Anybody remember that show? How 'bout Gimmie A Break? Mama's Family? Or my all time favorite...MASH?
What are your favorite "vintage" TV shows?
While you're thinking about that, I figured I would summarize the last ten days...
1. Baby Stellan scared the crap out of everyone by flatlining before surgery. They had to use the paddles to bring him back. He went through the surgery fine, and his heart appears to have recovered. He is still intubated and in PICU. The last update I read, they are very concerned about his right leg which appears to have no pulse due to a possible blood clot. That can be very serious so please keep praying, friends. I know many of you are and the Mckinney family is very grateful!
2. Two of my close friends were very ill from Pneumonia, but thankfully both appear to have turned a corner and are now being monitored and medicated at home.
3. I finally had my biopsy a little over a week ago. There were issues (don't ask) and they ended up having to do it twice. Not only that, they think they will not be successful in getting a reading. Great. So...I'm just waiting to hear something now. Waiting in limbo sucks, for the record. I'm trying not to stress out but that's not going very well. Regardless of the results, surgery is definitely on as long as the university approves me. Just waiting...
4. My Periodic Paralysis is still in full force, and my heart and blood pressure are acting up again. The Lisinopril worked beautifully until the second month of school. Now it's all unstable and being stupid again, including keeping me up at night and leaving me constantly aggravated and/or agitated. I hate feeling like this...it's not the norm for me. Doc appointment is Friday. I'm going deeper in debt by the month and getting nowhere. If my doctors had a clue and my condition(s) were under control, maybe I would feel differently. But this is one step forward and two steps back (more like a bazillion steps back)...and lemme tell ya, I don't like to dance. I am a patient person but I am sick and tired of being sick and tired and I want a solution. That is all.
5. The above issues are affecting me at school and in my Bob Ross classes. I've scheduled one more Bob Ross workshop for the year, then I'm taking six or seven weeks off. School is frustrating right now because I'm in so much pain, but I'm trying my best to hang on and get through the semester. I have to say that I am so much more aware of my disabilities now that I'm in school, and I've tried not to let it get to me...but at this moment, it is definitely getting to me. Things like trembling when I'm trying to draw a straight line and not being able to see 20/20 are upsetting me, and missing a class darn near sends me over the edge. I can't stand the thought of getting behind or hurting my grade when I'm trying so hard. Thankfully, two of my teachers are being cool about it...but one isn't working with me so far and I may very well fail his class. I'm praying that I won't lose my financial aid over it...I honestly don't know what's going to happen. If I lose the financial aid, it's over, and that will tear my heart out. I'm supposed to register for next semester soon, and I don't know what to do.
6. In much happier news, Bob Ross, Inc finally has a CRI message board!!! I am positively elated to get back in touch with my friends from my certification classes in Florida! Also, if health and finances permit, I will be returning to Florida in May for my second certification. Just the thought of going back makes me so freaking happy I can't stand it. I miss Daytona Beach and NSB so much...I would drive there tomorrow if I could.
7. I created a Facebook group called Team Bosarge - Getting Back on Track! It's for anyone who wants online support while striving to reach your health and fitness goals. Katie, Layton, Suzanne, and several other Bosarges are there, but also a lot of our friends...PLEASE don't hesitate to join us! EVERYONE is welcome! http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&suggest¬e_id=208119469921#/group.php?gid=165166964603
8. My cousin Shannon has been deployed overseas. If you wish to donate something to send to her and her comrades, please send me a message. I'll be getting a package together in the next month or so.
That's all I can think of right now. Thank you friends for your thoughts, prayers, and encouraging words. I am so grateful to have you in my life. Talk to you soon.
<3
Kelli
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
NaBloPoMo Day Nine - Tropical Storm Ida
You know you live on the Gulf Coast when you have a tropical storm in NOVEMBER!
Are you kiddin' me???
I went to the point of Pascagoula yesterday to take a pic or two. I got out of my car with umbrella in hand...
...and it IMMEDIATELY did THIS. Haaaaaaa! Shoulda known.
So I gave up and decided to get rained on. No biggie, it was only sprinkling at the time and the gulf was a little rough but didn't look too bad. I went out too early, really.
Thankfully, Ida was kinda a pansy. Strong wind gusts (still present 36 hours later) but not much flooding or damage to the area. The school studio got a little water, surprisingly, but all is well.
Now someone please inform Mama NaNa that it is indeed NOVEMBER and we dun want none 'o dis mess anymore. Mmmmk thanks!
Are you kiddin' me???
I went to the point of Pascagoula yesterday to take a pic or two. I got out of my car with umbrella in hand...
...and it IMMEDIATELY did THIS. Haaaaaaa! Shoulda known.
So I gave up and decided to get rained on. No biggie, it was only sprinkling at the time and the gulf was a little rough but didn't look too bad. I went out too early, really.
Thankfully, Ida was kinda a pansy. Strong wind gusts (still present 36 hours later) but not much flooding or damage to the area. The school studio got a little water, surprisingly, but all is well.
Now someone please inform Mama NaNa that it is indeed NOVEMBER and we dun want none 'o dis mess anymore. Mmmmk thanks!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
NaBloPoMo Day Eight - Peter Anderson Festival
Due to the fact that all of the pics are on Facebook, I'm just gonna give you the link to the note...mmmk?
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?saved&&suggest¬e_id=208109629921
Click away, kids! More to come. And feel free to add me over there if you haven't already. :)
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?saved&&suggest¬e_id=208109629921
Click away, kids! More to come. And feel free to add me over there if you haven't already. :)
Saturday, November 7, 2009
NaBloPoMo Day Seven - Ryan
No little boy should lose his father.
Ryan was a single dad, raising his son Skyler since birth. He worked his butt off as a laborer, sometimes seven days a week, so Skyler wouldn't go without. He would come home after a long shift, and find his son with toys in hand, waiting to play Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with his dad. They were two peas in a pod.
Ryan developed an abscessed tooth. A phobic of dentists, he refused to go even though people begged him to. If he only knew how serious a tooth infection could be. He would have never let a fear of needles and pain take him away from his son. He didn't know it could happen to him.
The infection went to his brain. It turned into meningitis, and he had a massive stroke. I received a call from my mother that Ryan was on life support. I canceled my class and went immediately to Mississippi, where I found Ryan in a coma with tubes and hoses coming out of his brain. It is an image that I will never, ever erase from my memory.
Ryan had chosen to estrange himself from my side of the family several years prior, so we had not seen each other in a long time and I don't think that he would have wanted me there. Tough luck, I told him. I held his hand and declared that he is the most stubborn person I've ever met. I picked on him and played with his toes, giving anything if he would wake up and cuss me out. I reminded him of when he used to spontaneously break into the song "Love Shack", which always made his sister and I double over in laughter. I demanded that he wake up and come back to his son. I prayed. I cried. I fussed. I told him that I loved him and that I'd give anything if things could have been different. I told him that I was so sorry that this happened to him.
He was removed from life support on November 7th.
The tragedy made the front page of the newspaper. Killed by a toothache. Dentists stepped forward and pleaded with the public to not be afraid of them. People everywhere made dental appointments because of Ryan's story. Twenty-nine is too young to die. Five is too young to lose a father.
Skyler is being raised by his grandmother (his mother left shortly after his birth), and he misses his daddy horribly. He lives in my town, but he doesn't know I exist. I see him at the baseball field and wish I could be there for him, but I'm not permitted to do so. Family feuds are senseless and cruel. They hurt so many people...sometimes for generations to come. Life is too short and fragile for such things, but it is far beyond my control. All I can do is pray for Skyler to be ok.
My heart is crushed for him. It's so unfair. No little boy should lose his father.
Friday, November 6, 2009
NaBloPoMo Day Six - GREEK FEST!!!
In line to order food!
Crazy lady singing on top of a dining table! Does she realize that she flashed everyone directly below her? The world may never know.
The adorable kids!
The Music!
The Vendors!
The crowd!!! (And that was only HALF of them!)
The awesome art! I could only dream of painting like this!
I have a couple of vids that I'll share later via YouTube.
Greek Fest is annually the first weekend of November in Mobile, Alabama. It is held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on S. Ann Street. Very cool place, and Greek Fest is always a fun time! The $2 admission fee benefits several local charities including Penelope House Domestic Violence Center, an organization that is near to my heart. Next year, come join me!
Crazy lady singing on top of a dining table! Does she realize that she flashed everyone directly below her? The world may never know.
The adorable kids!
The Music!
The Vendors!
The crowd!!! (And that was only HALF of them!)
The awesome art! I could only dream of painting like this!
I have a couple of vids that I'll share later via YouTube.
Greek Fest is annually the first weekend of November in Mobile, Alabama. It is held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on S. Ann Street. Very cool place, and Greek Fest is always a fun time! The $2 admission fee benefits several local charities including Penelope House Domestic Violence Center, an organization that is near to my heart. Next year, come join me!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
NaBloPoMo Day Five - A confession survey
I don't do a lot of surveys. In fact, many of them annoy me. This one, however, intrigued me and made me analyze myself in a rare way. I remember filling this out back in early 2008, and believe it or not, my answers haven't changed much since then. Feel free to repost with your own answers!
1. If your lover betrayed you, what would your reaction be?
Well it has happened to me before, and my reaction was one of anger, sadness, and turmoil.
2. What would you do if you do not share the same feelings as the person who likes you?
I offer to be their friend, as long as they are willing to accept my friendship.
3. Have you ever seen someone die?
Yes...Dale Earnhart. It was my first time watching a NASCAR race. Haven't watched it much since.
4. Are you confused as to what lies ahead of you?
Yes. My life is an endless roller coaster. I don't know where I will be or what I will be doing a year from now. I am a rolling stone. I hope this will change someday, as I am a person who prefers order and stability.
5. What's your ideal lover like?
This question isn't for me, but I don't feel at liberty to change it. I have been celibate since 2003, and I don't really see that changing in the future. I think having a lover would require me to be different person (with a different body, FOR SURE). I grew up hoping that I could accomplish the dream of finding a soul mate, having 2.3 children, and being happy. In a perfect world, I would be "normal", but the world isn't perfect and life isn't fair. I am doing everything in my power to accept that. But all of that aside, I wouldn't mind having a platonic friend with an open arms policy. Everybody needs a friend, and there's nothing wrong with a little snuggling every once in a while. And for the record, I'd really prefer that my ex NOT be the last person on earth that I kissed. There I said it. Eeeeek I can't believe I said it...SCARY. *backspace backspace backspace delete delete delete* Hehe... :)
6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone else?
I believe that one can be blessed by both, if one allows it.
7. If the person you like does not accept you, would you continue to wait for them to change their feelings? One of my favorite songs is "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Rait. "You can't make your heart feel something it won't" is a very true statement. Who the heck am I to ask or expect someone to change their feelings for me? That doesn't even make sense to me. However, I hope that they would be ok with the fact that I care for them, regardless of how they feel. It's not like I'm a stalker...I'm as harmless as a housefly. I would just want things to be ok.
8. If the person you secretly like is already attached, what would you do?
Put on my big girl panties and deal with it! To love someone is to find happiness in their happiness, and I would choose to accept it and be happy for them if they were happy. If they were attached and unhappy, however, I think it would be more difficult to accept.
9. Is there anything that has made you unhappy recently?
I am very unhappy with my appearance. Daily.
10. What do you want most in life?
Health and happiness....in a nutshell. Be glad that I'm giving you the short version of this answer.
11. Which of the 7 Deadly Sins do you think you relate to the most & why?
Gluttony, because although I don't eat a lot, the things that I do consume aren't always good for me. I love me some carbs and coca-cola.
12. If you find out that your best friend is going out with your boyfriend/girlfriend, how would you react? Well first I'd have to say "What the heck, dude?" Then I'd have to find the guts to confront them about it, and come to a peaceful solution. :) (this one is so junior high school...ha!)
13. Who is currently the most important person to you?
My siblings are very important to me, as are my dear friends. I really can't choose one person.
14. What kind of person do you think you are?
Three things: Complex, Versatile, & Strange (Unique is a nicer word, but let's face it...I'm just STRANGE!)
15. Do you believe there is nothing higher than human kind?
Humans are the dust of the earth, raised up with power and love by an almighty God.
16. What are you thinking right now, at this very moment?
I can't imagine not believing in God.
17. Would you give your all in a relationship?
I believe that I have...and I believe that I would. The definition of "all" depends on what defines the relationship, however.
18. Do you have a motto? If yes, which one?
Waaaaay too many to list!
19. What is one of your biggest pet peeves? Why?
Getting emails that say "Send this to 10 people or you'll be cursed for 10 years!!!" I hate that ridiculous crap. Grow up, get real, and stop wasting my time. Mmmk thanks! :P
20. Do you have an all time favorite song?
HA! Ok, I have fifty gazillion favorite songs. Music is my passion. I'd post a list, but I wouldn't even know where to begin!
1. If your lover betrayed you, what would your reaction be?
Well it has happened to me before, and my reaction was one of anger, sadness, and turmoil.
2. What would you do if you do not share the same feelings as the person who likes you?
I offer to be their friend, as long as they are willing to accept my friendship.
3. Have you ever seen someone die?
Yes...Dale Earnhart. It was my first time watching a NASCAR race. Haven't watched it much since.
4. Are you confused as to what lies ahead of you?
Yes. My life is an endless roller coaster. I don't know where I will be or what I will be doing a year from now. I am a rolling stone. I hope this will change someday, as I am a person who prefers order and stability.
5. What's your ideal lover like?
This question isn't for me, but I don't feel at liberty to change it. I have been celibate since 2003, and I don't really see that changing in the future. I think having a lover would require me to be different person (with a different body, FOR SURE). I grew up hoping that I could accomplish the dream of finding a soul mate, having 2.3 children, and being happy. In a perfect world, I would be "normal", but the world isn't perfect and life isn't fair. I am doing everything in my power to accept that. But all of that aside, I wouldn't mind having a platonic friend with an open arms policy. Everybody needs a friend, and there's nothing wrong with a little snuggling every once in a while. And for the record, I'd really prefer that my ex NOT be the last person on earth that I kissed. There I said it. Eeeeek I can't believe I said it...SCARY. *backspace backspace backspace delete delete delete* Hehe... :)
6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone else?
I believe that one can be blessed by both, if one allows it.
7. If the person you like does not accept you, would you continue to wait for them to change their feelings? One of my favorite songs is "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Rait. "You can't make your heart feel something it won't" is a very true statement. Who the heck am I to ask or expect someone to change their feelings for me? That doesn't even make sense to me. However, I hope that they would be ok with the fact that I care for them, regardless of how they feel. It's not like I'm a stalker...I'm as harmless as a housefly. I would just want things to be ok.
8. If the person you secretly like is already attached, what would you do?
Put on my big girl panties and deal with it! To love someone is to find happiness in their happiness, and I would choose to accept it and be happy for them if they were happy. If they were attached and unhappy, however, I think it would be more difficult to accept.
9. Is there anything that has made you unhappy recently?
I am very unhappy with my appearance. Daily.
10. What do you want most in life?
Health and happiness....in a nutshell. Be glad that I'm giving you the short version of this answer.
11. Which of the 7 Deadly Sins do you think you relate to the most & why?
Gluttony, because although I don't eat a lot, the things that I do consume aren't always good for me. I love me some carbs and coca-cola.
12. If you find out that your best friend is going out with your boyfriend/girlfriend, how would you react? Well first I'd have to say "What the heck, dude?" Then I'd have to find the guts to confront them about it, and come to a peaceful solution. :) (this one is so junior high school...ha!)
13. Who is currently the most important person to you?
My siblings are very important to me, as are my dear friends. I really can't choose one person.
14. What kind of person do you think you are?
Three things: Complex, Versatile, & Strange (Unique is a nicer word, but let's face it...I'm just STRANGE!)
15. Do you believe there is nothing higher than human kind?
Humans are the dust of the earth, raised up with power and love by an almighty God.
16. What are you thinking right now, at this very moment?
I can't imagine not believing in God.
17. Would you give your all in a relationship?
I believe that I have...and I believe that I would. The definition of "all" depends on what defines the relationship, however.
18. Do you have a motto? If yes, which one?
Waaaaay too many to list!
19. What is one of your biggest pet peeves? Why?
Getting emails that say "Send this to 10 people or you'll be cursed for 10 years!!!" I hate that ridiculous crap. Grow up, get real, and stop wasting my time. Mmmk thanks! :P
20. Do you have an all time favorite song?
HA! Ok, I have fifty gazillion favorite songs. Music is my passion. I'd post a list, but I wouldn't even know where to begin!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
NaBloPoMo Day Four - All things work together for good
I was 19 years old. A high school graduate, I was planning to pursue my college education at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. My goal? Graphic Design. I felt like I had finally found my niche in 10th grade when I entered the Graphic and Print Communications program at the Pascagoula Vo-Tech Center. I spent all of my spare time in the print shop, won a medal in competition in my first year, and even worked there part time during the summers. So my decision to enter the Graphic Design program at MGCCC was a no-brainer. I registered at my local campus, and would start with Drawing and Design. Then something happened with my financial aid, and the grant that I was expecting wasn't there. Having no funds otherwise, I backed out of college and got a job instead, very disappointed.
I was 22 years old. Working at the mall part time, I decided to jump back on the college bandwagon. I was approved for financial aid and registered with the same Drawing and Design schedule that I had a few years prior. I was so excited to finally be going to college! The first day of school arrived...and I was in the hospital unable to walk. I had a severe kidney infection, the result of a disease called Renal Tubular Acidosis, and was in a hypokalemic crisis, the result of a disease called Periodic Paralysis. The two conditions are debilitating, and I remember being bedridden for weeks. I called the college to withdraw, absolutely devastated. I remember crying and asking God why. I didn't understand.
At the age of 30, I finally became a college freshman. I barely survived my first semester at Bishop State, due to a kidney obstruction that resulted in surgery and put me out of school for nearly 3 weeks (of a 10 week semester)! I'm still not sure how it happened, but I managed to catch up on nearly everything and ended up with 3 A's and a B. What a whirlwind...it was utter insanity. But my grant wasn't approved for the following year, so I couldn't return. I remember asking God why this was so hard to accomplish. Was I not meant to go to college and better myself? I was so frustrated.
So this year, with my health declining and the clock ticking, I took a leap of faith. I applied for all of the financial aid that I could get (whereas I refused student loans before) and debated for months on where I would go. Living right smack in between Mobile and Gautier, I had a hard time deciding and practically flipped a coin. I registered at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. On my schedule? Drawing and Design.
And now, it all makes sense. The disappointment of not starting college after high school. The devastation of being seriously ill and having to withdraw the second time. The frustration of not being able to return to Bishop State. Because at the age of 31, sick and broke, I am a freshman at MGCCC in the art department. It is not easy. I'm exhausted and miserable most of the time. I've been so sick and in so much pain that I've nearly collapsed. My blood pressure is high. My tolerance of my condition(s) is low. Sometimes I cry all the way there. Sometimes I cry all the way home. It is HARD.
