Monday, September 17, 2012
Dandy Giveaway for Think Pink Bowtique!
Wow! Haven't posted anything in a while! But our oldest daughter is having a baby girl in December! Been looking around at websites for little girl clothes. Stumbled across Think Pink Bowtique at www.thinkpinkbows.com! They have the most adorable clothes! Then on Facebook - came across dandygiveaway.com and their reference to a giveaway they are having at Think Pink Bowtique!!!! I hope I win!!! Think Pink has THE CUTEST rompers, bows, bloomers, leg warmers, headbands, etc. for little girls! You will just go crazy!!! Please go to both of the above websites! You will not be disappointed!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wow! It's been that long???
I absolutely cannot believe it! It has been over a year since I posted anything on my blog! Why? I don't really know. Haven't had alot to say, I guess. Or maybe, just didn't have anything worthwhile that I felt needed saying. Who knows!
But, now I do!
I have to say, I am not usually entirely, thoroughly, impressed or blown away by too many things. I generally am reserved when it comes to my feelings about services offered or remedies to everyday problems, etc. I've been burnt one too many times, so I take things with a grain of salt. But not this time! I am feeling so good that I have to share! And I know that this may sound like a commercial or something, but I have to let everyone know.....I am in know way being paid; getting discounts; or have any affiliation with what I am about to tell you. I don't know anyone there and have so far had only one experience with this person. But the results I received were so phenomenal (so far..........and there goes that feeling of doubt and reservation......LOL), that I just had to shout it out to the world! Ok! Maybe not the world, but to anyone who is interested!
About a month ago, I signed up with a discount service Buywithme.com that was shown as an ad on Facebook. (Keep reading......this is not about buywithme.com!) I got an e-mail for a discounted price for a massage. It was $19 for a 1 hour massage at a day spa in Humble. At first I was skeptical because I had never heard of this place.....ALOE TOUCH DAY SPA. Then I thought, "hey - what could it hurt? $19 for a one hour massage? Even if it's a terrible experience......it's an experience and I would know where NOT to go in the future." So I bought it and promptly scheduled my appointment.
On Monday, September 20th I headed out to the ALOE TOUCH DAY SPA, located at 19506 Eastex Freeway, Suite 175 in Humble, Texas. When I got over to the area, like everyone else, I started looking for a sign. Couldn't find one, but did see the building so I pulled in. (Found out later, the stupid building management won't let them put up a sign - dumb!) Anyway........
I went in and saw a small, colorful sign, directing me to Suite 175 (right next door to the bank). I proceeded down the hall and walked in the door. Right away, I thought......"Oh no! I'm in trouble!" Now, first let me tell you.....I have been to alot of Day Spas, so my expectations were extremely high. I expected (in my mind) to walk into a place with plush furniture, water fountains, aromatherapy misting, soothing music, etc. Basically, what I walked into was a no frills office suite. The reception room is maybe 10 X 10; one desk and about 4 chairs and a coffee table. One door to the right I saw led to the other "office" where massages, facials, waxing, etc. was done, and another door to the left which I later found out was a closet. My brain immediately went on the defense, and I told myself right then and there that this was going to be the worst experience of my life!
BOY WAS I WRONG!!!!!!!
My appointment was at 3:00 p.m. and I had arrived at 2:45 to fill out the obligatory paperwork you always have to fill out before getting a massage. I completed that paperwork very quickly, and was taken back for my appointment. Again, the room was a no frills room. Bamboo on the walls, with a tiki torch and some thatching to make it look tropical, "mood" lighting and music. I was then introduced to Christine (who was actually the only therapist there) who was going to be my massage therapist. After talking with her to let her know all my "problems", she told me that she was not going to give me the "standard" type massage because she wanted to focus on my problem areas. Again, my first thought was that this was going to be a horrible massage, because I really enjoy just laying there, getting a Swedish Massage, listening to soothing music and being just totally relaxed! But I complied with her request to strip and lay down on the table....(they all tell you to do that......LOL!)
After Christine came back into the room, we began to talk. Now, usually, I DO NOT like to talk during a massage, but this time, it was different. Normally, when a massage therapist tries to talk to me about "stuff", I just say mmm hmmm, nod, or make other small talk like that. They usually get the hint that I just want to relax and shut up! But something told me that Christine was someone special and I needed to talk to her - either for myself - or for her. I don't know which.
Anyway.....during this time, I learned that Christine had received her massage therapy license in Pennsylvania - which was where she was from. She told me that the requirements out of state were so much more stringent than they are in Texas, and she had really learned to pay absolute attention to the human body and her client's needs. Well, I can tell you....she paid attention to mine!
Now I have to tell you, I have to sort of digress here to explain a few things. First.....since I received my treatment for cancer, I have lived every single day in some sort of pain. Either back pain, hip pain, neuropathy pain, or just plain ole' stress type pain. I have had physical therapy, epidural injections, chiropractic decompression and so many drugs prescribed by neurologists and rheumatologists, that I could probably make alot of money if I ever decided to sell them on the streets! (I would NEVER do that - but you get the picture of my medicine cabinet!)
