die...

aint medicine great?

I hate medicine... always have... & with reactions like this, apparently, always will..

Now, I'm just waiting to see how long this medicine will stay in my system...

& I'm also waiting to see what is the medicine & what is some other issue????

.... so far, being 40 sucks...

can y'all lift up a prayer for me... I cant tell you how much I'd appreciate it....

Off to try & wake up my arm, feet, back & back of head...

...good times...

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Siesta Scripture - Verse 1

I'm a few days late...

but doesnt mean I havent had this verse sitting in front of me trying to get it memorized.

Off to get more scripture tucked away.

To kick off the year:

When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
   in God I trust; 
I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man to do me?
-Psalm 56:3-4

I remember kicking off last year with Isaiah 41:10... another verse on no need to fear.

Must be a recurring thought I need...

Fear is a powerful thing, aint it?  Need these reminders that fear is nothing when we put our trust & faith in God...

Monday, January 02, 2012

A perfect Birthday....

I was kinda down & depressed about my 40th birthday... & it turned out to be a pretty fantastic day...

First of all, Facebook does nothing but make you feel loved on your big day.  All day long, sweet comments & quick notes of friends dropping birthday wishes.  It really did feel like birthday hugs all day.

Then, I got a surprise at work... my dad had driven all the way downtown to bring me something me made me...


Is this the most AWESOME cake EVER?!?!?!?!?!?! 

He hand made it all... It was a "Dreamcicle Cake"... mmmm... orange flavor... just like a push-pop... with chocolate icing.

And its a CAMERA!!!! 

Ricky's not big on birthday cakes & I was deteremined to go buy myself one after work if need be... & then I got this surprise.  It was perfect...

I did have to work all day, but it was a busy, quiet day.  Then Ricky was going to take me out to dinner so I had to waste an hour before he got off work.  I headed to a book store where I can spend HOURS anyways... what's one hour?  I ended up getting me my own birthday present.. something I've never read & always wanted...the whole collection of the Chronicles of Narnia...



Ricky wasnt too thrilled when I told him I had gotten these books... I wasnt sure why... you'll see later.

So I get to pick out wherever I want to eat for my birthday.  I was going to pick Panera Bread since I LOVE that place & Ricky dreads it... but he'd eat there for my birthday.  I made it easy on him though & we had Chuey's... I do love my mexican food.

Then the topper of tops... the only reason to sign up for Starbucks cards... the Birthday Treat.  Any drink, ANY SIZE!!!!  I was like, "give me the BIGGEST drink" :)  This thing gave me a head rush... but was yummy ... so yummy... Ricky was teasing me because he said, "you're the only person who gets only cold drinks from a coffee shop"... I'm not a fan of hot drinks.  I didnt care it was December... heck, this lady in my picture didnt care it was December either.  I will say though, I think this was the warmest birthday I've ever had.  It was in the high 50's... but still?  I would have passed on those shorts...that's just me... I'm 40 now...


Ricky was so good to me on my birthday.  Even fed the dogs for me & told me he would take care of everything that needed to be taken care of around the house.  He knew 40 was rough on me & he made it a lot easier...

Then I saw why he was upset I just went out & bought new books... this is what he surprised me with...



I cant tell you how giddy I was about this... I've always wanted one.  My eyes have changed so bad this past year.. (hello again Mr. 40) & reading has become harder for me...I have to keep reading glasses with me now & it just aggravates me.  I have already got my first book on there - "Water for Elephants" & made my font bigger... I'm in love...

Ricky said he wanted to get me the Kindle Fire, but this one is more convenient for me.  Smaller to put in my purse.  & I really didnt need all the frills of the Kindle Fire for $100.00 more... maybe in the future... but for right now, this made me the happiest 40 yr old in the world.

Then because my old neck is turning 40, Ricky got me one more gift...



I ended my night by talking with my mom, then my nieces called me... it cracked me up to hear Madi say, "Lordy, Lordy, Aunt Bec is 40"... I literally laughed so hard, it got her tickled.  Then I ended up talking with Julie for over an hour...

It was a perfect day...

Then I saw this quote...

"Do not regret growing older... it is a prvilige denied to many"

I kept thinking of this.... being so sad about turning 40... feeling "old"... & then I think of all the people I've lost in my life... people that were YOUNG... people that lost their lives in military service... people who sacrificed themselves for others...

...getting older didnt sound so bad...

Now onward through another year....

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