But I LOVE it. It gives me a reason to get out of bed, and even though I don't understand what my purpose is in this life, right now I can't imagine being anywhere else with anyone else than this place and these people. I am so grateful to be there, I could burst. It's only been two months and I'm already dreading the day that I have to leave. I pray every day that I will do well in my classes, and somehow, make a positive difference while I'm there.
Lately, I've been thinking back to all of the frustration, heartache, and chance that has occurred where college is concerned. I didn't know why all of these bad experiences had happened to me, but God knew all along. I think about the what-ifs and it scares me. I think about the here and now and cry like a baby. I am so blessed. I talked to a teacher today who was going through a tremendously stressful event in her life, and how God intervened in the nick of time. Her story was just another reminder that our steps are ordered by the Lord (Psalms 37: 23-26). Whether we realize it immediately, as this lady did, or years down the road, as I am now, God can take our heartache and disappointment and frustration and use it for our good. That's why even in the hard times, I am in awe of God's hand on my life. I am so undeserving of His love and mercy. All I can do is say thank you, and pass it on.
All things work together for good for those who love God, which are called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28
I was 22 years old. Working at the mall part time, I decided to jump back on the college bandwagon. I was approved for financial aid and registered with the same Drawing and Design schedule that I had a few years prior. I was so excited to finally be going to college! The first day of school arrived...and I was in the hospital unable to walk. I had a severe kidney infection, the result of a disease called Renal Tubular Acidosis, and was in a hypokalemic crisis, the result of a disease called Periodic Paralysis. The two conditions are debilitating, and I remember being bedridden for weeks. I called the college to withdraw, absolutely devastated. I remember crying and asking God why. I didn't understand.
At the age of 30, I finally became a college freshman. I barely survived my first semester at Bishop State, due to a kidney obstruction that resulted in surgery and put me out of school for nearly 3 weeks (of a 10 week semester)! I'm still not sure how it happened, but I managed to catch up on nearly everything and ended up with 3 A's and a B. What a whirlwind...it was utter insanity. But my grant wasn't approved for the following year, so I couldn't return. I remember asking God why this was so hard to accomplish. Was I not meant to go to college and better myself? I was so frustrated.
So this year, with my health declining and the clock ticking, I took a leap of faith. I applied for all of the financial aid that I could get (whereas I refused student loans before) and debated for months on where I would go. Living right smack in between Mobile and Gautier, I had a hard time deciding and practically flipped a coin. I registered at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. On my schedule? Drawing and Design.
And now, it all makes sense. The disappointment of not starting college after high school. The devastation of being seriously ill and having to withdraw the second time. The frustration of not being able to return to Bishop State. Because at the age of 31, sick and broke, I am a freshman at MGCCC in the art department. It is not easy. I'm exhausted and miserable most of the time. I've been so sick and in so much pain that I've nearly collapsed. My blood pressure is high. My tolerance of my condition(s) is low. Sometimes I cry all the way there. Sometimes I cry all the way home. It is HARD.
But I LOVE it. It gives me a reason to get out of bed, and even though I don't understand what my purpose is in this life, right now I can't imagine being anywhere else with anyone else than this place and these people. I am so grateful to be there, I could burst. It's only been two months and I'm already dreading the day that I have to leave. I pray every day that I will do well in my classes, and somehow, make a positive difference while I'm there.
Lately, I've been thinking back to all of the frustration, heartache, and chance that has occurred where college is concerned. I didn't know why all of these bad experiences had happened to me, but God knew all along. I think about the what-ifs and it scares me. I think about the here and now and cry like a baby. I am so blessed. I talked to a teacher today who was going through a tremendously stressful event in her life, and how God intervened in the nick of time. Her story was just another reminder that our steps are ordered by the Lord (Psalms 37: 23-26). Whether we realize it immediately, as this lady did, or years down the road, as I am now, God can take our heartache and disappointment and frustration and use it for our good. That's why even in the hard times, I am in awe of God's hand on my life. I am so undeserving of His love and mercy. All I can do is say thank you, and pass it on.
All things work together for good for those who love God, which are called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
NaBloPoMo Day Three - Praying For Stellan
This precious angel is heading to Boston this week for a second, very risky heart ablation. He was diagnosed in the womb with heart failure and supra ventricular tachycardia, and was expected to die at birth. Miraculously, he was born alive and well, and people all over the world are now following his story online!
Sadly, Stellan slipped back into SVT and had to have a heart ablation at 5 months of age. It was unsuccessful, so docs have been trying to keep his condition under control with an insane amount of heart meds. I have never heard of a person taking more heart meds than Stellan does, and he's an infant. Blows my mind what this child has been through in such a short time.
Unfortunately, Stellan has relapsed and although the docs said a second ablation could be "catastrophic", they have run out of options as his body is giving out. They will fly to Boston Thursday morning, and a few days later, the surgeon will attempt to kill Stellan's extra electrical pathways that are causing his condition. As you can imagine, his parents are very nervous (what an understatement) and ask for everyone's prayers. Feel free to read more about him and the entire McKinney family at http://www.mycharmingkids.net, and please say a prayer for this sweet baby boy.
NaBloPoMo Day Two - Already Behind...Catching Up! What Is Your Outlet?
Well, I suck. I'm already behind on NaBloPoMo, but I have a good reason. I had a biopsy yesterday and I've been very much out of order with an utterly miserable, intolerable kinda pain. It's been over 24 hours now and I still feel like I'm being ripped to shreads. Aren't you thrilled to know that? Haha! Anyhoo, enough of that...
Time to play catch-up. This is NaBloPoMo day two. I have a list of topics that I plan to write about this month, but I'm looking for more ideas. Anybody gotta question for me? Lemme have it! I will blog about almost anything...my only exception being intimate relationships. That is way, way off limits. Not that I HAVE any of those to blog about...because I don't. But if I did, the blog world wouldn't have a clue. It's a policy that I take seriously. Other than that, I'm pretty open as many of you have already discovered.
As I said in my recent VLOG, I have been blogging on the net for over eight years. Writing is my outlet. It helps me to process my feelings and deal with life. I've always been a writer...I can remember journaling from the moment I learned how to write (thank you Mrs. Richard...she was such a great teacher). I always said I would be a published writer someday, but it hasn't happened yet. I haven't really pursued it, however. I do plan to, someday.
So I guess I'm gonna make this entry short, but interactive. Gotta question or suggestion for me? Comment or send me a private message. Also...share with me! I have such a diverse circle of friends here...parents, musicians, artists, teachers, students, engineers, photographers, computer nerds...you name it! I'm a serial blogger. What is YOUR outlet?
Time to play catch-up. This is NaBloPoMo day two. I have a list of topics that I plan to write about this month, but I'm looking for more ideas. Anybody gotta question for me? Lemme have it! I will blog about almost anything...my only exception being intimate relationships. That is way, way off limits. Not that I HAVE any of those to blog about...because I don't. But if I did, the blog world wouldn't have a clue. It's a policy that I take seriously. Other than that, I'm pretty open as many of you have already discovered.
As I said in my recent VLOG, I have been blogging on the net for over eight years. Writing is my outlet. It helps me to process my feelings and deal with life. I've always been a writer...I can remember journaling from the moment I learned how to write (thank you Mrs. Richard...she was such a great teacher). I always said I would be a published writer someday, but it hasn't happened yet. I haven't really pursued it, however. I do plan to, someday.
So I guess I'm gonna make this entry short, but interactive. Gotta question or suggestion for me? Comment or send me a private message. Also...share with me! I have such a diverse circle of friends here...parents, musicians, artists, teachers, students, engineers, photographers, computer nerds...you name it! I'm a serial blogger. What is YOUR outlet?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I saw God at Waffle House
I got up this morning in the usual way, in terrible pain but functional, and needed to run a few errands. As I left the house, I was contemplating lunch and talked myself into Waffle House. I rarely go there and Lord knows I don’t need it, but I decided to stop in for one last texas cheesesteak plate before I return to a highly restricted, heart-healthy diet.
I sat down and ordered. Behind me, a man walked by and was talking to the waitress. He wasn’t making a lot of sense, and I could tell that he wasn’t quite right in the head. I sipped my coca-cola for a minute and then I heard the man yell across the room “Did you know that you can copy a 20 dollar bill on the copy machine and it will work in a casino?” I wondered who he was talking to, but didn’t look his direction. He said “She’s not gonna talk to me…” and the waitress approached me and said “He’s talking to you.”
“OH! I’m sorry…” I said as I turned to him and smiled.
Him: Do you know that college called USA?
Me: Yes…
Him: Some kids from that college copied 20 dollar bills on a copy machine and went to Atlantic City. The bills worked! But do you know where they got caught?
Me: Where?
Him: The Cat House!
Me: Oh no! Haha…
Him: There was a write up in the paper about it. Did you know that I copied a 5 dollar bill on a copy machine, put it in a Pepsi machine, and it gave me a Pepsi and change?
Me: Oh wow...
I received my food at that point, and turned around to eat. The man kept talking loudly, to whoever would listen to him I guess. I figured he was in his 70’s or 80’s, and had some kind of mental condition. As I was eating, he got up and paid for his food. I overheard him say to the waitress, “See that girl sitting right there? See her? She’s sitting right there. I want to pay for her coke. Because she talked to me.”
I pretended that I had not heard him. Then he walked back by…
Him: Your drink is paid for.
Me: Oh, well thank you so much!
Him: If you would have sat over there with me, I would have paid for all of it.
Me: Haha, oh well thank you…
Him: My wife is dying. She’s not going to make it to Christmas.
He burst into tears. I’m almost sure my jaw hit the floor.
Me: I AM SO SORRY...I’m SO sorry to hear that.
Him: Sixty years. We’ve been together sixty years. She’s dying of cancer.
Me: I am so sorry. I’m so sorry. I have a friend with cancer and she’s very sick…I don’t know how long she’s going to be around. It’s really tough.
Him: Sixty years. The same wife. Sixty years.
Me: I am so sorry. That’s such a long time. Wow. I’m so sorry that she’s sick.
Him: Can I sit here?
Me: Yeah, of course.
I moved my stuff and he sat by me.
Him: Are you from here?
Me: Yeah. Well I’m from Mississippi, but…yeah.
He started talking about the “good ‘ol days” and how things were so much quieter and simpler back then. Said he never had to lock his door, and would leave the key in his ignition and never had to worry about someone stealing the car. He said he collected stuff and that he had several 13 gallon barrels filled with silver (as in silver dollars). “I guess I need to get rid of all of it”, he said. He talked about being drafted in WWII and the Korean War. Then he switched conversations again…
Him: Whatever you do, don’t go to Providence Hospital. They lied to me. They lied. They said nothing was wrong with me, and the next day I was having pain and ended up in surgery for colon cancer.
Me: Oh my goodness…
He proceeded to tell me about his experience in detail, including when he got out of surgery and couldn’t eat anything without throwing up…as I’m sitting there trying to eat my cheesesteak sandwich and hash browns. Ha! Serves me right for blogging about my dysfunctional uterus.
Him: Are you headed to Tillman’s Corner from here?
Me: Um, probably…
Him: Oh well Tillman’s Corner, you know that Goodwill store?
Me: Uh huh…
Him: Well if you go in there, find me and I can give you a 20 percent discount. I get a senior discount you know. Did you know that?
Me: Oh ok. No, I sure didn’t.
Him: Did you know that they don’t even ask me my age anymore? They just look at my hair.
Me: *giggle*
Him: Do you know where I met my wife?
Me: Where?
Him: The skating rink!
Me: You did? Aw, that’s great!
Him: If you ever want to meet someone, go to either a church or a skating rink. Whatever you do, don’t go to the taverns!
Me: Haha…oh no I don’t go there. I’m a church girl.
He’s still crying off and on…says it’s because he’s thinking about his wife of sixty years.
He talked for a while, then got up and said “Thank you for talking to me.” He went to walk out the door and said “If you go to Goodwill, come find me”.
Me: I will, thanks so much.
Him: There in Tillman’s Corner.
Me: Yes sir, thank you. Have a good day…God bless ya.
And he left. It was all I could do to hold it together. I paid my bill, sans coke, and drove to Walmart and cried. A divine appointment, at Waffle House of all places. Somehow, God used me to touch his life by simply being there when he needed someone to listen. But I can tell you that I didn’t touch his life nearly as much as he touched mine. It was a tremendous reminder that you never know what someone has been through or what they may be going through right now. It was a reminder that no matter what kind of hell you’re dealing with, someone always has it worse by a mile, and that we should always count our blessings. And it was a reminder of how such a small thing as a smile, a shoulder to cry on, a free coke, a skating rink love story, and good old fashioned respect can make an eternal impact in the lives of two hurting strangers at Waffle House.
Lord, may I see the value of every single person that crosses my path, remembering that they are your child, and that as your hands and feet, I should reach out and make a positive difference to the best of my ability, always striving to love as perfectly and unconditionally as you do. Amen.
I sat down and ordered. Behind me, a man walked by and was talking to the waitress. He wasn’t making a lot of sense, and I could tell that he wasn’t quite right in the head. I sipped my coca-cola for a minute and then I heard the man yell across the room “Did you know that you can copy a 20 dollar bill on the copy machine and it will work in a casino?” I wondered who he was talking to, but didn’t look his direction. He said “She’s not gonna talk to me…” and the waitress approached me and said “He’s talking to you.”
“OH! I’m sorry…” I said as I turned to him and smiled.
Him: Do you know that college called USA?
Me: Yes…
Him: Some kids from that college copied 20 dollar bills on a copy machine and went to Atlantic City. The bills worked! But do you know where they got caught?
Me: Where?
Him: The Cat House!
Me: Oh no! Haha…
Him: There was a write up in the paper about it. Did you know that I copied a 5 dollar bill on a copy machine, put it in a Pepsi machine, and it gave me a Pepsi and change?
Me: Oh wow...
I received my food at that point, and turned around to eat. The man kept talking loudly, to whoever would listen to him I guess. I figured he was in his 70’s or 80’s, and had some kind of mental condition. As I was eating, he got up and paid for his food. I overheard him say to the waitress, “See that girl sitting right there? See her? She’s sitting right there. I want to pay for her coke. Because she talked to me.”
I pretended that I had not heard him. Then he walked back by…
Him: Your drink is paid for.
Me: Oh, well thank you so much!
Him: If you would have sat over there with me, I would have paid for all of it.
Me: Haha, oh well thank you…
Him: My wife is dying. She’s not going to make it to Christmas.
He burst into tears. I’m almost sure my jaw hit the floor.
Me: I AM SO SORRY...I’m SO sorry to hear that.
Him: Sixty years. We’ve been together sixty years. She’s dying of cancer.
Me: I am so sorry. I’m so sorry. I have a friend with cancer and she’s very sick…I don’t know how long she’s going to be around. It’s really tough.
Him: Sixty years. The same wife. Sixty years.
Me: I am so sorry. That’s such a long time. Wow. I’m so sorry that she’s sick.
Him: Can I sit here?
Me: Yeah, of course.
I moved my stuff and he sat by me.
Him: Are you from here?
Me: Yeah. Well I’m from Mississippi, but…yeah.
He started talking about the “good ‘ol days” and how things were so much quieter and simpler back then. Said he never had to lock his door, and would leave the key in his ignition and never had to worry about someone stealing the car. He said he collected stuff and that he had several 13 gallon barrels filled with silver (as in silver dollars). “I guess I need to get rid of all of it”, he said. He talked about being drafted in WWII and the Korean War. Then he switched conversations again…
Him: Whatever you do, don’t go to Providence Hospital. They lied to me. They lied. They said nothing was wrong with me, and the next day I was having pain and ended up in surgery for colon cancer.
Me: Oh my goodness…
He proceeded to tell me about his experience in detail, including when he got out of surgery and couldn’t eat anything without throwing up…as I’m sitting there trying to eat my cheesesteak sandwich and hash browns. Ha! Serves me right for blogging about my dysfunctional uterus.
Him: Are you headed to Tillman’s Corner from here?
Me: Um, probably…
Him: Oh well Tillman’s Corner, you know that Goodwill store?
Me: Uh huh…
Him: Well if you go in there, find me and I can give you a 20 percent discount. I get a senior discount you know. Did you know that?
Me: Oh ok. No, I sure didn’t.
Him: Did you know that they don’t even ask me my age anymore? They just look at my hair.
Me: *giggle*
Him: Do you know where I met my wife?
Me: Where?
Him: The skating rink!
Me: You did? Aw, that’s great!
Him: If you ever want to meet someone, go to either a church or a skating rink. Whatever you do, don’t go to the taverns!
Me: Haha…oh no I don’t go there. I’m a church girl.
He’s still crying off and on…says it’s because he’s thinking about his wife of sixty years.
He talked for a while, then got up and said “Thank you for talking to me.” He went to walk out the door and said “If you go to Goodwill, come find me”.
Me: I will, thanks so much.
Him: There in Tillman’s Corner.
Me: Yes sir, thank you. Have a good day…God bless ya.
And he left. It was all I could do to hold it together. I paid my bill, sans coke, and drove to Walmart and cried. A divine appointment, at Waffle House of all places. Somehow, God used me to touch his life by simply being there when he needed someone to listen. But I can tell you that I didn’t touch his life nearly as much as he touched mine. It was a tremendous reminder that you never know what someone has been through or what they may be going through right now. It was a reminder that no matter what kind of hell you’re dealing with, someone always has it worse by a mile, and that we should always count our blessings. And it was a reminder of how such a small thing as a smile, a shoulder to cry on, a free coke, a skating rink love story, and good old fashioned respect can make an eternal impact in the lives of two hurting strangers at Waffle House.
Lord, may I see the value of every single person that crosses my path, remembering that they are your child, and that as your hands and feet, I should reach out and make a positive difference to the best of my ability, always striving to love as perfectly and unconditionally as you do. Amen.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Hanging on to hope
I'm having a hard time staying up to date with my blogs...my apologies. Things are absolutely chaotic right now and I'm overwhelmed. Please know that those of you who are reading and have left comments, I haven't forgotten about you. I appreciate you taking the time to come here. I don't take you for granted.
My biopsy was rescheduled THREE TIMES. It is now November 2nd. They did find a problem with my endometrium, and the biopsy will confirm whether or not it is malignant. I am in tremendous pain 24/7 with that as well as the periodic paralysis. I don't say the word hell a lot, but it's all I can think of to describe how I feel right now. I'm going through pure hell. But thankfully, I'm going THROUGH...not staying in. At least that's what I have to believe. If I didn't hang on to hope that things will get better, I would have no reason to go on. Hope is everything. I am hanging on to it for dear life.
"When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;"
Isaiah 43: 2-3a
My biopsy was rescheduled THREE TIMES. It is now November 2nd. They did find a problem with my endometrium, and the biopsy will confirm whether or not it is malignant. I am in tremendous pain 24/7 with that as well as the periodic paralysis. I don't say the word hell a lot, but it's all I can think of to describe how I feel right now. I'm going through pure hell. But thankfully, I'm going THROUGH...not staying in. At least that's what I have to believe. If I didn't hang on to hope that things will get better, I would have no reason to go on. Hope is everything. I am hanging on to it for dear life.