No one, but no one, has ever really LISTENED TO ME or PAID ATTENTION to my pain problems. And no one has ever actually made a point of trying to help. Until Christine! She punched around on many different spots, listened to my responses to each thing she did, and worked from there.
Now, every doctor that I have been to, have told me that due to positioning during treatment, surgery and recovery, that I have herniated discs in my back. (This has been verified by CT and Xray). They have also told me that the radiation is known to cause damage to the hips and the nerves surrounding them as well. And that it is not unusual to have lower back and hip pain, as well as spasms, which I suffer with (spasms) no less than 4 times per week. Additionally, sometimes the pain is so bad I walk like I am 90 years old (no offense to my 90 year old friends!). After all of the treatments I have received, nothing has seemed to work. I was finally told that I would just have to live with the pain, and there was nothing else I could do (unless I medicated myself to oblivion - which I refused to do!) So, pain and I have gotten to be very close friends over the past four years. I've often said, if I wake up, and I am no longer in pain, then that means I've actually died and gone to heaven, because that would be the only way the pain would end. I don't like it, but have accepted it. Well, no longer!
In our talks, and Christine's observation, she started telling me about the psoas muscle. The psoas muscle??? (I thought it was "soaz" until I looked it up!) I asked her "What is that?" And she said "This"! And she pushed on a place in the groin/abdominal area and I almost came off the table! Pushing on that area shot pain throughout my lower back, hips and of course - that area! She just said "Yep! That's it!" She then told me that the psoas muscle is one of the most overlooked areas by most therapists because (at least in Texas) therapists are just in the business of doing all the "spa" things that we have all come to expect. But that this was not her technique. She was in the business to make her clients feel better.
So.....what is the psoas muscle?
The psoas muscle is a major muscle in the human body, responsible for stabilizing the base of the spine allowing the spine to flex, and rotating the hips for a free range of movement. It is a complicated muscle and is one of the most important muscles in the body! When kept limber, the psoas functions smoothly with the other muscles of the body to support an upright posture and a flexible lower spine and hips. When the psoas is strained or contracted, it can lead to limitations in free range of movement and an increase of lower back pain. The psoas muscles are considered to be crucial among the hip flexor muscles. Hip flexors allow people to bend their bodies into their hips and to pull their hips into their bodies, and are an important part of human anatomy. (One thing I found out was that when Christine went for her massage therapy licensing, anatomy was one of the classes that she had to take! - Boy am I glad!) Since my appointment, I have also researched and found that the psoas muscle can be damaged in all sorts of ways (including from the radiation field from my type and other types of cancer). Some people, like Regis Philbin, believe or not.....actually have had to have surgery to repair their psoas muscle - it is that important!
Well, Christine went to work! Now remember, I was only there for one hour...... but in that one hour, she worked miracles. Among other problem areas, she worked quite a bit on my psoas muscle (both sides) in conjunction with stretching and other massage. When it was all done..........believe it or not.........I was still disappointed about my massage because I didn't get the "spa treatment" I was expecting. Until I went to get off the table.......................
You would not believe it, but I got off that table like I was 20 years old! I was hesitant at first, expecting to have a hip spasm (because I always do when having to get down off a table like that!) But nothing! No spasm! I then got dressed. Before I realized it, I was able to actually lift my leg to put my pants back on! No pain! No spasm! I could not believe it! A few minutes later, Christine came back in and told me that I really needed to come back again in 2 weeks so she could continue working on me and this time for an hour and a half. I readily agreed and set the appointment. She told me that at this point in time, this was not a permanent fix, but that dependent on how my body continuously reacted to the treatment, I might be able to go up to 3 months before pain would come back! All I could hear was the Hallelujah Choir singing in my ears, birds flying around and fireworks going off! Three months without pain? Shoot! I'd just be happy with three days without pain!
Well folks! I have to tell you! It's now been three days! And so far (there's that doubt thing again) I am pain free!!!!!! (Of course, when I say pain free - I'm not talking about the neuropathy - that IS permanent and due to extreme nerve damage, so I will have that pain the rest of my life.) But, I have not had one back or hip spasm! No lower back pain! I actually have a smile on my face and no headache!!! Both Tuesday morning and this morning (Wednesday) I have actually almost bounced out of bed! I have slept through the night too! I haven't slept through a night since I was on heavy drugs!!!! I am sooooooooooo happy!!!!!! And now...............I can't wait until my next appointment!!!
So often, people don't share their good experiences. It seems we ALWAYS share our BAD!!!! So, while this isn't one of those ever insightful, touchy-feely blogs where pictures of kids, grandkids, cute puppies, butterflies, beaches, mountains and babbling brooks are downloaded, if maybe I can help just one person who is suffering in pain like I am to feel better...........then my blog is well worth it!
ALOE TOUCH DAY SPA is nothing like the usual spa that you may go to. But for me, it was truly a special place! And Christine was the icing on the cake! Without her skills, I would have never felt this euphoric! So, I say to you all........................
If you are suffering at all from back or muscular pain that is completely unexplainable and/or has not been remedied...................please call ALOE TOUCH DAY SPA and schedule an appointment with Christine! You will not be disappointed! They can be reached at (832) 244-7911 or their website:
But, now I do!