"When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;"
Isaiah 43: 2-3a
Monday, October 19, 2009
A heck of a time
I don't know what else to call this entry. I'm just having a heck of a time. Lots of ups and downs. My condition(s) are an hour-to-hour event these days. I'll be able to tolerate the pain and weakness and function one hour, and the next I'm so miserable that I have to go to bed. It's just craziness. I feel like I'm being stabbed with a jagged knife 24/7...I wish I could get a break from it.
Nevertheless, I've been fairly active this weekend. Worked at a charity event on Saturday, painting faces...
It was fun. I was also upgraded to Vice President of Art With Heart Mississippi. I'm the Secretary AND the VP now, sharing duties with our awesome Volunteer Coordinator. If you don't mind, please vote for Art With Heart to receive a $20,000 grant! You can vote daily through October 30th! The project is called Home Is Where The Art Is. Thanks so much for your time!
Also worked on a lot of Secretary stuff for the Art Guild this weekend. Oh, I don't even think I've mentioned them here yet because things have been so nuts. I'm a member of the Art Guild at my local college, and they asked me to be Secretary there too. Love those youngins...most of my peers are in the 18-21 year old range so I joke a lot about being the old woman who's almost old enough to be their mother. I love school and will be sad when I have to leave. I wish I was better at drawing (I suck...no really, I do) and I wish so much that I felt better. Some days are just awful and it's all I can do to keep from bursting into tears. Other days are better. I laugh as much as I can (having a silly teacher helps) and try my best to make it through the day. I've missed one class so far...hoping I can make it through the next 2 months without missing anymore. Although, I may very well miss Thursday since my biopsy is Wednesday. I'm really, really dreading that. A lot.
Saturday was my brother Max's birthday. He would have been 14 years old. Hard to believe. I wish he was here.
In a great deal of pain tonight, and can't sleep, so I figured I would give you a short update. I have a lot of pics to share later on when I can...maybe in time for the next MckLinky Blog Hop. Speaking of...sweet little Abby is having the time of her life at Disney right now. It was her "Make A Wish", and I'm so glad for her. Please continue to pray for Abby as she is still on chemo and feeling pretty rough most of the time. I honestly can't imagine going through all that she has. What a trooper. I'll be honoring her at my upcoming Bob Ross charity workshops, which benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. So excited about this... I hope to raise a few hundred dollars.
I guess that's all for now. I have a very busy Monday at school, so I am going to try again to get some sleep. Hope everyone has a blessed week.
Nevertheless, I've been fairly active this weekend. Worked at a charity event on Saturday, painting faces...
It was fun. I was also upgraded to Vice President of Art With Heart Mississippi. I'm the Secretary AND the VP now, sharing duties with our awesome Volunteer Coordinator. If you don't mind, please vote for Art With Heart to receive a $20,000 grant! You can vote daily through October 30th! The project is called Home Is Where The Art Is. Thanks so much for your time!
Also worked on a lot of Secretary stuff for the Art Guild this weekend. Oh, I don't even think I've mentioned them here yet because things have been so nuts. I'm a member of the Art Guild at my local college, and they asked me to be Secretary there too. Love those youngins...most of my peers are in the 18-21 year old range so I joke a lot about being the old woman who's almost old enough to be their mother. I love school and will be sad when I have to leave. I wish I was better at drawing (I suck...no really, I do) and I wish so much that I felt better. Some days are just awful and it's all I can do to keep from bursting into tears. Other days are better. I laugh as much as I can (having a silly teacher helps) and try my best to make it through the day. I've missed one class so far...hoping I can make it through the next 2 months without missing anymore. Although, I may very well miss Thursday since my biopsy is Wednesday. I'm really, really dreading that. A lot.
Saturday was my brother Max's birthday. He would have been 14 years old. Hard to believe. I wish he was here.
In a great deal of pain tonight, and can't sleep, so I figured I would give you a short update. I have a lot of pics to share later on when I can...maybe in time for the next MckLinky Blog Hop. Speaking of...sweet little Abby is having the time of her life at Disney right now. It was her "Make A Wish", and I'm so glad for her. Please continue to pray for Abby as she is still on chemo and feeling pretty rough most of the time. I honestly can't imagine going through all that she has. What a trooper. I'll be honoring her at my upcoming Bob Ross charity workshops, which benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. So excited about this... I hope to raise a few hundred dollars.
I guess that's all for now. I have a very busy Monday at school, so I am going to try again to get some sleep. Hope everyone has a blessed week.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
MckLinky Blog Hop - Stuff That Makes Ya Feel Good!
Gotta post this one...it cracks me up every time I watch it! Kids are so cute!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Heartbroken for a friend...
Please pray for my friend Amy and her entire family as they mourn the loss of her nephew Jackson. Losing a baby never makes sense...I will never understand it. Absolutely devastating.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Conflicted
When people ask how I'm doing, I'm torn. Lie and say "Fine, thanks!" or tell the truth and be labeled as negative. It's a hard decision for me. I am all about being real...I think people can see that. But I don't want people thinking that I'm all gloom and doom either, because I'm not. Yes I'm sick and miserable, but I'm also blessed and I never forget that.
I am having a very, very hard time right now. It takes every ounce of strength I have to climb out of bed and function. Sometimes I cry all the way to school. Sometimes I cry all the way home. I'm weak and exhausted and in horrible pain every single day, and it is getting harder and harder to make it through the day. I never escape the symptoms and they're getting worse. It is down right disheartening. I feel defeated.
I'm so grateful to have wonderful friends, understanding students, and patient teachers. I couldn't possibly ask for more. I'm not at my best right now, and it tears my heart out to think that I would let any of these people down. I'd give anything to feel better.
When I'm not at school or teaching, I'm on bedrest elevating my legs. Tomorrow I have an ultrasound at the hospital, then I have to go teach a class. I've almost had to cancel my Bob Ross workshops, but I am trying my best to hang in there. It is so difficult right now. I've let my students know that I'm going downhill and will have to take a break for surgery and recovery. I hope to continue and even increase my workshops next year, but it's going to take a miracle in my body to make that happen. I barely make it through the few that I teach now.
Praying for answers. Mercy. Healing. Anything I can get to keep going. I tell God every day that I can't do this...at least not without Him. I'm standing on Isaiah 40:31 and praying that I can be an example of perseverance, hope, and God's divine strength. I'm not feeling it right now, but that doesn't mean it's not there. When you can't see God, hear God, or feel God, that's when you just have to trust.
I'm trying. Hard.
I am having a very, very hard time right now. It takes every ounce of strength I have to climb out of bed and function. Sometimes I cry all the way to school. Sometimes I cry all the way home. I'm weak and exhausted and in horrible pain every single day, and it is getting harder and harder to make it through the day. I never escape the symptoms and they're getting worse. It is down right disheartening. I feel defeated.
I'm so grateful to have wonderful friends, understanding students, and patient teachers. I couldn't possibly ask for more. I'm not at my best right now, and it tears my heart out to think that I would let any of these people down. I'd give anything to feel better.
When I'm not at school or teaching, I'm on bedrest elevating my legs. Tomorrow I have an ultrasound at the hospital, then I have to go teach a class. I've almost had to cancel my Bob Ross workshops, but I am trying my best to hang in there. It is so difficult right now. I've let my students know that I'm going downhill and will have to take a break for surgery and recovery. I hope to continue and even increase my workshops next year, but it's going to take a miracle in my body to make that happen. I barely make it through the few that I teach now.
Praying for answers. Mercy. Healing. Anything I can get to keep going. I tell God every day that I can't do this...at least not without Him. I'm standing on Isaiah 40:31 and praying that I can be an example of perseverance, hope, and God's divine strength. I'm not feeling it right now, but that doesn't mean it's not there. When you can't see God, hear God, or feel God, that's when you just have to trust.
I'm trying. Hard.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The blog entry where I talk about my stupid uterus...fair warning, fellas.
The continuous hormone therapy that I was put on in July in an attempt to bring my pathetic, psychotic uterus under control has not only failed MISERABLY, it has created new problems that are making me even MORE MISERABLE on a daily basis. The culprit? Estrogen. My body simply does not tolerate it AT ALL. Throwing up, doubled over in pain, heart rate and blood pressure out of control, and hypersensitive to everything to the point of crying at the drop of a hat...it is utterly ridiculous. There are few drugs on this planet that I detest more than synthetic estrogen. Useless garbage.
I went to USA Women's yesterday for another consultation with Dr. L. She said there's nothing more that can be done, and gave me two options: destroy it or remove it. I've been scheduled for an internal ultrasound next Wednesday, and a uterine biopsy on Oct 21st to rule out cancer. After those results come back, I will know whether or not I'm eligible for an ablation (burning the inside of the uterus, rendering it non-functional). If they find tumors or other issues that would hinder the ablation, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) would be in order.
I have a feeling that I'll be eligible for the ablation, but I'm concerned that it's not going to work. It is not guaranteed and I know several people who did not have success with it. I could very well have the ablation, then start hemorrhaging a month later and have to go right back for a hysterectomy. That would really suck. But being very high risk in surgery, I have to consider the fastest and safest method of dealing with this. I also have to think about time and convenience. The ablation is a week recovery, the hysterectomy a month. I would also have to find someone reliable to care for me while I recover from the hysterectomy. Not the easiest task.
The logical thing would be to have the complete hysterectomy and get it over with. Problem solved. But I am high risk in surgery, I don't have the time or the money, and I would be out of commission for a long time. The reasonable thing would be to have the ablation, although risky as well, it's safer and the recovery time is much shorter than most surgeries. But, there's a chance that it won't work. So if given a choice, I'm torn as to what to do.
I'm making it a matter of prayer, but ultimately I am going to have to decide for myself unless the docs don't like the test results and make the decision for me. I don't know...I just want it to be over. My uterus has been nothing but a curse to me for nearly 20 years. I just want this misery to end.
The Periodic Paralysis, RTA, kidney stones, pulling and tearing muscles and cartilage, TMJ, migraines, hypertension, diabetes, chronic pain and weakness...I think that's quite enough to deal with. My insane uterus (and the crappy hormone therapy) only contributes to my complications. It is absolutely senseless. I swear I will throw a "Good riddance stupid uterus" celebration when it's all said and done. It is still a hard decision to have to make, however. I've known for a while that I would never have children, and I've come to terms with that, but it's still a pretty traumatic thing to go through regardless.
This is not what I wanted my life to be, but it is what it is and all I can do is take one day at a time and keep moving forward, believing that God is in control.
But I also look forward to the day when this earthly life is done, and I don't have to suffer anymore.
I went to USA Women's yesterday for another consultation with Dr. L. She said there's nothing more that can be done, and gave me two options: destroy it or remove it. I've been scheduled for an internal ultrasound next Wednesday, and a uterine biopsy on Oct 21st to rule out cancer. After those results come back, I will know whether or not I'm eligible for an ablation (burning the inside of the uterus, rendering it non-functional). If they find tumors or other issues that would hinder the ablation, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) would be in order.
I have a feeling that I'll be eligible for the ablation, but I'm concerned that it's not going to work. It is not guaranteed and I know several people who did not have success with it. I could very well have the ablation, then start hemorrhaging a month later and have to go right back for a hysterectomy. That would really suck. But being very high risk in surgery, I have to consider the fastest and safest method of dealing with this. I also have to think about time and convenience. The ablation is a week recovery, the hysterectomy a month. I would also have to find someone reliable to care for me while I recover from the hysterectomy. Not the easiest task.
The logical thing would be to have the complete hysterectomy and get it over with. Problem solved. But I am high risk in surgery, I don't have the time or the money, and I would be out of commission for a long time. The reasonable thing would be to have the ablation, although risky as well, it's safer and the recovery time is much shorter than most surgeries. But, there's a chance that it won't work. So if given a choice, I'm torn as to what to do.
I'm making it a matter of prayer, but ultimately I am going to have to decide for myself unless the docs don't like the test results and make the decision for me. I don't know...I just want it to be over. My uterus has been nothing but a curse to me for nearly 20 years. I just want this misery to end.
The Periodic Paralysis, RTA, kidney stones, pulling and tearing muscles and cartilage, TMJ, migraines, hypertension, diabetes, chronic pain and weakness...I think that's quite enough to deal with. My insane uterus (and the crappy hormone therapy) only contributes to my complications. It is absolutely senseless. I swear I will throw a "Good riddance stupid uterus" celebration when it's all said and done. It is still a hard decision to have to make, however. I've known for a while that I would never have children, and I've come to terms with that, but it's still a pretty traumatic thing to go through regardless.
This is not what I wanted my life to be, but it is what it is and all I can do is take one day at a time and keep moving forward, believing that God is in control.
But I also look forward to the day when this earthly life is done, and I don't have to suffer anymore.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Though my heart is torn...
This has been a difficult week…month…year? I don’t know. I just know that I’m overwhelmed right now. It has been one year since my major relapse, and I currently have that “sense of doom” that my sister talks about. I’ve felt this way for a long time, and it reminds me of when I was seriously ill several years ago. I feel like I need to seize the day because the clock is ticking. While it’s good that I don’t take time for granted, I also feel a growing sense of helplessness. That’s not to be confused with hopelessness, however. I refuse to lose hope that somehow, some way, things will change.
The past few weeks have been tougher than usual. Several of my conditions have reared their ugly heads and I’ve been very sick. Making it through each day at school has been challenging to say the least, and I ended up missing a class this week. That’s something that was probably inevitable, but still really upsets me. I want so much to make it through this semester and do well, but it is so hard when I’m sick and miserable all the time. I am miserable ALL. THE. TIME. And I’m tired of it. I am not good at pretending, so putting on a happy face and acting like everything’s ok is HARD. I can’t help but be angry that my health is once again affecting my college classes. I want so much to feel well. I love school, I’m grateful to finally be there, and want to continue to go. I’ve also been blessed with great teachers who have been patient with me, and I don’t want to let them down. I don’t want to let myself down either…I’ve worked too hard to get here, even though it’s only my freshman year.
Thursday was especially tough. Sick from the ridiculous heat and humidity, and also received a lot of bad news as well. It seemed to get worse as the day went on, and I eventually had a meltdown on the way to school that night. My classmates were very sweet to talk to me, and I enjoyed my time with them (we had a movie night…Yellow Submarine). I love the art department and I already dread having to leave when the time comes.
I won't go into all of the details, but I ask that you please pray for my friend Dianne. She is terminally ill and has taken a tremendous turn for the worse. A hospice kind of turn. I knew that this was a possibility, but it has happened so fast. Dianne is one of the strongest people I’ve ever met, as she has been through more than one person should ever have to go through and still manages to hold her head up high with a smile on her face.
If only I could be half as strong as that.
I am overwhelmingly sad for her…her life has been so unfair. I just can’t get over it, and I feel helpless because I can’t do a thing about it. I have made an attempt to prepare myself for her death, and the fact that I’ll be helping clean out her apartment (she has no family…Art With Heart recently “adopted” her), but there is absolutely no preparing for that. I can’t even get past the fact that she’s going to die. I can’t do this.
It takes me back to Wes’s death…one of my best friends who died in ’97 at the age of 36. Only four weeks away from his wedding, he died of a heart attack in mid sentence. I helped clean out his apartment…and needless to say, I never wanted to have that experience again.
In the TMI department, I have an appointment Wednesday with the OBGYN. The meds are not only not working, they are greatly increasing my misery. They gotta go. My failed uterus has gotta go. Something’s gotta give. I just want it to be over with, whatever the future holds. We will be talking new meds and/or surgery, so prayers are appreciated. I need a solution to this, pronto. It is ridiculous how sick and in pain I am from this stupid organ that I’ll never, ever be able to use. How utterly senseless.
I’m having a hard time putting my feelings into words. Tired. Helpless. Grateful. Frustrated. Blessed. Sad. So many things. Just this blog entry has taken almost a week to write. I’m overwhelmed to the point that I feel like I’m going to burst. And not in a good way.
I don’t understand this life, but God is still on the throne. He holds all of the answers to all of the questions. I am so thankful for His mercy and grace, and I will cling to Him with all that is in me.
I will praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
You are who you are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You've never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm
The past few weeks have been tougher than usual. Several of my conditions have reared their ugly heads and I’ve been very sick. Making it through each day at school has been challenging to say the least, and I ended up missing a class this week. That’s something that was probably inevitable, but still really upsets me. I want so much to make it through this semester and do well, but it is so hard when I’m sick and miserable all the time. I am miserable ALL. THE. TIME. And I’m tired of it. I am not good at pretending, so putting on a happy face and acting like everything’s ok is HARD. I can’t help but be angry that my health is once again affecting my college classes. I want so much to feel well. I love school, I’m grateful to finally be there, and want to continue to go. I’ve also been blessed with great teachers who have been patient with me, and I don’t want to let them down. I don’t want to let myself down either…I’ve worked too hard to get here, even though it’s only my freshman year.
Thursday was especially tough. Sick from the ridiculous heat and humidity, and also received a lot of bad news as well. It seemed to get worse as the day went on, and I eventually had a meltdown on the way to school that night. My classmates were very sweet to talk to me, and I enjoyed my time with them (we had a movie night…Yellow Submarine). I love the art department and I already dread having to leave when the time comes.
I won't go into all of the details, but I ask that you please pray for my friend Dianne. She is terminally ill and has taken a tremendous turn for the worse. A hospice kind of turn. I knew that this was a possibility, but it has happened so fast. Dianne is one of the strongest people I’ve ever met, as she has been through more than one person should ever have to go through and still manages to hold her head up high with a smile on her face.
If only I could be half as strong as that.
I am overwhelmingly sad for her…her life has been so unfair. I just can’t get over it, and I feel helpless because I can’t do a thing about it. I have made an attempt to prepare myself for her death, and the fact that I’ll be helping clean out her apartment (she has no family…Art With Heart recently “adopted” her), but there is absolutely no preparing for that. I can’t even get past the fact that she’s going to die. I can’t do this.
It takes me back to Wes’s death…one of my best friends who died in ’97 at the age of 36. Only four weeks away from his wedding, he died of a heart attack in mid sentence. I helped clean out his apartment…and needless to say, I never wanted to have that experience again.
In the TMI department, I have an appointment Wednesday with the OBGYN. The meds are not only not working, they are greatly increasing my misery. They gotta go. My failed uterus has gotta go. Something’s gotta give. I just want it to be over with, whatever the future holds. We will be talking new meds and/or surgery, so prayers are appreciated. I need a solution to this, pronto. It is ridiculous how sick and in pain I am from this stupid organ that I’ll never, ever be able to use. How utterly senseless.
I’m having a hard time putting my feelings into words. Tired. Helpless. Grateful. Frustrated. Blessed. Sad. So many things. Just this blog entry has taken almost a week to write. I’m overwhelmed to the point that I feel like I’m going to burst. And not in a good way.
I don’t understand this life, but God is still on the throne. He holds all of the answers to all of the questions. I am so thankful for His mercy and grace, and I will cling to Him with all that is in me.
I will praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
You are who you are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You've never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Word to my peeps!
Just letting my winners of the 5000th visitor contest know that your goodies will be mailed out this weekend! :)
Also...just started NAME THAT TUNE on my Facebook status...whoever answers the most first and correct after one week wins a $10 gift card to somewhere, depending on where you live. If you haven't added me over there, feel free! Let me know who you are if your name is different there than it is over here.
I do have a real blog post coming soon...fair warning. :)
<3
Kelli
P.S. - Thanks to all who voted for Art With Heart today!!! (see previous post if you're confused)!
Also...just started NAME THAT TUNE on my Facebook status...whoever answers the most first and correct after one week wins a $10 gift card to somewhere, depending on where you live. If you haven't added me over there, feel free! Let me know who you are if your name is different there than it is over here.
I do have a real blog post coming soon...fair warning. :)
<3
Kelli
P.S. - Thanks to all who voted for Art With Heart today!!! (see previous post if you're confused)!
PLEASE PLEASE VOTE FOR ART WITH HEART!!!!!
The first grant proposal that I helped write for Art With Heart is in the running to receive $20,000!!!!! We are one of fifty finalists and need your help! It is now down to a public vote!!!!!
http://www.tomsofmaine.com/community-involvement/project-sponsorships.aspx
You will find us near the bottom of the page. It will say Home Is Where The Art Is, Art With Heart Mississippi, Moss Point, MS
Here is the summary of the grant proposal:
Home is Where the Art Is
Art With Heart in Mississippi
Moss Point, MS
The Idea
Secure and renovate an abandoned building, due to Hurricane Katrina and our difficult economy, on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to open to the public and provide free art classes, art therapy, mentoring and more, and provide a safe haven for all ages.
Who Benefits
Residents of all ages and cultures on the MS Gulf Coast where 90% was devastated in Hurricane Katrina resulting in an epidemic of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, addiction and crime; also to reduce number of vacant, eyesore properties that are havens for drug and gang activity.
Objective
Our goal is to purchase a building, renovate it with community help/volunteerism, and open it to the public to provide haven, art classes, art therapy, mentoring, and support. We'll recruit volunteers from high schools, colleges and public; document through newspapers, magazines and website via photos, videos and blogs.
Time Frame
4-6 months
Budget
$20,000
This is HUGE for us because we are currently running solely on private donations and our own incomes. This would make such a difference in our community! YOU CAN VOTE EVERY DAY THROUGH OCTOBER 30TH! PLEASE VOTE EVERY DAY IF YOU CAN! THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE!!!!!
http://www.tomsofmaine.com/community-involvement/project-sponsorships.aspx
You will find us near the bottom of the page. It will say Home Is Where The Art Is, Art With Heart Mississippi, Moss Point, MS
Here is the summary of the grant proposal:
Home is Where the Art Is
Art With Heart in Mississippi
Moss Point, MS
The Idea
Secure and renovate an abandoned building, due to Hurricane Katrina and our difficult economy, on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to open to the public and provide free art classes, art therapy, mentoring and more, and provide a safe haven for all ages.
Who Benefits
Residents of all ages and cultures on the MS Gulf Coast where 90% was devastated in Hurricane Katrina resulting in an epidemic of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, addiction and crime; also to reduce number of vacant, eyesore properties that are havens for drug and gang activity.
Objective
Our goal is to purchase a building, renovate it with community help/volunteerism, and open it to the public to provide haven, art classes, art therapy, mentoring, and support. We'll recruit volunteers from high schools, colleges and public; document through newspapers, magazines and website via photos, videos and blogs.
Time Frame
4-6 months
Budget
$20,000
This is HUGE for us because we are currently running solely on private donations and our own incomes. This would make such a difference in our community! YOU CAN VOTE EVERY DAY THROUGH OCTOBER 30TH! PLEASE VOTE EVERY DAY IF YOU CAN! THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE!!!!!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Be The Change
I want to introduce you to the amazing Block family. They are adoption advocates who are currently raising funds to help others adopt. The entire family is eating rice and beans for 30 days. What a tremendous example and a reminder of how incredibly blessed we are. I hope you will visit the Blocks website and consider making a difference in the life of a child. Thank you.
(cross posted to my charity blog)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Please buckle your seatbelt...it's gonna be a wild ride
I swear when I decided on "My Roller Coaster Life" for my blog eight years ago, I couldn't have chosen a better theme. This week has been one heck of an example:
Saturday: Usual day...hurting but functional (on the cane of course), and went to a concert with a friend. Had a great time.
Sunday: Woke up to the most horrendous charlie horse I've ever had. My leg was so drawn up that I couldn't even put my foot on the floor. I binged on potassium and calcium to no avail. I was on crutches in agony the entire day.
Monday: Things declined rapidly when I woke up to projectile vomiting (TMI but you are all aware that I tell the whole truth on my personal blog here, no?) to the point of dehydration and nearly losing consciousness. Even the Phenergan I was prescribed for these occasions didn't help. My uncle thought I had the flu, but I knew it was just another attack of Periodic Paralysis (it DOES act/feel like the flu at times). Pushed more meds and more fluids, but saw no improvement.
Tuesday: Woke up and managed to put my foot on the floor. Lots of pain and prayer, but I did it and the 48 hour charlie horse of doom subsided by the time I left for school. Bypassed the crutches (which are still in my car) and returned to the cane. I was still sick to my stomach but not only made it through the day, I stayed at school later than usual and was doing WORLDS better by mid afternoon. Blew my mind that only 24 hours prior, I felt like I was going to die and almost had to go to the ER.
So, yeah. I'd say roller coaster is an accurate description of my life. Good call, Kelli.
Saturday: Usual day...hurting but functional (on the cane of course), and went to a concert with a friend. Had a great time.
Sunday: Woke up to the most horrendous charlie horse I've ever had. My leg was so drawn up that I couldn't even put my foot on the floor. I binged on potassium and calcium to no avail. I was on crutches in agony the entire day.
Monday: Things declined rapidly when I woke up to projectile vomiting (TMI but you are all aware that I tell the whole truth on my personal blog here, no?) to the point of dehydration and nearly losing consciousness. Even the Phenergan I was prescribed for these occasions didn't help. My uncle thought I had the flu, but I knew it was just another attack of Periodic Paralysis (it DOES act/feel like the flu at times). Pushed more meds and more fluids, but saw no improvement.
Tuesday: Woke up and managed to put my foot on the floor. Lots of pain and prayer, but I did it and the 48 hour charlie horse of doom subsided by the time I left for school. Bypassed the crutches (which are still in my car) and returned to the cane. I was still sick to my stomach but not only made it through the day, I stayed at school later than usual and was doing WORLDS better by mid afternoon. Blew my mind that only 24 hours prior, I felt like I was going to die and almost had to go to the ER.
So, yeah. I'd say roller coaster is an accurate description of my life. Good call, Kelli.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Major HypoKPP Attack...
I woke up this morning to the worst charlie horse in the history of the universe. It has yet to subside, even with meds, seven hours later. I'm currently on crutches and can only sit in a few positions to tolerate the pain.
I need your prayers, friends. This must cease. I have Art With Heart business tomorrow, and school on Tuesday. I absolutely cannot miss school. I just can't.
Will give a real update soon. Thank you friends for praying.
I need your prayers, friends. This must cease. I have Art With Heart business tomorrow, and school on Tuesday. I absolutely cannot miss school. I just can't.
Will give a real update soon. Thank you friends for praying.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
New Painting and Henna Tat
"Night Light"...teaching this one on the 19th
Practicing henna for future commissions
More to come!
Monday, September 7, 2009
THREE WINNERS!!!!!
WOW, how cool! Three friends arrived on my site at the exact same time, so blog patrol counted them as one and they all hit 5000! Yaaaaaaaay!
Jolene, Rebecca, and Linda are the winners! You'll receive a gift from ugottafriend.com in a couple weeks! Thanks so much for playing...this was fun!!!
Stay tuned for future giveaways!
Hugs,
Kelli
Jolene, Rebecca, and Linda are the winners! You'll receive a gift from ugottafriend.com in a couple weeks! Thanks so much for playing...this was fun!!!
Stay tuned for future giveaways!
Hugs,
Kelli
ALMOST THERE!!!
Only SIX more hits before we reach 5000! Remember, if you're the one, take a pic of my page with the counter showing (it's in my sidebar right above my 101 in 1001 goals post). Use your camera phone, I don't care...as long as I can see it! Email it to me at ugottafriend4life@gmail.com, and you'll win a little goodie bag from me! Leave a comment here also if you're the one so I will know to look for your email.
THIS IS FUN!
Kelli
THIS IS FUN!
Kelli
Lighten Up!
I changed my background color to a much lighter shade of blue! Regulars, I want your input. Is this better or worse? Looks a little boring to me but it's certainly easier on the eyes. What do you think? Let me hear from ya!
Thanks!
Kelli
Thanks!
Kelli
Sunday, September 6, 2009
This week on If I Had A Million Bucks...
I am featuring the Liz Logelin Foundation on my charity blog, IF I HAD A MILLION BUCKS. If you haven't met Matt and Maddy, you're missing out. I encourage you to go see what you can do to help them in their mission to help others.
Thanks,
Kelli
WELL, who's gonna be number 5000???
Wow, my little blog patrol counter is nearing 5000 hits since setting it up a few months ago. SWEET! Thanks everyone for stopping by My Roller Coaster Life!
I thought I would come up with a prize for whoever hits 5000 right on the mark. But you gotta show me! If you are visitor number 5000, take a pic of my page with the counter showing and send it to ugottafriend4life@gmail.com. You'll win a little ugottafriend.com goodie bag! :D
Ready.................GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought I would come up with a prize for whoever hits 5000 right on the mark. But you gotta show me! If you are visitor number 5000, take a pic of my page with the counter showing and send it to ugottafriend4life@gmail.com. You'll win a little ugottafriend.com goodie bag! :D
Ready.................GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Broken for a friend...
My dear friend Katie lost her sister to cancer today. Lisa was only 44 years old, and had been fighting cancer since she was 25. Katie and I are about to go out for a little while to get her out of the house. Still waiting on arrangement details. Pray for Katie, please. I've lost two brothers but I still can't imagine.
God, please help us to find a solution to this horrible, terrible disease. Please.
EDIT NOTE: Lisa's webpage...
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lisaprisco
God, please help us to find a solution to this horrible, terrible disease. Please.
EDIT NOTE: Lisa's webpage...
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lisaprisco
Monday, August 31, 2009
GOOD NEWS NETWORK, VOLUME 3
Welcome to the GOOD NEWS NETWORK!
Nothin' but the good stuff!
A brain storm of the past and something that my friends and I discussed last year, the GOOD NEWS NETWORK is something that is needed in this crazy roller coaster life of mine. I'm willing to bet that you could use a nice, big dose of good news too.
We are constantly surrounded by negativity, and while I get that reporting such events are important and at times absolutely necessary, there's a point where I have to say "uncle". I'm not a drama queen, but I can only take so much bad news in one sitting. I think it's time to spread a little positivity, don't you?
THE RULES:
1. Include the GNN badge in the beginning of your post.
2. The purpose of GNN is to share a positive, heart-warming story from around the world. Your post must contain NOTHING BUT GOOD NEWS.
3. You must list the SOURCE of the news story, with a link to their website if they have one. If you don't list the source and you get sued for plagiarism, I will not be held responsible.
4. A mention of my blog would be greatly appreciated. The URL is ugottafriend.blogspot.com.
5. Leave the URL to your good news BLOG ENTRY on MckLinky below.
GNN vol. 3, 08/31/09
Courtesy of Yahoo! and Associated Press:
BLESSING, Texas – Three Texas fishermen who spent eight days stranded in the Gulf of Mexico atop their capsized boat endured hunger, blistering heat, scares from sharks and hallucinations, but they never gave up hope they'd be rescued.
"It was on a day-to-day basis that everybody had their breakdown," Tressel Hawkins told NBC's "Today Show" Monday. "The power of prayer had us feeling safe as far as knowing that we were going to make it out of it, but didn't know how long that we were going to have to endure this."
The men were reunited with their families early Sunday after they were found sitting on their 23-foot catamaran 180 miles from land. They were identified as Hawkins, 43, of Markham; James Phillips, 30, of Blessing; and Curtis Hall, 28, of Palacios.
"I knew we were coming home; I never had a doubt," Phillips, the boat owner, told the Houston Chronicle.
The crew of a sport fishing boat spotted the men waving their white T-shirts near Port Aransas and rescued them Saturday. The three were reported missing Aug. 22 after they left Matagorda, about 90 miles southwest of Houston, on a fishing trip and never returned. Port Aransas is about 130 miles from Matagorda.
The three were asleep that Friday night and were awakened by water coming in the boat, Hawkins said.
"Once we were awake and saw what happened, it flipped over in one minute," Phillips told the Chronicle. "Then us country boys went into survival mode. That's all we could do."'
The men rationed their salvaged bubble gum, crackers, beer and chips, and used a hose to suck fresh water out of the internal "washdown" tank. Fishermen often keep such a tank to wash fish slime off their boat when they are out in the salt water.
"We'd eat crackers one day, and then a handful of chips," Phillips said. "Everything tasted like gasoline and saltwater."
Hall and Haskins both said they saw U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and rescue planes fly over. The Coast Guard, which gave up the search after the men had been missing a week, never saw them.
Phillips said the roughest time was during the heat of the day, when they would try to endure the sun's rays and keep up their spirits. The men also started seeing things.
"About the fourth or fifth day we started hallucinating about people dropping off food and water," Phillips said. "And we were talking to them, but they weren't there," Phillips said.
One thing the men saw that wasn't a hallucination was sharks.
"We had a bunch of black-tipped sharks schooling up under the boat," Phillips said. "One of them jumped across the back of the boat."
Finally, they were spotted by Eddie Yaklin, a Corpus Christi car dealer who was fishing on his 75-foot yacht. Yaklin told NBC the boat went right past the men while heading to a nearby oil rig to fish. But then after about an hour he spotted them. They were atop their boat when Yaklin arrived.
Hawkins said he initially wondered if his rescuers were another figment of his imagination.
" My first reaction was, 'Is this really real?' You just have to kind of sit back and say is this real or hallucination," he said. "You have to wake yourself up three or four times to make sure it is real."
Saturday, August 29, 2009
August 29, 2005 - The Life I Knew - Gone.
Quick "before" video of Beach Blvd, a couple miles from my house...
During Katrina at my Aunt's house...before it got really bad. Her house was damaged (that tree she was begging to not fall, did), but little did we know at the time that a couple miles south was completely and utterly devastated, including my home.
These videos are my initial reaction to the aftermath...shock...disbelief...couldn't say much more than "Oh my God" at the time.
I had to keep turning off the camera to dodge debris in the road. I also (not on video, mind you) got yelled at and threatened by a man who thought I was a "tourist". I yelled back at him that I lost everything too, and offered him something to drink.
Beautiful Washington Avenue in Pascagoula torn to shreds...you wouldn't believe the huge houses that used to adorn this road...all of them, gone.
My hometown was an unrecognizable war zone. Everyone homeless and living in their driveways. People standing among debris that used to be their homes, standing guard with shotguns, fighting, looting, dying of dehydration...it was a freaking nightmare. Something that you would see on TV. It didn't seem real, but it was our new life for a very long time.
There was no water. No power. No food. No gas. No phones. The National Guard, the Red Cross, and FEMA arrived 11 days later. Everyone was so sick and exhausted by then, we were just grateful to finally see them. The National Guard gave us MREs and water. The Red Cross drove down the streets of Pascagoula and handed out brown bag meals. They had great brownies.
I have nothing nice to say about FEMA, so I won't say anything at all.
I want to sincerely thank all of the volunteers from all over North America that came to our aid and selflessly served my often-forgotten city. Folks from Ontario Canada, West Linn Oregon, Mesa Arizona, rural-in-the-middle-of-nowhere Pennsylvania...all over. I received a blanket from a quilting guild in Indiana, and it was the only blanket I owned for over a year. Because of Amish, Mennonite, and Baptist groups around the country, my family has a roof and four walls again. I can never say thank you enough.
I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO SAY THANK YOU ENOUGH.
You gave us hope again.
I'm bawling my eyes out with appreciation four years later.
We will never forget what you've done for us.
Believe that.
God bless all who suffered because of this monster called Katrina. God bless all who gave in response to it. And God bless those who suffered AND gave, in spite of it.
The Mississippi coast is strong. The Mississippi coast will be revived. We are overcoming this storm, by the grace of God, one day at a time.
During Katrina at my Aunt's house...before it got really bad. Her house was damaged (that tree she was begging to not fall, did), but little did we know at the time that a couple miles south was completely and utterly devastated, including my home.
These videos are my initial reaction to the aftermath...shock...disbelief...couldn't say much more than "Oh my God" at the time.
I had to keep turning off the camera to dodge debris in the road. I also (not on video, mind you) got yelled at and threatened by a man who thought I was a "tourist". I yelled back at him that I lost everything too, and offered him something to drink.
Beautiful Washington Avenue in Pascagoula torn to shreds...you wouldn't believe the huge houses that used to adorn this road...all of them, gone.
My hometown was an unrecognizable war zone. Everyone homeless and living in their driveways. People standing among debris that used to be their homes, standing guard with shotguns, fighting, looting, dying of dehydration...it was a freaking nightmare. Something that you would see on TV. It didn't seem real, but it was our new life for a very long time.
There was no water. No power. No food. No gas. No phones. The National Guard, the Red Cross, and FEMA arrived 11 days later. Everyone was so sick and exhausted by then, we were just grateful to finally see them. The National Guard gave us MREs and water. The Red Cross drove down the streets of Pascagoula and handed out brown bag meals. They had great brownies.
I have nothing nice to say about FEMA, so I won't say anything at all.
I want to sincerely thank all of the volunteers from all over North America that came to our aid and selflessly served my often-forgotten city. Folks from Ontario Canada, West Linn Oregon, Mesa Arizona, rural-in-the-middle-of-nowhere Pennsylvania...all over. I received a blanket from a quilting guild in Indiana, and it was the only blanket I owned for over a year. Because of Amish, Mennonite, and Baptist groups around the country, my family has a roof and four walls again. I can never say thank you enough.
I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO SAY THANK YOU ENOUGH.
You gave us hope again.
I'm bawling my eyes out with appreciation four years later.
We will never forget what you've done for us.
Believe that.
God bless all who suffered because of this monster called Katrina. God bless all who gave in response to it. And God bless those who suffered AND gave, in spite of it.
The Mississippi coast is strong. The Mississippi coast will be revived. We are overcoming this storm, by the grace of God, one day at a time.
Friday, August 28, 2009
What a week
Was very sick today...couldn't even keep juice down. I hope whatever the problem is has passed, and I'm very thankful that it wasn't a school day or a work day. I can't afford to miss either one. Hoping I feel much better tomorrow because I do have a small class in Biloxi.
Thursday, class was canceled but my instructor had an art show on campus so I made sure not to miss that. His work is incredible...left me speechless. I had a similar feeling when I went to Florida in 08 and saw my teacher trainer's work on day one of my certification. It's good to know that the one teaching me knows what he's doing, because I definitely...DEFINITELY...DON'T! I'm very nervous about these drawing classes but trying not to dwell on my disabilities...OR THE FACT THAT I ALMOST FAILED ART IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. Yeah...let's not think about that.