I have to say, I am not usually entirely, thoroughly, impressed or blown away by too many things. I generally am reserved when it comes to my feelings about services offered or remedies to everyday problems, etc. I've been burnt one too many times, so I take things with a grain of salt. But not this time! I am feeling so good that I have to share! And I know that this may sound like a commercial or something, but I have to let everyone know.....I am in know way being paid; getting discounts; or have any affiliation with what I am about to tell you. I don't know anyone there and have so far had only one experience with this person. But the results I received were so phenomenal (so far..........and there goes that feeling of doubt and reservation......LOL), that I just had to shout it out to the world! Ok! Maybe not the world, but to anyone who is interested!
About a month ago, I signed up with a discount service Buywithme.com that was shown as an ad on Facebook. (Keep reading......this is not about buywithme.com!) I got an e-mail for a discounted price for a massage. It was $19 for a 1 hour massage at a day spa in Humble. At first I was skeptical because I had never heard of this place.....ALOE TOUCH DAY SPA. Then I thought, "hey - what could it hurt? $19 for a one hour massage? Even if it's a terrible experience......it's an experience and I would know where NOT to go in the future." So I bought it and promptly scheduled my appointment.
On Monday, September 20th I headed out to the ALOE TOUCH DAY SPA, located at 19506 Eastex Freeway, Suite 175 in Humble, Texas. When I got over to the area, like everyone else, I started looking for a sign. Couldn't find one, but did see the building so I pulled in. (Found out later, the stupid building management won't let them put up a sign - dumb!) Anyway........
I went in and saw a small, colorful sign, directing me to Suite 175 (right next door to the bank). I proceeded down the hall and walked in the door. Right away, I thought......"Oh no! I'm in trouble!" Now, first let me tell you.....I have been to alot of Day Spas, so my expectations were extremely high. I expected (in my mind) to walk into a place with plush furniture, water fountains, aromatherapy misting, soothing music, etc. Basically, what I walked into was a no frills office suite. The reception room is maybe 10 X 10; one desk and about 4 chairs and a coffee table. One door to the right I saw led to the other "office" where massages, facials, waxing, etc. was done, and another door to the left which I later found out was a closet. My brain immediately went on the defense, and I told myself right then and there that this was going to be the worst experience of my life!
BOY WAS I WRONG!!!!!!!
My appointment was at 3:00 p.m. and I had arrived at 2:45 to fill out the obligatory paperwork you always have to fill out before getting a massage. I completed that paperwork very quickly, and was taken back for my appointment. Again, the room was a no frills room. Bamboo on the walls, with a tiki torch and some thatching to make it look tropical, "mood" lighting and music. I was then introduced to Christine (who was actually the only therapist there) who was going to be my massage therapist. After talking with her to let her know all my "problems", she told me that she was not going to give me the "standard" type massage because she wanted to focus on my problem areas. Again, my first thought was that this was going to be a horrible massage, because I really enjoy just laying there, getting a Swedish Massage, listening to soothing music and being just totally relaxed! But I complied with her request to strip and lay down on the table....(they all tell you to do that......LOL!)
After Christine came back into the room, we began to talk. Now, usually, I DO NOT like to talk during a massage, but this time, it was different. Normally, when a massage therapist tries to talk to me about "stuff", I just say mmm hmmm, nod, or make other small talk like that. They usually get the hint that I just want to relax and shut up! But something told me that Christine was someone special and I needed to talk to her - either for myself - or for her. I don't know which.
Anyway.....during this time, I learned that Christine had received her massage therapy license in Pennsylvania - which was where she was from. She told me that the requirements out of state were so much more stringent than they are in Texas, and she had really learned to pay absolute attention to the human body and her client's needs. Well, I can tell you....she paid attention to mine!
Now I have to tell you, I have to sort of digress here to explain a few things. First.....since I received my treatment for cancer, I have lived every single day in some sort of pain. Either back pain, hip pain, neuropathy pain, or just plain ole' stress type pain. I have had physical therapy, epidural injections, chiropractic decompression and so many drugs prescribed by neurologists and rheumatologists, that I could probably make alot of money if I ever decided to sell them on the streets! (I would NEVER do that - but you get the picture of my medicine cabinet!)
No one, but no one, has ever really LISTENED TO ME or PAID ATTENTION to my pain problems. And no one has ever actually made a point of trying to help. Until Christine! She punched around on many different spots, listened to my responses to each thing she did, and worked from there.
Now, every doctor that I have been to, have told me that due to positioning during treatment, surgery and recovery, that I have herniated discs in my back. (This has been verified by CT and Xray). They have also told me that the radiation is known to cause damage to the hips and the nerves surrounding them as well. And that it is not unusual to have lower back and hip pain, as well as spasms, which I suffer with (spasms) no less than 4 times per week. Additionally, sometimes the pain is so bad I walk like I am 90 years old (no offense to my 90 year old friends!). After all of the treatments I have received, nothing has seemed to work. I was finally told that I would just have to live with the pain, and there was nothing else I could do (unless I medicated myself to oblivion - which I refused to do!) So, pain and I have gotten to be very close friends over the past four years. I've often said, if I wake up, and I am no longer in pain, then that means I've actually died and gone to heaven, because that would be the only way the pain would end. I don't like it, but have accepted it. Well, no longer!