I've been so frustrated with the college bookstore, because while they have my art supplies, they have not unpacked them and made them available for purchase. Say what? Class is in session, here...you're killin' me, people! I've gone to Hobby Lobby for some of the stuff and will go to Michael's on Monday to see if I can find the rest. I'm a little OCD about things being "right", so I've been pretty aggravated about it, especially since I'm nearly broke and won't get the grant money for another...I don't know...two or three weeks? Art supplies or groceries? I'm having to choose.
Things have been so frustrating lately, but somehow it will all work out. I'm trusting that God is taking care of things, like he always does.
Thursday, class was canceled but my instructor had an art show on campus so I made sure not to miss that. His work is incredible...left me speechless. I had a similar feeling when I went to Florida in 08 and saw my teacher trainer's work on day one of my certification. It's good to know that the one teaching me knows what he's doing, because I definitely...DEFINITELY...DON'T! I'm very nervous about these drawing classes but trying not to dwell on my disabilities...OR THE FACT THAT I ALMOST FAILED ART IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. Yeah...let's not think about that.
I've been so frustrated with the college bookstore, because while they have my art supplies, they have not unpacked them and made them available for purchase. Say what? Class is in session, here...you're killin' me, people! I've gone to Hobby Lobby for some of the stuff and will go to Michael's on Monday to see if I can find the rest. I'm a little OCD about things being "right", so I've been pretty aggravated about it, especially since I'm nearly broke and won't get the grant money for another...I don't know...two or three weeks? Art supplies or groceries? I'm having to choose.
Things have been so frustrating lately, but somehow it will all work out. I'm trusting that God is taking care of things, like he always does.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
A doozy of a start...
Monday, I logged into my online classes and read all of the instructions. The Spanish instructor informed us that we had to purchase a second book. The book is almost $50, and we were required to do all of the assignments in that book, as well as the assignments in our textbook. She said we would spend at least 10 to 12 hours a week on the class.
Do the math, y'all. 12 hours a week for one class, plus my four other classes, plus teaching on the weekends, plus Art With Heart. Nope, not happening.
I dropped the class immediately, and a HUGE burden was lifted off my shoulders. I feel so much better about my other classes now, because those require a lot of time and commitment as well, and I want so much to excel.
So I took care of the Spanish withdrawal and started campus classes today. My Drawing and Design instructor is nice and funny, but tough. He said he rarely gives A's, and most end up with C's. Holy death-to-my-GPA, Batman...I'm scared.
On top of that little ounce of stress, I locked everything in my (borrowed) car. Keys, backpack, purse, phone...EVERYTHING. I had to walk across the entire campus twice, borrow a phone to call the police, and wait outside in the heat for a cop to jimmy the door open. At least I didn't miss class...thank God. I know it could have been worse. My body is very mad, though...legs are still cramping and spasming hours later. I've been in bed ever since.
Tomorrow I'll work on my online classes all day to get as far ahead as I can. I've already taken four quizzes for Art for Elementary Schools (AES from now own), and have five more to go by September 13th. I should be able to knock out those five tomorrow, so I'll be in good shape there. No Drawing and Design (D&D from now own) on Thursday so the rest of the week, I'll work on my Music Appreciation (MA from now own) assignment. I've been having severe ear pain over the past couple days, so I've been putting off listening to the music. I'll have to schedule a doc appointment if it continues.
So anyway...there's my recap for the week. I will probably be posting less as things get more hectic, but don't give up on me. I'm a serial blogger of 8+ years and you know I'll be around, so keep in touch. :)
Hugs to all,
Kelli
Do the math, y'all. 12 hours a week for one class, plus my four other classes, plus teaching on the weekends, plus Art With Heart. Nope, not happening.
I dropped the class immediately, and a HUGE burden was lifted off my shoulders. I feel so much better about my other classes now, because those require a lot of time and commitment as well, and I want so much to excel.
So I took care of the Spanish withdrawal and started campus classes today. My Drawing and Design instructor is nice and funny, but tough. He said he rarely gives A's, and most end up with C's. Holy death-to-my-GPA, Batman...I'm scared.
On top of that little ounce of stress, I locked everything in my (borrowed) car. Keys, backpack, purse, phone...EVERYTHING. I had to walk across the entire campus twice, borrow a phone to call the police, and wait outside in the heat for a cop to jimmy the door open. At least I didn't miss class...thank God. I know it could have been worse. My body is very mad, though...legs are still cramping and spasming hours later. I've been in bed ever since.
Tomorrow I'll work on my online classes all day to get as far ahead as I can. I've already taken four quizzes for Art for Elementary Schools (AES from now own), and have five more to go by September 13th. I should be able to knock out those five tomorrow, so I'll be in good shape there. No Drawing and Design (D&D from now own) on Thursday so the rest of the week, I'll work on my Music Appreciation (MA from now own) assignment. I've been having severe ear pain over the past couple days, so I've been putting off listening to the music. I'll have to schedule a doc appointment if it continues.
So anyway...there's my recap for the week. I will probably be posting less as things get more hectic, but don't give up on me. I'm a serial blogger of 8+ years and you know I'll be around, so keep in touch. :)
Hugs to all,
Kelli
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Today...
I could teach Sunset Aglow every week and be perfectly content, except that the all day class (it's more like 3/4 day) is absolutely brutal on my body. I did ok until 3:15pm. Then I started crashing, and at approximately 4:10pm I had a HypoK attack in class while cleaning up. One student was with me by then and she asked what she could do to help me. She got my stuff packed up and made sure I was going to be ok before leaving. I have such great students, but I wish they didn't have to worry about helping me clean up and load up my cart. It's really not their job and I hate to let them stay and help when they've already been there all day. I feel like a burden. I'm very thankful that my class is so understanding of my limitations. Hopefully they will be fine with not having more than a couple 3/4 day classes a year.
Was great to see my friends Andrea and Gabe stop by to say hi with their sweet little son Jacob. I was in full Bob Ross mode at the the time, and Jacob saw me and said "That's Miss Kelli painting in there"...awww! He came in and met the class, and they went on and on about him after he left. :)
Came home, took my meds, and crashed bigtime. Sitting up in bed right now, but I purposely don't have much on the agenda for the next two days because I'm going to have to stay off of my legs as much as possible. Tomorrow I'm taking a shower (you're welcome) and I'm going to make a spinach artichoke pizza for my brother and his girlfriend who are joining me for dinner. Other than that, NOTHIN'. I don't have an ounce of strength left in me. Laundry can wait, and I won't be driving again until college on Tuesday.
Oh yes.....COLLEGE!!!!!! Holy guacamole, Batman...I enrolled in FIVE classes. I've lost my flippin' mind. I start three online classes Monday (very scared of Spanish and I want my mommy) and start my drawing and design classes on Tuesday at the campus. I've already talked with the disability counselor about my condition and she said that I should not run into any issues with the art department. Me and my memory foam pillow will be arriving to class at 8:50am on Tuesday with a few pages of info in hand for the instructor. Let's hope the pillow works so that my legs don't cramp or go numb sitting in that metal chair all day. {insert happy positive thoughts here}
My uncle has been very gracious to get me to class and back until my car is repaired. Thank God I'm getting some grant money that should cover most of the repairs, and a student loan that will cover the rest. So I guess sometime in late September, I'll have my car back.
Hope all of my friends have a blessed week.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Blurry and crooked as heck, but.........
I just finished a 16 x 20 version of Sunset Aglow, my favorite Bob Ross painting. I will be teaching it in a special all day class on Saturday.
(I'll be glad when I can get a decent camera someday! Santa, are you listening??? LOL) :)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Friday Funnies - Now A Blog Carnival!
Need a laugh? Me too! If you've been visiting my blog for a while, you know I love my Friday Funnies! So I thought I would spread the laughs! Post something super funny on your blog, and then leave your link here for others to see! What you post must be funny, and PLEASE link back to my site! Feel free to use the yellow icon above. I would greatly appreciate it!
My favorite funny website is I Can Has Cheezburger. If you haven't seen it, you don't know what you're missing! Enjoy!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more dog and puppy pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more dog and puppy pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more dog and puppy pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Monday, August 17, 2009
MckLinky Blog Hop - Favorite Recipes
I love soup, and one of my favorites is Black Bean! It is so easy to make! I made this at midnight last night and it ROCKS...tastes identical to Panera Bread's Vegetarian Black Bean Soup! Sorry there's no picture...forgot to do that!
One can (2 cups) chicken broth
Two cans Bush's Seasoned Black Beans (do not drain)
2/3 yellow onion (make it a whole one if you wish...be daring!)
1/2 (heaping) tsp minced garlic
Few shakes of black pepper and garlic powder
Bring to a boil then simmer on low for approx 45 minutes. Stir occasionally. Perfect on the stove or in a crock pot. Enjoy!
One can (2 cups) chicken broth
Two cans Bush's Seasoned Black Beans (do not drain)
2/3 yellow onion (make it a whole one if you wish...be daring!)
1/2 (heaping) tsp minced garlic
Few shakes of black pepper and garlic powder
Bring to a boil then simmer on low for approx 45 minutes. Stir occasionally. Perfect on the stove or in a crock pot. Enjoy!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
August 15th
My sister is a married woman. The wedding was on Dauphin Island at the Estuarium. It was nice, albeit, a bit stressful at times. I suppose all weddings are. She did great, though, and had the time of her life. Was great to see her have such a lovely day.
I regrettably had a rough time. My feet gave out and I broke down in tears during family photos. We couldn't finish them and that really upsets me. Relatives brought me food, drink, and medicine. My brothers helped me walk and my brother's girlfriend wheeled me out to the car in a wheelchair when we left. I appreciated everyone's help.
While I have good days and bad days, I'm still in a full blown attack of Periodic Paralysis. I relapsed 11.5 months ago and have grown increasingly weak ever since. Docs don't know what to do for me, as all they see are the numbers on my bloodwork reports, which don't matter. It's not a numbers game, it's a transport defect. I can't say it enough. They just flat out don't understand the condition. Seems like nobody does except those who live with it, and it has been only through time, trial and error, and research. What it boils down to is that my muscles and nerves do not have the electrolytes necessary to withstand any kind of activity. It's like two equally charged magnets being put together...they don't work. They go opposite directions. And the harder you try to force the two magnets together, the harder they rebel. My muscles and nerves are the same. They function via electrolytes and without them, there's no "charge" so to speak. They literally depolarize and can't move. People ask me why I don't get a pain pump or physical therapy or other treatments, and I really don't know how else to explain that all of these things are not only irrelevant, but potentially dangerous. If you have a spinal injury and force your spine to move, you risk further damage. My muscles are in the same boat when I try to make them do what they do not have the ability to do. Without electrolytes to support and sustain the muscles and nerves, they simply can't work and forcing them to do so only makes the situation much worse. Pain is not the reason I'm disabled...it's the literal inability of my body to function properly. The pain is nothing more than a side effect...it's like having a charlie horse in the entire body and at times I feel like I am going to die.
The judge told me at the ceremony that I'm too young to be dealing with such a disability. No kidding, but no one should have to live with it, regardless of age. I usually try to take it in stride, but lately, I'm just sad and tired and I don't want to be like this.
I regrettably had a rough time. My feet gave out and I broke down in tears during family photos. We couldn't finish them and that really upsets me. Relatives brought me food, drink, and medicine. My brothers helped me walk and my brother's girlfriend wheeled me out to the car in a wheelchair when we left. I appreciated everyone's help.
While I have good days and bad days, I'm still in a full blown attack of Periodic Paralysis. I relapsed 11.5 months ago and have grown increasingly weak ever since. Docs don't know what to do for me, as all they see are the numbers on my bloodwork reports, which don't matter. It's not a numbers game, it's a transport defect. I can't say it enough. They just flat out don't understand the condition. Seems like nobody does except those who live with it, and it has been only through time, trial and error, and research. What it boils down to is that my muscles and nerves do not have the electrolytes necessary to withstand any kind of activity. It's like two equally charged magnets being put together...they don't work. They go opposite directions. And the harder you try to force the two magnets together, the harder they rebel. My muscles and nerves are the same. They function via electrolytes and without them, there's no "charge" so to speak. They literally depolarize and can't move. People ask me why I don't get a pain pump or physical therapy or other treatments, and I really don't know how else to explain that all of these things are not only irrelevant, but potentially dangerous. If you have a spinal injury and force your spine to move, you risk further damage. My muscles are in the same boat when I try to make them do what they do not have the ability to do. Without electrolytes to support and sustain the muscles and nerves, they simply can't work and forcing them to do so only makes the situation much worse. Pain is not the reason I'm disabled...it's the literal inability of my body to function properly. The pain is nothing more than a side effect...it's like having a charlie horse in the entire body and at times I feel like I am going to die.
The judge told me at the ceremony that I'm too young to be dealing with such a disability. No kidding, but no one should have to live with it, regardless of age. I usually try to take it in stride, but lately, I'm just sad and tired and I don't want to be like this.
Friday, August 14, 2009
When it rains, it pours...
My car broke down today. I was stranded on the side of the highway for 2.5 hours. I missed my sister's wedding rehearsal. I'll get a ride to the wedding tomorrow, but then what? I have to be at the college Monday and every Tuesday and Thursday after that or I'm sunk. I also have several Bob Ross workshops scheduled in the next four weeks.
What now, Lord?
What now, Lord?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
My Dining Room Table (or "HALP ME, INTERWEBS!")
When your dining room table reminds you of an "I Spy" book, you know it's time to intervene.
Thankfully my uncle only laughs when he sees this mess, especially since he has his own table, thankyouverymuch. I do believe I need to get a handle on this thing, though. Soon. It will happen soon...
Thankfully my uncle only laughs when he sees this mess, especially since he has his own table, thankyouverymuch. I do believe I need to get a handle on this thing, though. Soon. It will happen soon...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Crazy busy...
Might not be around for a few days. College stuff, Art With Heart stuff, and wedding stuff galore. My sister Katie gets married Saturday. I'll be able to breathe a little once Sunday rolls around, then I'll be starting college full time.
Let the insanity begin!!!!!
*faint*
Let the insanity begin!!!!!
*faint*
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Blog Hop Tuesday - Favorite Photos
I love skyscapes! It's my favorite thing to take pics of!
P.S. - They're not edited. I don't know how to use photoshop. This is the real deal with a cheap HP digital cam. :)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
To Do's of the Week
Tonight: Catch up on blogs (seriously...I haven't forgotten about all of you...promise!)
Monday: Art therapy at United Cerebral Palsy; put away clean laundry (for the love of organized chaos...I'm so tired of tripping over these baskets!)
Tuesday: Art projects for charity...as many as possible!
Wednesday: To Biloxi to pick up the rest of my stuff from Hobby Lobby, then to Moss Point for Art With Heart meeting
Thursday: Art projects, Art With Heart kids class
Friday: Wedding rehearsal
Saturday: Katie's Wedding! (Please God, let my clothes fit...)
Monday: Art therapy at United Cerebral Palsy; put away clean laundry (for the love of organized chaos...I'm so tired of tripping over these baskets!)
Tuesday: Art projects for charity...as many as possible!
Wednesday: To Biloxi to pick up the rest of my stuff from Hobby Lobby, then to Moss Point for Art With Heart meeting
Thursday: Art projects, Art With Heart kids class
Friday: Wedding rehearsal
Saturday: Katie's Wedding! (Please God, let my clothes fit...)
Friday, August 7, 2009
Went to the doc...thanks for praying
First of all, I have to thank my mom for giving me the cash to get there and get the help I needed. That is an extreme rarity...you have no idea. I am very grateful. I drove to Mississippi to pick up the money, then drove to Mobile Alabama to the clinic.
My blood pressure has flipped out, so they have put me on a new heart drug. It's not actually new, just new to me. Praying that it works to get my blood pressure and heart rate back under control.
Dr. J said that I did not have an active kidney infection, but my symptoms do reflect either having had one that's subsided or either my bladder and urinary tract are under pressure due to the prescription potassium chloride that I'm on (the equivalent of 10 bottles of gatorade a day, minus the sugar). She believes it's the latter. She said if it gets worse or doesn't eventually subside, call back and she'll put me on a round of Cipro just to be safe.
I was also given a couple of prescripts to try to help me get some sleep. Lord, please let me sleep.
Blood was drawn to check my A1C, because it turns out that they did not check it last time. I'll hear from them in a few days about that. Diabetes is a huge concern and must be kept at bay.
I came home, laid down for a few minutes, then went to a student's house for a consultation. Afterwards, my head felt like it was going to explode so I drove back to Mobile (from Grand Bay, where I live) and picked up the meds so I could start them tonight instead of tomorrow.
So anyway...starting the new meds now. Really praying that this works so I can start feeling better. Dr. J said my crazy blood pressure fluctuations are most likely the cause of my bouts of nausea and dizziness. Makes sense, although I'm still inclined to blame it on the estrogen only because it did the same thing to me years ago.
I guess that's all. It has been a VERY long day. Head hurts...gonna take a hot bath and prepare for tomorrow's workshop.
I appreciate everyone's prayers and well wishes very much. Please know that it means a great deal to me! <3
My blood pressure has flipped out, so they have put me on a new heart drug. It's not actually new, just new to me. Praying that it works to get my blood pressure and heart rate back under control.
Dr. J said that I did not have an active kidney infection, but my symptoms do reflect either having had one that's subsided or either my bladder and urinary tract are under pressure due to the prescription potassium chloride that I'm on (the equivalent of 10 bottles of gatorade a day, minus the sugar). She believes it's the latter. She said if it gets worse or doesn't eventually subside, call back and she'll put me on a round of Cipro just to be safe.
I was also given a couple of prescripts to try to help me get some sleep. Lord, please let me sleep.
Blood was drawn to check my A1C, because it turns out that they did not check it last time. I'll hear from them in a few days about that. Diabetes is a huge concern and must be kept at bay.
I came home, laid down for a few minutes, then went to a student's house for a consultation. Afterwards, my head felt like it was going to explode so I drove back to Mobile (from Grand Bay, where I live) and picked up the meds so I could start them tonight instead of tomorrow.
So anyway...starting the new meds now. Really praying that this works so I can start feeling better. Dr. J said my crazy blood pressure fluctuations are most likely the cause of my bouts of nausea and dizziness. Makes sense, although I'm still inclined to blame it on the estrogen only because it did the same thing to me years ago.
I guess that's all. It has been a VERY long day. Head hurts...gonna take a hot bath and prepare for tomorrow's workshop.
I appreciate everyone's prayers and well wishes very much. Please know that it means a great deal to me! <3
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Prayers appreciated...
Not a happy camper...much pain from a UTI on top of the Periodic Paralysis. I have a doc appointment Friday but don't have the money to get there, much less pay a copay, so I am having to cancel. I'm hoping that they can reschedule me for next week after I have some funds, but it would be a miracle. They never give appointments that soon...it's always a 2-4 week wait.
So that's what I need. A miracle. Infections often land me in the hospital (I have kidney disease), so intervention is needed as quickly as possible.
*SIGH* Tired, y'all.
So that's what I need. A miracle. Infections often land me in the hospital (I have kidney disease), so intervention is needed as quickly as possible.
*SIGH* Tired, y'all.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Hot off the presses...