In our talks, and Christine's observation, she started telling me about the psoas muscle. The psoas muscle??? (I thought it was "soaz" until I looked it up!) I asked her "What is that?" And she said "This"! And she pushed on a place in the groin/abdominal area and I almost came off the table! Pushing on that area shot pain throughout my lower back, hips and of course - that area! She just said "Yep! That's it!" She then told me that the psoas muscle is one of the most overlooked areas by most therapists because (at least in Texas) therapists are just in the business of doing all the "spa" things that we have all come to expect. But that this was not her technique. She was in the business to make her clients feel better.
So.....what is the psoas muscle?
The psoas muscle is a major muscle in the human body, responsible for stabilizing the base of the spine allowing the spine to flex, and rotating the hips for a free range of movement. It is a complicated muscle and is one of the most important muscles in the body! When kept limber, the psoas functions smoothly with the other muscles of the body to support an upright posture and a flexible lower spine and hips. When the psoas is strained or contracted, it can lead to limitations in free range of movement and an increase of lower back pain. The psoas muscles are considered to be crucial among the hip flexor muscles. Hip flexors allow people to bend their bodies into their hips and to pull their hips into their bodies, and are an important part of human anatomy. (One thing I found out was that when Christine went for her massage therapy licensing, anatomy was one of the classes that she had to take! - Boy am I glad!) Since my appointment, I have also researched and found that the psoas muscle can be damaged in all sorts of ways (including from the radiation field from my type and other types of cancer). Some people, like Regis Philbin, believe or not.....actually have had to have surgery to repair their psoas muscle - it is that important!
Well, Christine went to work! Now remember, I was only there for one hour...... but in that one hour, she worked miracles. Among other problem areas, she worked quite a bit on my psoas muscle (both sides) in conjunction with stretching and other massage. When it was all done..........believe it or not.........I was still disappointed about my massage because I didn't get the "spa treatment" I was expecting. Until I went to get off the table.......................
You would not believe it, but I got off that table like I was 20 years old! I was hesitant at first, expecting to have a hip spasm (because I always do when having to get down off a table like that!) But nothing! No spasm! I then got dressed. Before I realized it, I was able to actually lift my leg to put my pants back on! No pain! No spasm! I could not believe it! A few minutes later, Christine came back in and told me that I really needed to come back again in 2 weeks so she could continue working on me and this time for an hour and a half. I readily agreed and set the appointment. She told me that at this point in time, this was not a permanent fix, but that dependent on how my body continuously reacted to the treatment, I might be able to go up to 3 months before pain would come back! All I could hear was the Hallelujah Choir singing in my ears, birds flying around and fireworks going off! Three months without pain? Shoot! I'd just be happy with three days without pain!
Well folks! I have to tell you! It's now been three days! And so far (there's that doubt thing again) I am pain free!!!!!! (Of course, when I say pain free - I'm not talking about the neuropathy - that IS permanent and due to extreme nerve damage, so I will have that pain the rest of my life.) But, I have not had one back or hip spasm! No lower back pain! I actually have a smile on my face and no headache!!! Both Tuesday morning and this morning (Wednesday) I have actually almost bounced out of bed! I have slept through the night too! I haven't slept through a night since I was on heavy drugs!!!! I am sooooooooooo happy!!!!!! And now...............I can't wait until my next appointment!!!
So often, people don't share their good experiences. It seems we ALWAYS share our BAD!!!! So, while this isn't one of those ever insightful, touchy-feely blogs where pictures of kids, grandkids, cute puppies, butterflies, beaches, mountains and babbling brooks are downloaded, if maybe I can help just one person who is suffering in pain like I am to feel better...........then my blog is well worth it!
ALOE TOUCH DAY SPA is nothing like the usual spa that you may go to. But for me, it was truly a special place! And Christine was the icing on the cake! Without her skills, I would have never felt this euphoric! So, I say to you all........................
If you are suffering at all from back or muscular pain that is completely unexplainable and/or has not been remedied...................please call ALOE TOUCH DAY SPA and schedule an appointment with Christine! You will not be disappointed! They can be reached at (832) 244-7911 or their website:
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The B***h is back...............sort of...............
Well, it's been quite a while since I have visited my blog and written anything. I just haven't been able to find those creative juices.
And I still don't know that I can find them. However, it's 9:28 p.m. on Sunday night and I'm sitting here with nothing to do. I did all the laundry today and cleaned the house. Danny went to bed at 8:45, after he had slept most of the day. I'm bummed and need to talk to someone. So, I guess I will talk to myself.
Now believe me, you may not want to continue reading this with the mood that I am in.......so this is like one of those parental warnings................or spoiler warnings.................or just a warning! Pick your poison.
I'm on my soapbox. I'm all dressed up with my "poor pitiful pearls" on and no where to go................but here.