Or still on the easel? Ok whatever. :) Just finished!
Rolling Hills, Bob Ross painting #1301, no changes
16 x 20 stretched canvas
$125 unframed, $175 framed
Free Shipping!
I will be teaching this one on Saturday...can't wait! I hope my new students don't hate me for springing this one on them on their first day...ha! It's not as easy as it looks!!!
P.S. - Will catch up on the Blog Hop asap...thanks for the comments on my Encouragement post!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Wonderful wonderful news!!!
Tuesday Blog Hop - A Bend In The Road
For those who may have been wondering...no, I'm not dead. :) It's been a while since I've blogged, I realize, but life has become overwhelming and I just haven't taken the time to rant about it here. I'll catch up eventually, I think...bear with me.
My friend Linda gave me a beautiful journal, and I wrote in it the other night. It has been years since I've used a hard copy journal, but I had been wanting to start writing again...pen to paper. So I am. This was my first entry. I hope that those who are suffering today will be encouraged to know that you're walking this road for a purpose. When you don't have the strength to stand anymore, fall into your Heavenly Father's arms and let Him hold you.
Sometimes I wonder why I was chosen to walk this road...to live with the frustration of never being fully independent, to live every day in constant pain and to know that, while my family and friends love me, they will never understand. I wish I knew the answers, but I don't and I never will as long as I live in this imperfect world. What I do know is that my creator holds the answers, and one day I will be free from my pain. Someday, my salvation in God will be fully revealed, and someday, it will all make sense.
My friend Linda gave me a beautiful journal, and I wrote in it the other night. It has been years since I've used a hard copy journal, but I had been wanting to start writing again...pen to paper. So I am. This was my first entry. I hope that those who are suffering today will be encouraged to know that you're walking this road for a purpose. When you don't have the strength to stand anymore, fall into your Heavenly Father's arms and let Him hold you.
Sometimes I wonder why I was chosen to walk this road...to live with the frustration of never being fully independent, to live every day in constant pain and to know that, while my family and friends love me, they will never understand. I wish I knew the answers, but I don't and I never will as long as I live in this imperfect world. What I do know is that my creator holds the answers, and one day I will be free from my pain. Someday, my salvation in God will be fully revealed, and someday, it will all make sense.
Sometimes we come to life's crossroads
And we view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And he knows that it's only a bend-
The road will go on and get smoother
And after we've stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow-
You've just come to a bend in the road.
Helen Steiner Rice
And we view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And he knows that it's only a bend-
The road will go on and get smoother
And after we've stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow-
You've just come to a bend in the road.
Helen Steiner Rice
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Quick update on the kids...
Abby is in the hospital on meds, and thankfully doing ok. Her immune system is very fragile due to the chemo, so they are having to be very careful to eliminate this infection but also have to take her allergy to antibiotics into consideration. Turns out she does have a blood infection, but it had not turned into full blown sepsis and she will hopefully be well enough to go home in a few days.
Stellan is hanging in there. The plans to go to Boston were postponed and Stellan has had a very rough time. The SVT was sending his body into a state of acidosis (I have bouts of that and know exactly what it's like) and he was very, very ill. Thankfully, with continuely high doses of drugs, he has had some breaks from the SVT. Unfortunately, the dosages are so high that his body has become toxic from all the drugs and that is also making him ill, but his kidneys are working properly again and he is considered stable. They are making arrangements for him to go to Boston soon for a possible second heart ablation.
EDIT 9:15PM: Stellan is out of SVT!!! They are monitoring him and have decided that are not sending him to Boston right now if stays out of SVT. What a ROLLER COASTER. Lord! I'm so relieved to hear that Stellan has taken a MAJOR turn for the better. Time will tell whether or not he is headed to Boston. Oh, what stress...I can't imagine how his parents feel! Praying!
I'm having a very tough time lately. Significant attacks of Periodic Paralysis with nausea and major pain have been ruining my days and nights. Doc appointment is next week. I don't know what the plan will be but we've got to come up with one. I can't keep going on like this.
I appreciate all of the prayers...for Abby, Stellan, and myself as well.
Stellan is hanging in there. The plans to go to Boston were postponed and Stellan has had a very rough time. The SVT was sending his body into a state of acidosis (I have bouts of that and know exactly what it's like) and he was very, very ill. Thankfully, with continuely high doses of drugs, he has had some breaks from the SVT. Unfortunately, the dosages are so high that his body has become toxic from all the drugs and that is also making him ill, but his kidneys are working properly again and he is considered stable. They are making arrangements for him to go to Boston soon for a possible second heart ablation.
EDIT 9:15PM: Stellan is out of SVT!!! They are monitoring him and have decided that are not sending him to Boston right now if stays out of SVT. What a ROLLER COASTER. Lord! I'm so relieved to hear that Stellan has taken a MAJOR turn for the better. Time will tell whether or not he is headed to Boston. Oh, what stress...I can't imagine how his parents feel! Praying!
I'm having a very tough time lately. Significant attacks of Periodic Paralysis with nausea and major pain have been ruining my days and nights. Doc appointment is next week. I don't know what the plan will be but we've got to come up with one. I can't keep going on like this.
I appreciate all of the prayers...for Abby, Stellan, and myself as well.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Urgent Prayer Needed
Baby Stellan is being airlifted to Boston after suffering from SVT for several days with no relief. They have tried drug after drug, including Adenosine which stops the heart and restarts it, and it is not working. As of this morning, he cannot keep anything down and is no longer urinating. This is very, very serious. Please pray for this sweet baby!
Four year old Abby Riggs is being admitted to the hospital as we speak with possible sepsis. This is critically bad news, as she is a cancer patient who is very sensitive to any kind of infection. Sepsis is as bad as it gets. Please pray that the docs find the right antibiotic (she is allergic to many) to fight this.
I can't express how much trouble these two babies are in. Both are very, very serious and it's hard not to be scared for them and their families. Please say a prayer for them and consider passing it on. We are in a 24 hour prayer vigil for Stellan on Twitter, and praying and anticipating the next update from Brent and Michelle about Abby.
Thank you friends for praying.
Kelli
Four year old Abby Riggs is being admitted to the hospital as we speak with possible sepsis. This is critically bad news, as she is a cancer patient who is very sensitive to any kind of infection. Sepsis is as bad as it gets. Please pray that the docs find the right antibiotic (she is allergic to many) to fight this.
I can't express how much trouble these two babies are in. Both are very, very serious and it's hard not to be scared for them and their families. Please say a prayer for them and consider passing it on. We are in a 24 hour prayer vigil for Stellan on Twitter, and praying and anticipating the next update from Brent and Michelle about Abby.
Thank you friends for praying.
Kelli
Sunday, July 26, 2009
I am not well.
I'm getting worse.
My family asked that I file for SS Disability again.
They see that I'm going downhill.
Yet they have no clue how hard this really is.
In horrible pain 24/7/365...I never escape it.
I am so weak that I can barely use my arms and legs sometimes. I almost didn't make it up and down the steps tonight.
I waited till I got home to cry.
I don't know what to do.
I've made a doc appointment to discuss my options...again.
I am absolutely at my wits end.
I don't want to be like this.
My family asked that I file for SS Disability again.
They see that I'm going downhill.
Yet they have no clue how hard this really is.
In horrible pain 24/7/365...I never escape it.
I am so weak that I can barely use my arms and legs sometimes. I almost didn't make it up and down the steps tonight.
I waited till I got home to cry.
I don't know what to do.
I've made a doc appointment to discuss my options...again.
I am absolutely at my wits end.
I don't want to be like this.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
One of the greatest finds on the net EVER!
I've been on the internet for over 10 years now. I've surfed countless sites and have blogged about many of them. Folks, this is one of the greatest sites that I've ever come across. If you're like me and consider shopping for household products a hassle, you need ALICE!
Alice.com is the answer for every person who wishes to avoid the insanity that is the "superstore". Who dreads wading through the crowds and fighting rush hour traffic...and that's just INSIDE the store! Never mind circling the parking lot fifteen times looking for a decent place to park. And then of course there is the waiting in line. And waiting. And waiting. Extra points if you have crying kids in your cart, because that just doubles your pleasure, eh?
AHEM...
Alice.com solves all of the stress. Find your brand name household items by searching or browsing their easy database. Never run out of toilet paper again, because Alice.com has all that you'll ever need. Purell? Check. Baby wipes? Check. They even have snack foods like poptarts, granola bars, and cereal. All prices are what you would find in a regular superstore, PLUS, Alice.com FINDS COUPONS for you and automatically applies them to the item! It also provides your own account which stores these and other items for future ordering, and will even send you a reminder to order if you want it. AND THAT'S NOT ALL! (R.I.P. Billy Mays)...when you order from Alice.com, you never, EVER pay shipping! Say what? Yep, shipping is always FREE. How can you say no to that?
I couldn't! I tested it out. I ordered a 12 pack of toilet paper, 3 rolls of paper towels (which had coupons...yes!), Pampers baby wipe refills (also w/coupon), Purell, Stridex facial pads, wax paper, and a large multi-pack of Glad Bowls.
The total with tax was $31 and change.
Shipping - FREE!
I placed the order Monday morning...
And this (Wednesday) morning, I walked into my kitchen to find this...
Two days. They processed my order Monday, shipped it on Tuesday, and I received it on my little country town doorstep in the middle of nowhere...on Wednesday!
I'm almost SURE that I heard the stray animals on my porch applaud on my behalf. Or maybe not...
I am beyond thrilled. For those who don't know, I have Muscular Dystrophy, and it is a challenge for me to make it through SuperWalmart. It is impossible to get through it without pain and weakness. Sometimes I have to take breaks in the store. Every time I go, I have to have a shopping cart just to lean on, whether I'm filling it or not.
No more. I have Alice now. I am a happy and grateful woman.
Go have fun making your own database at Alice.com! And tell 'em that Kelli sent ya!
Alice.com is the answer for every person who wishes to avoid the insanity that is the "superstore". Who dreads wading through the crowds and fighting rush hour traffic...and that's just INSIDE the store! Never mind circling the parking lot fifteen times looking for a decent place to park. And then of course there is the waiting in line. And waiting. And waiting. Extra points if you have crying kids in your cart, because that just doubles your pleasure, eh?
AHEM...
Alice.com solves all of the stress. Find your brand name household items by searching or browsing their easy database. Never run out of toilet paper again, because Alice.com has all that you'll ever need. Purell? Check. Baby wipes? Check. They even have snack foods like poptarts, granola bars, and cereal. All prices are what you would find in a regular superstore, PLUS, Alice.com FINDS COUPONS for you and automatically applies them to the item! It also provides your own account which stores these and other items for future ordering, and will even send you a reminder to order if you want it. AND THAT'S NOT ALL! (R.I.P. Billy Mays)...when you order from Alice.com, you never, EVER pay shipping! Say what? Yep, shipping is always FREE. How can you say no to that?
I couldn't! I tested it out. I ordered a 12 pack of toilet paper, 3 rolls of paper towels (which had coupons...yes!), Pampers baby wipe refills (also w/coupon), Purell, Stridex facial pads, wax paper, and a large multi-pack of Glad Bowls.
The total with tax was $31 and change.
Shipping - FREE!
I placed the order Monday morning...
And this (Wednesday) morning, I walked into my kitchen to find this...
Two days. They processed my order Monday, shipped it on Tuesday, and I received it on my little country town doorstep in the middle of nowhere...on Wednesday!
I'm almost SURE that I heard the stray animals on my porch applaud on my behalf. Or maybe not...
I am beyond thrilled. For those who don't know, I have Muscular Dystrophy, and it is a challenge for me to make it through SuperWalmart. It is impossible to get through it without pain and weakness. Sometimes I have to take breaks in the store. Every time I go, I have to have a shopping cart just to lean on, whether I'm filling it or not.
No more. I have Alice now. I am a happy and grateful woman.
Go have fun making your own database at Alice.com! And tell 'em that Kelli sent ya!
This week's charity on If I Had A Million Bucks...
I just featured a new website on my charity blog IF I HAD A MILLION BUCKS. Please take a look at Shamrock Swamp, a cute new Blogger store hosted by my friend Katherine, who is a fiber artist. All designs are original and proceeds from her sales currently benefit another local friend of mine, Dianne, who is in the last stages of cancer.
Thank you for looking, and please feel free to follow the blog and tell me what your favorite charities are. I'm always looking for more people doing great things for others.
Kelli
Thank you for looking, and please feel free to follow the blog and tell me what your favorite charities are. I'm always looking for more people doing great things for others.
Kelli
Pluggin' my friend's store!
My friend Kalen, age 15, has a new Etsy store! She is a self-taught knitter...her stuff is SO CUTE! You gotta see it!
I'm All Stitched Up
Tell her Kelli sent ya! :)
I'm All Stitched Up
Tell her Kelli sent ya! :)
Monday, July 20, 2009
Tuesday Blog Hop - Recipe!
Chicken and Black Bean Quesadilla
I've been trying to find an alternative to Moe's Southwest Grill JC Quesadilla, which is $6.00 and over 700 calories! I've hit a home run here, folks!
1 Low Carb Multigrain Tortilla
1 Large Chicken Breast Tenderloin
1/4 Cup Bush's Seasoned Black Beans
1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar
1/2 TBSP Mild Taco Seasoning
1/4 Cup Chicken Broth
Combine taco seasoning and chicken broth in a skillet, add chicken strip and cook until no pink remains. Cut into smaller pieces. Throw beans in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Lay torilla in a flat pan on low setting to warm. Sprinkle cheese on the tortilla, then chicken and black beans and fold over. When cheese is melted, remove from heat and cut into thirds.
This is obviously a recipe for one person...can you tell I'm single? :) Just double, triple, etc. as necessary. Enjoy!
I've been trying to find an alternative to Moe's Southwest Grill JC Quesadilla, which is $6.00 and over 700 calories! I've hit a home run here, folks!
1 Low Carb Multigrain Tortilla
1 Large Chicken Breast Tenderloin
1/4 Cup Bush's Seasoned Black Beans
1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar
1/2 TBSP Mild Taco Seasoning
1/4 Cup Chicken Broth
Combine taco seasoning and chicken broth in a skillet, add chicken strip and cook until no pink remains. Cut into smaller pieces. Throw beans in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Lay torilla in a flat pan on low setting to warm. Sprinkle cheese on the tortilla, then chicken and black beans and fold over. When cheese is melted, remove from heat and cut into thirds.
This is obviously a recipe for one person...can you tell I'm single? :) Just double, triple, etc. as necessary. Enjoy!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Exhaustion
I realize that I am behind here, and I promise I'm not ignoring anyone. Thanks for the comments, y'all! I'll come visit your blog soon. Life is a whirlwind when I'm not stuck in bed...lots going on. Presently in bed, though, hurting and so tired I can barely function. Surprised that I can even type complete sentences.
Kelli updates coming up...health, life, etc. Just gotta get some real sleep somehow. I'd pay money for it right now.
Kelli updates coming up...health, life, etc. Just gotta get some real sleep somehow. I'd pay money for it right now.
Friday, July 17, 2009
The latest body art experiment...
Struck gold today when I obtained a set of Pearl Ex Powdered Pigment from Art With Heart! It will be used in face painting and body art parties. Just playing here...
My cheap camera is not designed to take shots like this, so forgive me for having such bad pics.
The pigments are very, very shimmery and look so cool in person...wish you could see them well. These pigments make cool face paint designs...just the extra shimmer it gives makes all the difference.
My cheap camera is not designed to take shots like this, so forgive me for having such bad pics.
The pigments are very, very shimmery and look so cool in person...wish you could see them well. These pigments make cool face paint designs...just the extra shimmer it gives makes all the difference.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Hug your loved ones...life is so fragile.
I am sad to report that Stacey at the Thrifty Chick has unexpectedly passed away from a stroke. She leaves behind a husband and four children...the youngest only two weeks old.
My heart and prayers go out to all of Stacey's loved ones. I honestly cannot imagine, but it's a reminder that we shouldn't take a minute for granted.
My heart and prayers go out to all of Stacey's loved ones. I honestly cannot imagine, but it's a reminder that we shouldn't take a minute for granted.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tuesday Blog Hop - 3 Things You Didn't Know...
THREE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ME:
1. I helped run a printshop in high school. I did everything...layout, desktop publishing, darkroom, stripping, platemaking, presswork, and bindery operations. I represented the state of Mississippi as a first year student in competition in 1994 and won a silver medal. By the time I left the shop, I had helped in processing approximately 40,000 booklets.
P.S. - Stripping is a technique that involves preparing negative images to be burned onto aluminum plates. I was very good at it and to this day I get picked on for "winning a silver medal in stripping"...HAAAAAAAA! :)
2. I inherited a visual impairment. I am legally blind without lenses and only see 20/60 to 20/80 with lenses.
3. I have studied baby names since I was a child, including cultural origin and meanings, and used to run a large baby name website that contained thousands of names...all without knowing HTML. I'm a little rusty now but back in the day I could often tell you all about a name from memory.
Leave me a comment and and I'll come visit your blog!
Kelli
Still Under Attack
I am experiencing a pretty bad HypoK attack. Every muscle in my body is screaming right now, and they don't want to move. The past 24 hours have been exceptionally hard...getting out of bed only to drink more fluids and take more meds. The past week has been very rough, and there seems to be no relief in sight. Praying that I don't end up in the ER...I can't afford another bill, but I'm getting pretty close to needing an IV.
God is able to handle every bit of this. It's a good thing that He's in control (because I'm sure not)...
Sometimes I feel like I'm going to die, but I will trust Him to carry me through this valley, as he always has.
God is able to handle every bit of this. It's a good thing that He's in control (because I'm sure not)...
Sometimes I feel like I'm going to die, but I will trust Him to carry me through this valley, as he always has.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Gaming for children's charity! Check it out!!!!!!!!
This is SO COOL! A group of friends are holding a Mario Marathon to raise money for Child's Play Charity, which benefits children's hospitals all over the U.S. and the world! They just beat last year's record by raising $12,225.00 only 40 hours into the marathon! Incredible!!!
I'm watching them live on UStream now! FUN!!!
I'm watching them live on UStream now! FUN!!!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Seascape demo pics posted
Couldn't sleep again, so I finally uploaded my recent Bob Ross seascape demonstration. Clicky!
Today's demo is probably canceled, unfortunately. Can't make the trip on zero sleep. We'll see.
Today's demo is probably canceled, unfortunately. Can't make the trip on zero sleep. We'll see.
Friday, July 10, 2009
An appropriate photo for today...
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Having a rough time lately...today was especially hard. Finally managed to sit up in bed at 5:30pm. Got up, drank tea, ate something, took a shower, now back in bed. The Periodic Paralysis is not under control at all, and on top of that, I think I may be passing a kidney stone. I hope and pray for God's mercy, that if I do have one, it will pass easily. Last time I had one, I had to have two surgical procedures and passed 30 stone fragments. No, please. I can't go through that again.
Off to take meds. Prayers are appreciated.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Friday Funnies
Courtesy of ugottafriend.com and my favorite funny website I Can Has Cheezburger...this week's Friday Funnies! (Stay tuned, this will be an official blog carnival next time) :-)
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
I love this! LOL
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
What in the world!? ROFLOLOLOL...
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
BABIES RULE!!!
BIG CONGRATS to Alice and Neil on the birth of their 4th baby boy, Benjamin Issac! YAY!
More cards for Operation Gratitude
These are blank, meant for soldiers to send to loved ones. Just one of many options in giving to Operation Gratitude.
This week on If I Had A Million Bucks...
Operation Gratitude is the featured charity on If I Had A Million Bucks. You never know the difference that you can make in a soldier's life just by praying for them and/or sending them a note of encouragement.
God bless our troops!
God bless our troops!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
20 cards for Operation Gratitude
Couldn't sleep, so I made cards for the troops. You can make a soldier's day by sending cards or packages to Operation Gratitude. Check out all that they do...great organization! I'll be featuring them on my charity blog this week as well.
~Kelli
Monday, July 6, 2009
MckLinky Blog Hop - A Favorite Photo!
My Childhood DreamOn January 25, 2008, I received my Bob Ross teaching certification from Bob Ross, Incorporated. It was a moment that changed my life, and I knew that it would. I had spent years in various specialist, management, and office jobs...some I liked...others I despised...but either way, something would always happen to end it (hurricane Katrina, layoffs, illness), and I would find myself searching once again for another office job. The last one I had was so miserable, I sometimes spent my lunch breaks crying in the (hospital) chapel. I eventually became ill with vertigo and inner ear trouble for an extended period of time, and submitted my resignation.
A month later, I received a phone call that there was a place for me in the January certification at the Bob Ross Art Workshop. I had been on a waiting list, and wasn't expecting to be called. I accepted the offer and with the help of my family, I made quick arrangements and set out on my first road trip alone to beautiful Volusia County, Florida. I spent three weeks on the Atlantic Ocean, training in the Bob Ross painting technique...something that was merely a pipe dream for 25 years. The certification didn't come easy...it was a very risky trip for me, not only having a form of Muscular Dystrophy which challenges my pain tolerance and motor skills, but I also had a partially obstructive kidney stone! I was ill and miserable, had several Hypokalemic attacks, cried occasionally, and even ended up in the emergency room with pneumonia on my last weekend there. But thankfully, the good still outweighed the bad. I made it through the program and received my certificate. I absolutely fell in love with Florida, and the people were pretty spiffy too. I miss the time that we spent together, and wish we could all meet up again.
I came home, jobless and nearly broke. I planned for hours on end, and finally launched my first Bob Ross painting workshop in Pascagoula, Mississippi on May 3rd, 2008. It was an overwhelming success and I have been teaching off and on ever since. I'm now in Mobile County, Alabama, Jackson County, Mississippi, and Harrison County, Mississippi. It is hard work and doesn't pay many bills, but what a 180 on the career! I am happier running the roads teaching people how to paint for little money than I ever was stuck in a cold cubicle making ten bucks an hour. It's true, and I can't wait till I can return to Florida for my next painting certification. I do hope to eventually be able to do this full time (so that I CAN pay my bills), but nevertheless, this has been a heck of an experience and I don't regret my decision one iota.
Becoming a Certified Ross Instructor is one of the greatest things I've ever accomplished in my life. I give every bit of my gratitude to God for giving me my childhood dream. At times, I still pinch myself and can't believe it has happened. I could not have done it without Him.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Love to the red, white, and blue...
Hope you all (in the U.S.) have had a happy and blessed Independence Day!
A friend's poem about Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis has been published in the MDA magazine
As you can see, it is very frustrating living with a life-threatening illness that people don't understand. Thanks Victoria, well done.
A Day in the Life of a Periodic Paralysis Patient
The 911 call placed, you feel like you're dreaming,
You’re not, from afar you can hear sirens screaming;
The ambulance ride, your body’s not moving,
They wonder aloud, whoa, she's not improving;
Respiratory muscles won’t respond to a breath,
You know once again that you’re so close to death;
Whizzed in on a gurney, it’s all moving fast,
What? You’re parked in a hallway, suddenly bypassed;
How are you this evening? Then give you that look,
The oxygen, sensors and wires they unhook;
They make you feel guilty, as if you are faking,
You’re frightened, can’t breathe, and everything’s aching;
The ER visits, the doctors, the begging and pleading,
You would not desert me if I were here bleeding;
Weakness, paralysis and cognitive decline,
Inverted T-waves, arrhythmias are fine;
The patient is faking, playing possum I see,
With his hammer he can't get a jerk from my knee;
Agonizing pain, it strikes with a flash,
The doctor shrugs shoulders, departs in a dash;
Positive tests, plus symptoms and signs,
Potassium is low, but you will be fine.
~ Victoria Cecil-Shover
Solon, Iowa
hypokalemic periodic paralysis
http://www.mda.org/publications/Quest/q163infocuspoem.html
A Day in the Life of a Periodic Paralysis Patient
The 911 call placed, you feel like you're dreaming,
You’re not, from afar you can hear sirens screaming;
The ambulance ride, your body’s not moving,
They wonder aloud, whoa, she's not improving;
Respiratory muscles won’t respond to a breath,
You know once again that you’re so close to death;
Whizzed in on a gurney, it’s all moving fast,
What? You’re parked in a hallway, suddenly bypassed;
How are you this evening? Then give you that look,
The oxygen, sensors and wires they unhook;
They make you feel guilty, as if you are faking,
You’re frightened, can’t breathe, and everything’s aching;
The ER visits, the doctors, the begging and pleading,
You would not desert me if I were here bleeding;
Weakness, paralysis and cognitive decline,
Inverted T-waves, arrhythmias are fine;
The patient is faking, playing possum I see,
With his hammer he can't get a jerk from my knee;
Agonizing pain, it strikes with a flash,
The doctor shrugs shoulders, departs in a dash;
Positive tests, plus symptoms and signs,
Potassium is low, but you will be fine.
~ Victoria Cecil-Shover
Solon, Iowa
hypokalemic periodic paralysis
http://www.mda.org/publications/Quest/q163infocuspoem.html
Friday, July 3, 2009
Friday Funnies
It's almost 4 in the morning, so this is going to be short and sweet...
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Ok ok...that was a lowsy pun. But it was funny. :)
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Ok ok...that was a lowsy pun. But it was funny. :)
MckLinky Blog Hop!
Each month MckLinky will host a “blog hop”. All participants are invited to put up a post on the same day and post the SAME MckLinky list as everyone else. Everyone who participates is automatically registered to win $100. It’s also a wonderful way to hop from blog to blog discovered new people and make some friends along the way!
Hello and welcome to the MckLinky Blog Hop! I'm Kelli from UGOTTAFRIEND.COM, and this is my personal blog "My Roller Coaster Life". I've had ugottafriend.com for many years, and just recently had to switch servers and go back to the drawing board. I'm currently setting up all of my blogs and slowly but surely, ugottafriend.com will be back up and running at full speed. So anyway, a little about me...I'm 30-something and single again, no children, a starving artist, and chronically ill with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. I love babies, music, food, and charity work. I am an old soul and a serial blogger! Feel free to click on my profile to see the blogs that I run and participate in. And there's more to come! Hope you will follow me and I'll be sure to return the favor! Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting My Roller Coaster Life and ugottafriend.com!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Candy bouquet for the lil bro
My brother Seth is still in the hospital. They had to drill through his foot in order to drain the infection. Turns out it is Staph, with the possibility of MRSA. They've treated it aggressively and we think that he'll finally get to go home tomorrow. He'll have to continue oral antibiotics and go to wound care often until his foot closes up.
This is my first attempt at a candy bouquet. Terra cotta pot, Sculptamold (tried Crayola Model Magic first and it failed miserably, so I brought out the Sculptamold), bamboo skewers, and my bro's favorite candy bars...
They're taped on, not glued. Had to use packing tape because scotch tape wasn't sufficient. Who knew candy bars weighed so much? Anyway, it's kinda cute and he likes it. It's a nice get well soon for those who aren't into flowers.
Let me know if you try it!
This is my first attempt at a candy bouquet. Terra cotta pot, Sculptamold (tried Crayola Model Magic first and it failed miserably, so I brought out the Sculptamold), bamboo skewers, and my bro's favorite candy bars...
They're taped on, not glued. Had to use packing tape because scotch tape wasn't sufficient. Who knew candy bars weighed so much? Anyway, it's kinda cute and he likes it. It's a nice get well soon for those who aren't into flowers.
Let me know if you try it!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Testing MckLinky
Just testing, but feel free to leave your link here. (All spam will be deleted immediately.)
Periodic Paralysis, Muscular Dystrophy, and a public service announcement if the shoe fits...
http://www.mda.org/publications/Quest/q163infocus.html
Periodic Paralysis is their focus this quarter...thank you MDA!
If you question or have ever questioned my condition, you need to read that whole article. Don't say that I didn't try to help you understand. This is a public service announcement that I will not put up with any ignorance or attitudes from family, friends, or anyone ever again as long as I live.
I have lived in this hell every day since I was a child. It is real. It is serious. I have had chronic pain and weakness for as long as I can remember. I don't know what it's like to be able to do regular every day tasks or function without pain. It is a significant part of my life, and I will strive to bring awareness of this condition for the rest of my days.
You can read a great deal of information about it at the link above, as well as on Wikipedia. It is very accurate.
I appreciate those who have believed me (thank you MawMaw) and supported me throughout the years. My life has not been easy, especially with all of the people who have accused me of lying, whining, exaggerating, faking, and even being a mentally ill hypochondriac. I have had a whole two people come back to me and acknowledge that they were mistaken. The rest are either still in denial or have too much pride. They know who they are and they can kiss my ass. By the grace of God, I am still here, with or without them.
It's in black and white, people. The facts are all right here. The facts have been here all along. I did my part, and will continue to do so. Maybe someday, people will realize that they don't know everything, learn to shut-up, and truly listen.
There would be less suffering in the world if that happened. I would have suffered less. I think about what my life could have been, had I been diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. But there's no sense in thinking about that, because there is only today.
Just today. That's really all that any of us have, if we stop and think about it. So I guess the question is, what are you going to do with today? Seize it and live? Or merely exist.
I choose to embrace life, in spite of my circumstances.
Why don't you join me?
Periodic Paralysis is their focus this quarter...thank you MDA!
If you question or have ever questioned my condition, you need to read that whole article. Don't say that I didn't try to help you understand. This is a public service announcement that I will not put up with any ignorance or attitudes from family, friends, or anyone ever again as long as I live.
I have lived in this hell every day since I was a child. It is real. It is serious. I have had chronic pain and weakness for as long as I can remember. I don't know what it's like to be able to do regular every day tasks or function without pain. It is a significant part of my life, and I will strive to bring awareness of this condition for the rest of my days.
You can read a great deal of information about it at the link above, as well as on Wikipedia. It is very accurate.
I appreciate those who have believed me (thank you MawMaw) and supported me throughout the years. My life has not been easy, especially with all of the people who have accused me of lying, whining, exaggerating, faking, and even being a mentally ill hypochondriac. I have had a whole two people come back to me and acknowledge that they were mistaken. The rest are either still in denial or have too much pride. They know who they are and they can kiss my ass. By the grace of God, I am still here, with or without them.
It's in black and white, people. The facts are all right here. The facts have been here all along. I did my part, and will continue to do so. Maybe someday, people will realize that they don't know everything, learn to shut-up, and truly listen.
There would be less suffering in the world if that happened. I would have suffered less. I think about what my life could have been, had I been diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. But there's no sense in thinking about that, because there is only today.
Just today. That's really all that any of us have, if we stop and think about it. So I guess the question is, what are you going to do with today? Seize it and live? Or merely exist.
I choose to embrace life, in spite of my circumstances.
Why don't you join me?
If I Had A Million Bucks - now live!
Introducing "If I Had A Million Bucks", my new charity blog where I will feature individuals and organizations who are making a difference.
My first featured charity is in memory of my grandmother, who passed away July 3rd, 2007. She is my hero and I miss her terribly.
I hope you will subscribe to the blog, leave comments, suggest charities, and see what you can do to make a difference in the lives of people all over the world.
God bless,
Kelli
My first featured charity is in memory of my grandmother, who passed away July 3rd, 2007. She is my hero and I miss her terribly.
I hope you will subscribe to the blog, leave comments, suggest charities, and see what you can do to make a difference in the lives of people all over the world.
God bless,
Kelli
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Warp Speed Mr. Sulu
No, I'm not a Trekkie. I'm just exhausted from the insane whirlwind of chaos that is my life right now. I don't believe that I will EVER catch up on my blog here, so I may not even try. Ok, I'll try. But not tonight. Tonight, I am going to rub down in menthol and pray for sleep. My body is very angry right now. I'm fighting tooth and nail to keep it going, but I am nosediving head first into crash mode. I can feel it.
Just a few quick things, then I'll try to catch you all up over the next couple days. Please pray for my friend Jolene and her family, who lost her mother a few days ago. And sadly, Art With Heart's volunteer with cancer has been let go by the docs and told that there is nothing else they can do. She is on infusion pain meds around the clock now. I am at a loss for words over this situation. Absolutely heartbroken for her. Also, my little brother Seth (age 15) is in the hospital recovering from surgery on his foot as a result of a very bad infection. We are waiting for test results to know what has to happen next. Hoping and praying for a good report for that youngin'.
The past couple of weeks have been a roller coaster. Bob Ross stuff, Art With Heart stuff, legal stuff, health stuff, overwhelming sadness over so many tragic losses of several friends' loved ones as well as public figures that I grew up watching and listening to...wow...more thoughts on that later. I honestly can't think clearly enough to get my head around it right now.
Anyway, just checking in. So much going on. Promise to elaborate as soon as I have time to breathe.
Just a few quick things, then I'll try to catch you all up over the next couple days. Please pray for my friend Jolene and her family, who lost her mother a few days ago. And sadly, Art With Heart's volunteer with cancer has been let go by the docs and told that there is nothing else they can do. She is on infusion pain meds around the clock now. I am at a loss for words over this situation. Absolutely heartbroken for her. Also, my little brother Seth (age 15) is in the hospital recovering from surgery on his foot as a result of a very bad infection. We are waiting for test results to know what has to happen next. Hoping and praying for a good report for that youngin'.
The past couple of weeks have been a roller coaster. Bob Ross stuff, Art With Heart stuff, legal stuff, health stuff, overwhelming sadness over so many tragic losses of several friends' loved ones as well as public figures that I grew up watching and listening to...wow...more thoughts on that later. I honestly can't think clearly enough to get my head around it right now.
Anyway, just checking in. So much going on. Promise to elaborate as soon as I have time to breathe.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
No, I haven't forgotten about the contest....still looking!
The contest to find a "friend-related" layout for the front page of my website is still on. If you wish to participate, send photos to ugottafriend4life@gmail.com. There is a little prize involved. :)
No deadline as of right now. I'll let ya know a little later.
Thanks!
Kelli
No deadline as of right now. I'll let ya know a little later.
Thanks!
Kelli
Sunday, June 21, 2009
More from the Biloxi Festival of Arts
My painting demos were fun, but the crowd was very small. There wasn't a lot of traffic in the mall the entire weekend, I guess because of how beautiful it was outside (although MISERABLY HOT...nearly 100 degrees)!
I honestly don't know how people do it. I roast like a turkey in 85+ degrees, so 100 degree temps are doing me in bigtime. Having no air conditioning in my car is not helping either. Part of my left arm is sunburned due to the sun bearing down on the driver's side of my car while I'm driving...crazy!
Anyway, I sold three pieces of jewelry at the festival and kinda broke even, so although it was exhausting, I had a good time and feel like it was worth the work. Tomorrow I will return to Biloxi to do two more painting demonstrations in hopes to have a few students this coming Saturday. If that doesn't work out, I already have a plan B, as there is an Art With Heart face painting gig in Biloxi as well. So either way, I hope to make 20 bucks or so this weekend. :)
Still have pics to upload...and a recipe...coming soon!
Still Hot After All These Years
I am not a member of the Chicago Fan Club, or an official member of the Chicago Tribute 2009, but I did attend a meeting and offer to do a couple pieces of art for a charity auction to benefit the Terry Kath Memorial Music Scholarship. I'm still waiting for the word on when this is going to take place, but was told that it would most likely be later this year. I'm in too much pain to sleep, so I spontaneously decided to finish up the first panel. It's the familiar Chicago logo, slightly singed with flames going through it. The name of the piece is "STILL HOT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS".
The band Chicago formed in 1967. Four of the original members are still in the band, with all newer members (not really new...they've been around a VERY LONG time) just as awesome and talented as the originals. Chicago is the only band that has toured consecutively in five different decades. They are a timeless class act...just love these guys!
http://www.chicagotheband.com
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday Funnies!
I cheated and post-dated so I wouldn't forget! :D
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Donating my hair - before and after!
Last Saturday, I donated my hair to Pink Heart Funds, a local non-profit based in Long Beach, MS. They provide free wigs and prosthetics to cancer patients of all ages. I was very excited to finally be eligible to donate my hair!
Before...
Waiting for my turn...Stephanie from Art With Heart was there to offer support...and a balloon animal on my head.
AFTER!
I was shocked at how much hair they were able to get...10.5 inches...and my hair is still touching my shoulders! Yay!
This is a great organization, and I was happy to be able to participate in this year's ponytail kickoff. I will plan to do it next year too!
Also, all pink watercolor note cards will profit Pink Heart Funds. A set of 5 is $18.00 and a set of 6 is $20.00...that includes tax AND shipping! Email me if interested at gulfcoastartworks@googlemail.com.
More weekend pics coming up!
Kelli
Before...
Waiting for my turn...Stephanie from Art With Heart was there to offer support...and a balloon animal on my head.
AFTER!
I was shocked at how much hair they were able to get...10.5 inches...and my hair is still touching my shoulders! Yay!
This is a great organization, and I was happy to be able to participate in this year's ponytail kickoff. I will plan to do it next year too!
Also, all pink watercolor note cards will profit Pink Heart Funds. A set of 5 is $18.00 and a set of 6 is $20.00...that includes tax AND shipping! Email me if interested at gulfcoastartworks@googlemail.com.
More weekend pics coming up!
Kelli
First Weekend Pics Posted
I uploaded my Bob Ross landscape demonstration pics to my Bob Ross class webpage!
http://gulfcoastartworks.blogspot.com/2008/09/bob-ross-demonstration-basic-landscape.html
Seascape demo pics and other weekend pics coming up asap!
http://gulfcoastartworks.blogspot.com/2008/09/bob-ross-demonstration-basic-landscape.html
Seascape demo pics and other weekend pics coming up asap!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I haven't forgotten...
...to blog here, I'm just insanely busy between attempts to sleep. The weekend was tiring, but I survived and it was a good experience overall. Pics are coming soon...I swear!
Gotta snap out of this yawning and fatigue and make some spinach queso for tonight's meeting. Will do some uploading and blogging after I get home. I think. Probably. Maybe. Ok don't quote me on that.
I'll be back. And I would say that you CAN quote me on that, but I'm pretty sure Arnold has already taken that one.
So yeah...later!