Now, you have had fair warning, so if you go forward in reading this you do so at your own risk. And before I get a dozen e-mails and half a dozen phone calls that I'm depressed or need to take medicine, let me get one thing straight. I am not depressed in the least and I have a very low tolerance to "those" kinds of medicines and can't take them. Been there, done that. With all of it! It makes me a zombie and I don't like it. So please, spare yourself my grief! LOL!
What I am is ANGRY! I'm angry because I can't do the things that I used to be able to do. I'm angry because I have to wait on others to do stuff (and it never gets done). And I'm angry about being angry!
It is hard for me to express myself sometimes because I try to refrain from saying......."I am so tired of...................", because the alternative to that is not what I want either. But it really does get tiring to be in pain all the time. And it is tiring to be frustrated with myself for my limitations. And it is frustrating when others just don't understand or get it.
I have Fibromyalga and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Both brought on by my chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I have herniated discs in my back from the positioning of when I got radiation; and my psoriasis is coming back. My hands and feet hurt all the time from the Neuropathy that was also brought on by chemotherapy. But what is really weird, is that while they always hurt, it is so hard to actually "feel" the limbs. There is numbness at the pain site. Now how weird is that? And how can you really explain it?
Now once upon a time...................there was nothing (in my mind) that I couldn't do. I could clean house, mow the lawn, weedeat, use the blower, wash the car and do the laundry - ALL IN ONE DAY! I could work from dawn til dusk and get up in the morning and do it all over again. The heat and humidity never bothered me. I could get out there and work with the rest of them! Now, each and every day I wish my life away by praying for the cooler weather to get here. I have so much I need to take care of, but can't because it is too hot for me to be outside very long. And that "so much to do" is nothing strenuous or anything like that.......because I can't do that anymore anyway. But these little things I want to get done!
I do my best to maintain the household. But it's not the best I used to do. And that makes me mad too. I push myself, and push myself to do and be all that I can be. I push myself through the pain and tiredness on a constant basis. I sometimes feel like the ever-ready bunny. Actually more like a Timex....................takes a licking and it keeps on ticking.
Now don't get me wrong....................there are people in this world that have it so much worse than me. And I know that. But it's my party, and I'll cry if I want to!
It's just that it is frustrating when people just do not understand what I deal with (health-wise) on a daily basis. (And believe me.............I wish this on NO ONE!) But aren't I allowed to have a bad day? Shouldn't I be allowed to express my frustrations occasionally? Well it seems not.
I'm considered bitchy and over-emotional. I "become the issue" if I even open my mouth. If I'm diplomatic, then I'm considered "walking on eggshells". If I'm quiet, I'm considered snobby and unapproachable. If I'm open-minded, I'm considered "off the chart". If I'm hesitant, I'm considered fickle. And when I'm asked what's wrong - I'm cut off because they didn't really want to listen to me anyway. So what's a girl to do?
Someone on Facebook wrote......"Anger is just one letter away from DANGER". And I really believe that is true. Anger makes you feel really bad. And I don't like it. I want to be happy. I want to be joyous! I told someone recently, never let anyone or anything steal your joy! Well, I am going to take my own advice.
I am who I am. It is my "new normal". I am a good person. I am a loving and respectful person. I have a good heart (literally and figuratively - I think). I can only do what I can do, and I am no longer going to let the joy be sucked from my body. I am going to start eating better, and start focusing more on myself. I have put so much energy into worrying about what everyone thinks about me way too long. I am woman hear me roar!
When I'm in pain, I am going to rest. When I want to go somewhere, I am going to go. When I want something done, while it may take me longer than it used to, I am just going to do it. When I don't want to watch the 30th football game of the day, I am going to go watch what I want in the other room! And most important of all, I am going to accept my limitations and work around them. And I am going to quit punishing myself for those limitations.
I truly do know how blessed I am. Three years ago, I didn't think I would see 50 years old. Of course, I still don't know that I will see 50, since it is a few months away, but my point is, I just didn't think I would be here this long. I didn't think I would see my daughter get married or have a child of her own. I didn't think I would see me being involved in the same relationship for the same amount of years that I was divorced. Danny and I have been together for 14 years (married for 13), and I was divorced for 14 years before I remarried. There were so many things that I didn't think I would EVER experience again.......and yet I have. God has kept me around this long, and I'll be hogwashed if I'm going to continue to remain in this poor frame of mind.
And instead of also getting mad at other people in this world because they moan, groan and whine about their lives so much, I am going to pray for them. I am going to pray that everyone is able to find their own joy and quit taking life for granted. I've often wondered what would happen to the world if all of us were all happy and joyous ALL AT THE SAME TIME. What a world that would be!
So I say to all of you who stayed with me to the end of this blog.....................I am truly sorry. But it felt good to get stuff off my chest. I actually had so much more to say, and sort of skipped around up there while writing, but I started feeling better about halfway through and had already made up my mind about what I was going to do to change what I can change. And to accept what I can't.
So hopefully, now the creative juices will again flow and I can start keeping up with my blog with more happier tidbits of life! We are getting ready to build a deck onto the front of the house, and I am sure I will be able to find quite a bit of humor in that!!!!!! Not to mention this year's football season, upcoming holiday season and my adventures into getting things done during the cooler weather!
Life was meant to be good! I'm going out and enjoy it! Will you join me?
P.S. NOTE: THERE IS A NEW CHOCOLATE RECIPE POSTED HERE TOO!
And I still don't know that I can find them. However, it's 9:28 p.m. on Sunday night and I'm sitting here with nothing to do. I did all the laundry today and cleaned the house. Danny went to bed at 8:45, after he had slept most of the day. I'm bummed and need to talk to someone. So, I guess I will talk to myself.
Now believe me, you may not want to continue reading this with the mood that I am in.......so this is like one of those parental warnings................or spoiler warnings.................or just a warning! Pick your poison.
I'm on my soapbox. I'm all dressed up with my "poor pitiful pearls" on and no where to go................but here.
Now, you have had fair warning, so if you go forward in reading this you do so at your own risk. And before I get a dozen e-mails and half a dozen phone calls that I'm depressed or need to take medicine, let me get one thing straight. I am not depressed in the least and I have a very low tolerance to "those" kinds of medicines and can't take them. Been there, done that. With all of it! It makes me a zombie and I don't like it. So please, spare yourself my grief! LOL!
What I am is ANGRY! I'm angry because I can't do the things that I used to be able to do. I'm angry because I have to wait on others to do stuff (and it never gets done). And I'm angry about being angry!
It is hard for me to express myself sometimes because I try to refrain from saying......."I am so tired of...................", because the alternative to that is not what I want either. But it really does get tiring to be in pain all the time. And it is tiring to be frustrated with myself for my limitations. And it is frustrating when others just don't understand or get it.
I have Fibromyalga and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Both brought on by my chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I have herniated discs in my back from the positioning of when I got radiation; and my psoriasis is coming back. My hands and feet hurt all the time from the Neuropathy that was also brought on by chemotherapy. But what is really weird, is that while they always hurt, it is so hard to actually "feel" the limbs. There is numbness at the pain site. Now how weird is that? And how can you really explain it?
Now once upon a time...................there was nothing (in my mind) that I couldn't do. I could clean house, mow the lawn, weedeat, use the blower, wash the car and do the laundry - ALL IN ONE DAY! I could work from dawn til dusk and get up in the morning and do it all over again. The heat and humidity never bothered me. I could get out there and work with the rest of them! Now, each and every day I wish my life away by praying for the cooler weather to get here. I have so much I need to take care of, but can't because it is too hot for me to be outside very long. And that "so much to do" is nothing strenuous or anything like that.......because I can't do that anymore anyway. But these little things I want to get done!
I do my best to maintain the household. But it's not the best I used to do. And that makes me mad too. I push myself, and push myself to do and be all that I can be. I push myself through the pain and tiredness on a constant basis. I sometimes feel like the ever-ready bunny. Actually more like a Timex....................takes a licking and it keeps on ticking.
Now don't get me wrong....................there are people in this world that have it so much worse than me. And I know that. But it's my party, and I'll cry if I want to!
It's just that it is frustrating when people just do not understand what I deal with (health-wise) on a daily basis. (And believe me.............I wish this on NO ONE!) But aren't I allowed to have a bad day? Shouldn't I be allowed to express my frustrations occasionally? Well it seems not.
I'm considered bitchy and over-emotional. I "become the issue" if I even open my mouth. If I'm diplomatic, then I'm considered "walking on eggshells". If I'm quiet, I'm considered snobby and unapproachable. If I'm open-minded, I'm considered "off the chart". If I'm hesitant, I'm considered fickle. And when I'm asked what's wrong - I'm cut off because they didn't really want to listen to me anyway. So what's a girl to do?
Someone on Facebook wrote......"Anger is just one letter away from DANGER". And I really believe that is true. Anger makes you feel really bad. And I don't like it. I want to be happy. I want to be joyous! I told someone recently, never let anyone or anything steal your joy! Well, I am going to take my own advice.
I am who I am. It is my "new normal". I am a good person. I am a loving and respectful person. I have a good heart (literally and figuratively - I think). I can only do what I can do, and I am no longer going to let the joy be sucked from my body. I am going to start eating better, and start focusing more on myself. I have put so much energy into worrying about what everyone thinks about me way too long. I am woman hear me roar!
When I'm in pain, I am going to rest. When I want to go somewhere, I am going to go. When I want something done, while it may take me longer than it used to, I am just going to do it. When I don't want to watch the 30th football game of the day, I am going to go watch what I want in the other room! And most important of all, I am going to accept my limitations and work around them. And I am going to quit punishing myself for those limitations.
I truly do know how blessed I am. Three years ago, I didn't think I would see 50 years old. Of course, I still don't know that I will see 50, since it is a few months away, but my point is, I just didn't think I would be here this long. I didn't think I would see my daughter get married or have a child of her own. I didn't think I would see me being involved in the same relationship for the same amount of years that I was divorced. Danny and I have been together for 14 years (married for 13), and I was divorced for 14 years before I remarried. There were so many things that I didn't think I would EVER experience again.......and yet I have. God has kept me around this long, and I'll be hogwashed if I'm going to continue to remain in this poor frame of mind.
And instead of also getting mad at other people in this world because they moan, groan and whine about their lives so much, I am going to pray for them. I am going to pray that everyone is able to find their own joy and quit taking life for granted. I've often wondered what would happen to the world if all of us were all happy and joyous ALL AT THE SAME TIME. What a world that would be!
So I say to all of you who stayed with me to the end of this blog.....................I am truly sorry. But it felt good to get stuff off my chest. I actually had so much more to say, and sort of skipped around up there while writing, but I started feeling better about halfway through and had already made up my mind about what I was going to do to change what I can change. And to accept what I can't.
So hopefully, now the creative juices will again flow and I can start keeping up with my blog with more happier tidbits of life! We are getting ready to build a deck onto the front of the house, and I am sure I will be able to find quite a bit of humor in that!!!!!! Not to mention this year's football season, upcoming holiday season and my adventures into getting things done during the cooler weather!
Life was meant to be good! I'm going out and enjoy it! Will you join me?
P.S. NOTE: THERE IS A NEW CHOCOLATE RECIPE POSTED HERE TOO!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Having nothing to say.................
What do you do when you have absolutely nothing to say?
Seriously, I have nothing to say. I don't feel like talking. I don't feel like thinking. I just feel blah. I don't feel like chatting on facebook right now. I don't feel like talking on the phone. I don't feel like visiting. I don't feel like dealing with the people that keep e-mailing me about my junk.
What does that mean? I'm not depressed. I'm not tired, since I have actually been taking some naps the past couple days. I don't even feel like posting pictures.
I even have a really good chocolate recipe that I should post, and I don't even feel like doing that.
So what am I trying to say?
DON'T GIVE UP ON ME!!!!!!!!!!!! I WILL POST MORE STUFF WHEN I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY!
Life is meant to be good! And sometimes you just need to shut-up! LOL!
Seriously, I have nothing to say. I don't feel like talking. I don't feel like thinking. I just feel blah. I don't feel like chatting on facebook right now. I don't feel like talking on the phone. I don't feel like visiting. I don't feel like dealing with the people that keep e-mailing me about my junk.
What does that mean? I'm not depressed. I'm not tired, since I have actually been taking some naps the past couple days. I don't even feel like posting pictures.
I even have a really good chocolate recipe that I should post, and I don't even feel like doing that.
So what am I trying to say?
DON'T GIVE UP ON ME!!!!!!!!!!!! I WILL POST MORE STUFF WHEN I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY!
Life is meant to be good! And sometimes you just need to shut-up! LOL!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Behind every cloud.................
They say........................"Behind every cloud, there is a silver lining." Metaphorically, I've known that to be true. But I've always wondered why "they" said that. Had "they" actually seen it? 
Jordan had a really fun time, got lots of presents and played with her friends. Grown-ups got to 
chat and catch up with friends and family and all was happy. Then Grammy and Paw-Paw headed home, passed out from heat exposure, and thanked God for air conditioning!
Well after almost 50 years, I finally saw one! Mine came while I was guiltily sitting at Sonic ordering a chocolate malt, after I had just downed Mexican food at a local Mexican food restaurant. Actually, as were were pulling into Sonic, I caught a glimpse, but it wasn't until I had placed that guilt ridden order did my mind grasp what I had truly witnessed. I immediately jumped out of the car and snapped this picture.
ISN'T IT BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
I then started thinking...............hmmmm.......what could I write about this silver lining on my blog, and the "silver linings"of the world? I could go on and on about how when "dark" times occur in our life, we could take them and really look at them and learn valuable lessons and yada, yada, yada, but then I thought..................... "Oh heck! Why spoil the beauty of this wonder? Let it's existence and mystery speak for itself!!"
Now on to something else........................... Well I worked two days on my Grand Munchkin Jordan's Princess Castle Cake. It was not an easy task! And the cakes wound up weighing 24 lbs! In my mind's eye, I was going to create this beautiful pink Cinderella Castle and all would be glorious. I just happened to forget that the Texas Gulf Coast humidity, complete with 99-100 degree temperatures are "Hell on Earth"!!! This was my finished product. And before I 
could even snap the 
pictures, it started to melt!
could even snap the 
pictures, it started to melt! 
And by the time we got to the park where the party was, the spires and turrets started to topple. luckily, in the vision of a a6 year old, it was a grand castle. Unfortunately, the minute we got there, the candles had to go on, Happy Birthday had to be sung and the demolition of the cake 
had to be commenced.
had to be commenced. 
At least it tasted good and the party was a success. (What was that I was saying about silver linings? LOL!)
Jordan had a really fun time, got lots of presents and played with her friends. Grown-ups got to 
chat and catch up with friends and family and all was happy. Then Grammy and Paw-Paw headed home, passed out from heat exposure, and thanked God for air conditioning! So again, I say Happy Birthday to Princess Jordan, may your life be filled with Pink Princess Castles and Silver Linings!
Life was meant to be good! Have a great Sunday yall!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Whatever happened to.................
One woman's junk is another woman's treasure? Is my junk not treasure worthy? Is there just too much junk out there? Does my junk not fit in your trunk? (Sorry, always thought "junk in the trunk" was cute!)
I know, I know! What up with all the junk metaphors? Well, to put it mildly.......I HAVE TOO MUCH JUNK! Junk in the closets, junk in storage, junk in the attic (no not my brain), junk in the RV, junk, junk, junk!!!! And I'm hoping that if I say the word junk enough times, the word will no longer have meaning and everything will just miraculously disappear! Junk, junk, junk, junk, junk............................wait for it.................................wait for it............................waiting........................................ NOPE!!!!!! It's all still here! Darn! So now what do I do?
Oh.........well so.........I started gathering some of it......lined it up.........took pictures of it.........downloaded to the computer...........and spent a whole day setting up online yard sales on kingwoodyardsales. com and rummagethewoodlands.com! It's been 3 days now, and I've sold one Marie Osmond Doll and a tiny, little flower arrangement!!!! So far, there's 50 items listed and only 2 things have been gotten rid of. And, I have 1000's more items to post!!!!
Oh, but wait.........people have e-mailed about lots of my goodies! (If I call it goodies, does that make it better?) They have even said they wanted to buy it! But do they show up? NO!!! It seems I'm wasting more time waiting on people than participating in more real life situations! Like last 
night, "sorry honey...can't go out to dinner because someone's coming to get......" and "no Joyce, can't go next door to meet the new neighbor because someone's coming to pick up......." I knew all this junk was trouble!!!! (There's that word again!)So, what about garage sales/yard sales? I hate garage sales/yard sales? Putting price labels on everything, making sure you have enough change, dealing with every Tom, Dick and Mary that walks up, praying for good weather and then cursing the heat; not to mention figuring out what 
to do with all the leftovers....(sorry, did I just mention that?) IS NOT MY IDEA OF FUN! Well it twue, it's twue............(for those Princess Bride fans..LOL - you know who you are.........).
to do with all the leftovers....(sorry, did I just mention that?) IS NOT MY IDEA OF FUN! Well it twue, it's twue............(for those Princess Bride fans..LOL - you know who you are.........).So what to do. What to Do? Three days and I'm already tired of this! Three days and I'm frustrated...........Three days and I'm without a life.................So what now?............................ thinking.......................................thinking......................................thinking........................... still thinking .................................................
Thinking some more............................................................. hmmmmmmmmm.................................. awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww............................................... I wonder when that burn ban is gonna be lifted?!?
Life was meant to be good! Let's ban junk and garage sales!!!!!!!!! Enjoy!
Monday, August 17, 2009
YEAH! I'VE GOT MUD!!!!! (and an idiot neighbor)......
Well, it's been a few days since I posted and I am so excited!!!!
I've got mud! I've got mud! Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, I know what you are thinking........."So what?" Well, mud means we've had rain! But why do we have mud? Because we don't have grass that's why! But that's ok! We have lots of trees and now the trees actually have smiles on their faces....er....trunks. And their leaves are doing the happy dance. We really got a soaking today, and hopefully that will continue for the next couple days!
And of course, what mud-laden redneck home would not be complete without the neighborhood idiot? This guy was driving up and down our street in the pouring rain on his four wheeler! 
Lightning was flashing all around, water was going down the ditches, and this idiot was riding in and out of the ditches and doing wheelies! Ok - maybe he was just as excited about the rain as I was, but come on..........really...........riding a METAL vehicle in the pouring rain and lightning? At first when I grabbed my camera, I thought he was going to stop and ask me why I was taking pictures of him. I of course, had my answer ready (just in case). I was going to tell him I was taking pictures of him for his family to show him that he at least died happy......before he was turned into a crispy fritter! Thankfully he ran out of gas in front of his house, and I didn't have to make a decision to render first aid or not!
Lightning was flashing all around, water was going down the ditches, and this idiot was riding in and out of the ditches and doing wheelies! Ok - maybe he was just as excited about the rain as I was, but come on..........really...........riding a METAL vehicle in the pouring rain and lightning? At first when I grabbed my camera, I thought he was going to stop and ask me why I was taking pictures of him. I of course, had my answer ready (just in case). I was going to tell him I was taking pictures of him for his family to show him that he at least died happy......before he was turned into a crispy fritter! Thankfully he ran out of gas in front of his house, and I didn't have to make a decision to render first aid or not!On a sad (for us), yet happy (for Amy & Ryan) note, Lucy went home today. Her mommy and 
daddy picked her up and took her home. Now Cricket is wandering around looking for Lucy. She is sad that she is back to being an only child! She is now pouting on the couch with her head down and tail tucked in! Poor Cricket!
daddy picked her up and took her home. Now Cricket is wandering around looking for Lucy. She is sad that she is back to being an only child! She is now pouting on the couch with her head down and tail tucked in! Poor Cricket!Well, Danny and I are sitting down to some homemade Chicken and Dumplings and Monday Night Football. Is if football already? I'll leave further explanation to another blog, after I have been subjected to a million football games in the next 30 days!
So, what did life bring you today? Rain, good food, good company, good anything????? Whatever it was...................Life was meant to be good! Keep enjoying it!
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