Gotta snap out of this yawning and fatigue and make some spinach queso for tonight's meeting. Will do some uploading and blogging after I get home. I think. Probably. Maybe. Ok don't quote me on that.
I'll be back. And I would say that you CAN quote me on that, but I'm pretty sure Arnold has already taken that one.
So yeah...later!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Zombie Girl
That would be me right now. On Wednesday, I was given a prescription strength antihistamine for skin allergies as well as sleep. Well, the good news is that I did sleep for a few hours. However, my entire day today has been nothing but a FOG. I am disoriented to the point that I couldn't count correctly at the bank today, and haven't been able to accomplish much more than going to the bank and back. I managed to get my oil changed, but nearly fell asleep while waiting at the shop. I'm now attempting to cook pasta on the stove. Let's hope I don't forget about it.
I am zombie girl.
I hope and pray that I snap out of it by morning, because I have a very, very long weekend ahead. I will be a vendor for the first time at the Biloxi Art Association Festival of Arts. I will (hopefully) be selling some of my art while painting faces to benefit Art With Heart. I will also be giving two very public Bob Ross painting demonstrations, and I have to be SPOT ON. Happy trees must be VERY VERY HAPPY! I'm pretty sure that my practice runs tonight will result in weeping willows...ha...this is not good, as I don't recall Bob ever painting weeping willows. His trees were happy, you see, and they always had a friend. So friendly happy trees are in order, and there will quite possibly be dozens of people watching me on stage, expecting to see perfection. *shudders*
So yes, zombie girl must cease and desist. I will not be taking another antihistamine, for SURE, until the weekend is over. By then I should get a call from my doc about my bloodwork (I dare to guess what my A1C will be...yikes), and I will tell her what the pill is doing to me and request an alternative.
I just realized that I haven't even talked about the appointment yet. She was very nice and asked a lot of questions. She wants to help me with my sleep issues and we will eventually discuss the periodic paralysis in further detail. As for the rest, she has referred me to an OBGYN at USA Women's Hospital to discuss my options. That appointment comes July 1st. Praying that my uterus hangs in there and doesn't send me back to the ER before then.
Crazy, insane weekend ahead. Many pics coming next week. See ya then.
I am zombie girl.
I hope and pray that I snap out of it by morning, because I have a very, very long weekend ahead. I will be a vendor for the first time at the Biloxi Art Association Festival of Arts. I will (hopefully) be selling some of my art while painting faces to benefit Art With Heart. I will also be giving two very public Bob Ross painting demonstrations, and I have to be SPOT ON. Happy trees must be VERY VERY HAPPY! I'm pretty sure that my practice runs tonight will result in weeping willows...ha...this is not good, as I don't recall Bob ever painting weeping willows. His trees were happy, you see, and they always had a friend. So friendly happy trees are in order, and there will quite possibly be dozens of people watching me on stage, expecting to see perfection. *shudders*
So yes, zombie girl must cease and desist. I will not be taking another antihistamine, for SURE, until the weekend is over. By then I should get a call from my doc about my bloodwork (I dare to guess what my A1C will be...yikes), and I will tell her what the pill is doing to me and request an alternative.
I just realized that I haven't even talked about the appointment yet. She was very nice and asked a lot of questions. She wants to help me with my sleep issues and we will eventually discuss the periodic paralysis in further detail. As for the rest, she has referred me to an OBGYN at USA Women's Hospital to discuss my options. That appointment comes July 1st. Praying that my uterus hangs in there and doesn't send me back to the ER before then.
Crazy, insane weekend ahead. Many pics coming next week. See ya then.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
More prayers...
My sweet friend Juls just lost her father to a very aggressive cancer. It happened so fast...honestly, it's unbelievable. Please pray for her and her family during this terribly difficult time. And don't take your loved ones for granted.
Kelli
Kelli
Pray For Me, Pray For Others.......June 10
I participate in "Pray for Me... Pray for Others" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to add your prayer request. Join a community of friends who care about you, and hope you will care about them.Me: I'm going to a charity clinic today to try to get medical help (again). Please pray for wisdom for myself as well as the doc, who must be willing to take my case and help me. Otherwise, I have no clue what I will do. I've been turned away elsewhere.
Others: Several of my friends have lost or are about to lose close relatives due to cancer and other illnesses. Been a very tough week. Please say a prayer for Andrea's family, Terri and Kay's family, Kara's family, Julie's family, Katie's sister, and Dianne. Thank you.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
More cards for charity, and events this Saturday...
12 more pink cards...proceeds will benefit Pink Heart Funds. This Saturday, June 13th, is their kick-off where people will donate hair to local cancer patients. So in addition to these cards, I am donating...you guessed it...MY HAIR!!! YAY!
This is a big deal for me. I'm nervous and excited! I will also be on site for two hours offering free face painting to those who donate hair. I can't wait. I hope someone will be there to take pics.
I will also be doing a public Bob Ross painting demo at an art festival. This could be a very good thing...please pray that it goes well and that I'm well enough to do all of this!
Speaking of well enough...it's been a rough time for me. My doc appointment is finally here, and I am hoping and praying that they will listen and do something. This is my last resort...I don't know what I'll do if they don't help me. Please say a prayer for me, would you? My appointment is at 1:30pm CDT tomorrow (Wednesday). I'll post an update when I get home.
Have a lot of other stuff to post about as well. I'll get to it eventually...currently trying to wrap my brain around it all.
Monday, June 8, 2009
So tired, part 2.
This is what the last week and a half has been like:
Wake up with flashbacks of a man breaking into my house and trying to rape and kill my mother. I was 8 years old and less than a foot away from them as it was happening. We know who did it and he was never convicted because of "lack of evidence". Had not thought about it in years so I don't understand what sparked the memory.
Go to AWH and find out that one of our volunteers has aggressive liver cancer. She was just released from a domestic violence center and got an apartment. They're saying her only option is to have a gallbladder transplant and hope that it produces enough enzymes to help her liver fight. Her chances are slim.
My stepgrandmother dies, is brought back, has amnesia, and then snaps out of it when her meds are changed. What a roller coaster.
Find out that a local friend's grandmother was fine just nine days ago, and now she has a brain tumor the size of an orange. It is the fasting growing type of cancer that science has ever documented. Family is flying in to say goodbye.
Get word on Facebook that a good friend's mother has passed away due to complications from chemo maintenance. Cry harder than I cried when my own grandmother died.
Have flashbacks of my Aunt Kim who died at age 13, also from chemo. I was only a few years younger than her, so we were close.
Have several meltdowns over a 12 hour period, which triggered a mild hypoK attack and a migraine. Took a potassium pill, and now in bed with a migraine patch on my head.
And this is only the IRL (in real life) events. I don't like to use the term in real life but people know what I mean. My friends on the net are just as important to me, and I hope they know that I have not forgotten about them. My friend Juls also received word this week that her dad has terminal cancer. Several people on my friends lists across the internet are dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses right now. Please know that I'm thinking about you. And I guess I'm fighting a battle as well...having a rough time with my health and the doc appointment to discuss my options is this Wednesday. Seems rather insignificant in the midst of all of this, though. By a mile.
Taking one day at a time. That's all we can do, right? Life is so fragile. Let's do our best to never take it for granted.
Thank you for your prayers, friends.
Wake up with flashbacks of a man breaking into my house and trying to rape and kill my mother. I was 8 years old and less than a foot away from them as it was happening. We know who did it and he was never convicted because of "lack of evidence". Had not thought about it in years so I don't understand what sparked the memory.
Go to AWH and find out that one of our volunteers has aggressive liver cancer. She was just released from a domestic violence center and got an apartment. They're saying her only option is to have a gallbladder transplant and hope that it produces enough enzymes to help her liver fight. Her chances are slim.
My stepgrandmother dies, is brought back, has amnesia, and then snaps out of it when her meds are changed. What a roller coaster.
Find out that a local friend's grandmother was fine just nine days ago, and now she has a brain tumor the size of an orange. It is the fasting growing type of cancer that science has ever documented. Family is flying in to say goodbye.
Get word on Facebook that a good friend's mother has passed away due to complications from chemo maintenance. Cry harder than I cried when my own grandmother died.
Have flashbacks of my Aunt Kim who died at age 13, also from chemo. I was only a few years younger than her, so we were close.
Have several meltdowns over a 12 hour period, which triggered a mild hypoK attack and a migraine. Took a potassium pill, and now in bed with a migraine patch on my head.
And this is only the IRL (in real life) events. I don't like to use the term in real life but people know what I mean. My friends on the net are just as important to me, and I hope they know that I have not forgotten about them. My friend Juls also received word this week that her dad has terminal cancer. Several people on my friends lists across the internet are dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses right now. Please know that I'm thinking about you. And I guess I'm fighting a battle as well...having a rough time with my health and the doc appointment to discuss my options is this Wednesday. Seems rather insignificant in the midst of all of this, though. By a mile.
Taking one day at a time. That's all we can do, right? Life is so fragile. Let's do our best to never take it for granted.
Thank you for your prayers, friends.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
I am so tired of cancer.
My friend Andrea's mother passed away unexpectedly this morning. She recently had cancer surgery and was doing ok, but started chemo maintenance and was very ill from it last I heard.
I'm devastated. Angry. A sobbing mess.
I have lost count of the people that I know (personally, in real life as they say) who are fighting cancer. It runs in my family and many of my friends have been affected by it as well. I hate cancer. It is a demon.
Please pray for Andrea and her loved ones. She is too young to be burying her mother. My human brain cannot compute this. It just isn't right.
I hate it so much.
I'm devastated. Angry. A sobbing mess.
I have lost count of the people that I know (personally, in real life as they say) who are fighting cancer. It runs in my family and many of my friends have been affected by it as well. I hate cancer. It is a demon.
Please pray for Andrea and her loved ones. She is too young to be burying her mother. My human brain cannot compute this. It just isn't right.
I hate it so much.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Waking, and Walking
A couple days ago, I asked you to pray for my step-grandmother who had a tremendous setback and wasn't expected to make it much longer...
http://ugottafriend.blogspot.com/2009/06/hiatus-cut-short.html
(the post from June 2)
Well I got a call that she snapped out of her amnesia and is back to the way she was before the episode happened! The docs ruled it a drug interaction, changed her medication, and voila...back in business. She's not WELL, mind you...she's in her 80's and a stroke patient who cannot take care of herself. But she's alive and she's in her right mind again. Incredible!
God is working!
As for me...I'm going through a period right now where I'm using grandma's rule...you know the rule. "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." I have to say that I'm pretty battered at the moment...physically, emotionally, mentally...and I'm just so exhausted I can't put it into words. So I haven't. I intended to take a break from blogging and other things to try to get my head together but it didn't happen. The internet is my connection to the world, and all of you are important to me. I also greatly appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and encouragement very much. Writing is my OUTLET...I can't say that enough. This is part of my therapy...it plays a role in helping me keep my sanity and deal with life. There are so many others out there who feel the same, I know. People with chronic pain and illness, people who have suffered loss, people going through a lot of crap...so many out there. It's overwhelming. If you're one of those people, please know that you're not alone. I may not have the answers, but I know the ONE who does, and it is the Lord who holds me up when I don't have the strength to stand. He's there in every moment, good and bad. When we can't see God or hear God or feel God through the storm clouds of life, that's when we just have to trust.
I'm doing my best to walk the walk. But sometimes I'm too weak, and when I can't walk anymore, I ask Him to carry me.
He is able.
http://ugottafriend.blogspot.com/2009/06/hiatus-cut-short.html
(the post from June 2)
Well I got a call that she snapped out of her amnesia and is back to the way she was before the episode happened! The docs ruled it a drug interaction, changed her medication, and voila...back in business. She's not WELL, mind you...she's in her 80's and a stroke patient who cannot take care of herself. But she's alive and she's in her right mind again. Incredible!
God is working!
As for me...I'm going through a period right now where I'm using grandma's rule...you know the rule. "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." I have to say that I'm pretty battered at the moment...physically, emotionally, mentally...and I'm just so exhausted I can't put it into words. So I haven't. I intended to take a break from blogging and other things to try to get my head together but it didn't happen. The internet is my connection to the world, and all of you are important to me. I also greatly appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and encouragement very much. Writing is my OUTLET...I can't say that enough. This is part of my therapy...it plays a role in helping me keep my sanity and deal with life. There are so many others out there who feel the same, I know. People with chronic pain and illness, people who have suffered loss, people going through a lot of crap...so many out there. It's overwhelming. If you're one of those people, please know that you're not alone. I may not have the answers, but I know the ONE who does, and it is the Lord who holds me up when I don't have the strength to stand. He's there in every moment, good and bad. When we can't see God or hear God or feel God through the storm clouds of life, that's when we just have to trust.
I'm doing my best to walk the walk. But sometimes I'm too weak, and when I can't walk anymore, I ask Him to carry me.
He is able.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Been a while since I posted a RECIPE!
And this one rocks, because it's healthy pizza!!!
Here's what I used (found at SuperTarget): Fresh Mozzerella, Classico Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto sauce, and Naan (grilled flat bread - this is the whole wheat variety).
Spread the sauce onto the bread...
Top that with slices of mozzarella...
Cook in a 400 degree toaster oven or conventional oven for approximately 10 minutes (but as always, check it every few minutes to make sure it doesn't burn).
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! It is good stuff!
Here's what I used (found at SuperTarget): Fresh Mozzerella, Classico Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto sauce, and Naan (grilled flat bread - this is the whole wheat variety).
Spread the sauce onto the bread...
Top that with slices of mozzarella...
Cook in a 400 degree toaster oven or conventional oven for approximately 10 minutes (but as always, check it every few minutes to make sure it doesn't burn).
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! It is good stuff!
Another mission for my friends!
Children's books. Post your favorites!
Ages 6 to 13-ish, I suppose...books you would find in school libraries. Fiction. You will not see me read anything even remotely as large as Harry Potter, so don't go there with me. Think more like novella or short story...Little Women, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...stuff like that. Picture books are fine too (ex. The Giving Tree). Boy stories are ok, but I'm leaning more towards the female population. A great example of what I'm looking for would be two of my favorite books...The Boxcar Children and Island of the Blue Dolphins. LOVE. THEM. In fact, I lost these two books in Hurricane Katrina so if you happen to run across them super cheap or free...that would be awesome. :)
List your favorites here! There may be a random-name-out-of-a-hat prize involved. ;)
Ages 6 to 13-ish, I suppose...books you would find in school libraries. Fiction. You will not see me read anything even remotely as large as Harry Potter, so don't go there with me. Think more like novella or short story...Little Women, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...stuff like that. Picture books are fine too (ex. The Giving Tree). Boy stories are ok, but I'm leaning more towards the female population. A great example of what I'm looking for would be two of my favorite books...The Boxcar Children and Island of the Blue Dolphins. LOVE. THEM. In fact, I lost these two books in Hurricane Katrina so if you happen to run across them super cheap or free...that would be awesome. :)
List your favorites here! There may be a random-name-out-of-a-hat prize involved. ;)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Hiatus cut short
Because I have a couple of urgent prayer requests.
Please pray for newborn preemie Sara Rose, who is fighting for her life:
http://sararoseh.blogspot.com
And my Grandma Ruth (step-grandmother) died at home but was revived in the ambulance. She doesn't know anyone and can't function. She's in her 80's so we know the end is near. Please pray that she won't suffer.
Thanks,
Kelli
Please pray for newborn preemie Sara Rose, who is fighting for her life:
http://sararoseh.blogspot.com
And my Grandma Ruth (step-grandmother) died at home but was revived in the ambulance. She doesn't know anyone and can't function. She's in her 80's so we know the end is near. Please pray that she won't suffer.
Thanks,
Kelli
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Someday I'll fly away.......leave all this to yesterday.......
Going to take a breather from here, I think. In pain. Stressed. Very tired. Feel like I want to run away. Just having one of those moments.
I'm never gone long...usually just a few days. You won't even miss me.
Don't forget that I'm still accepting entries for my ugottafriend.com front page contest. Need photos or clipart of friendship related stuff to go on my gateway page! If I choose your entry, I will send you a pair of earrings from my BluJay store!
Talk to ya soon.
I'm never gone long...usually just a few days. You won't even miss me.
Don't forget that I'm still accepting entries for my ugottafriend.com front page contest. Need photos or clipart of friendship related stuff to go on my gateway page! If I choose your entry, I will send you a pair of earrings from my BluJay store!
Talk to ya soon.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday Funnies!
Thought I forgot, eh?
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
The shadow knows...
Hahahahaaaaaaaaaa!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
The shadow knows...
Hahahahaaaaaaaaaa!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Original Watercolor Note Cards for Charity!
I made these from bed this week, believe it or not. Being on bedrest is the pits, so I decided to bring out the watercolor and make some cards for charity.
Each card is hand painted, and no two are alike.
Three card sampler, $8.00
Set A
Set B
Set C
Set D
Set E
Set F
Set G
Set H
Five card sampler, $14.50
Set I
Set J
Six card sampler, $15.00
Set K
A percentage of all profits (minimum of $1.00 per set) go to my BluJay Charity Fund, which at the present time supports Operation Gratitude, Penelope House Family Violence Center, and Art With Heart.
Shipping is $4.00 in the U.S. 48. For Air Mail, please inquire.
AND last but NOT least...
PINK Watercolor Note Cards for breast cancer awareness and research
Set P1
Set P2
Set P3
Each card is hand painted and no two are alike.
Each set of five is $20.00, with all profits to breast cancer awareness and research. I have several friends fighting the breast cancer battle right now. This is for you, girls! Kick cancer's butt!!!
All cards come with a white envelope.
Thanks for looking! More to come!
Kelli
Each card is hand painted, and no two are alike.
Three card sampler, $8.00
Set A
Set B
Set C
Set D
Set E
Set F
Set G
Set H
Five card sampler, $14.50
Set I
Set J
Six card sampler, $15.00
Set K
A percentage of all profits (minimum of $1.00 per set) go to my BluJay Charity Fund, which at the present time supports Operation Gratitude, Penelope House Family Violence Center, and Art With Heart.
Shipping is $4.00 in the U.S. 48. For Air Mail, please inquire.
AND last but NOT least...
PINK Watercolor Note Cards for breast cancer awareness and research
Set P1
Set P2
Set P3
Each card is hand painted and no two are alike.
Each set of five is $20.00, with all profits to breast cancer awareness and research. I have several friends fighting the breast cancer battle right now. This is for you, girls! Kick cancer's butt!!!
All cards come with a white envelope.
Thanks for looking! More to come!
Kelli
Wondering what happened to Bob Ross internet radio?
Someone searched my website today with the question "What happened to BobRoss.fm?"
Believe it or not, I have your answer, friend.
BobRoss.fm was an illegal website. It was shut down.
Bob may be deceased, but the Bob Ross police is alive and well. Those who use Bob's name for their personal financial gain are being located and dealt with...one illegal happy little website at a time.
So there ya go. A happy little warning for all:
Don't mess with Bob.
I now return you to your regularly scheduled program. :)
Believe it or not, I have your answer, friend.
BobRoss.fm was an illegal website. It was shut down.
Bob may be deceased, but the Bob Ross police is alive and well. Those who use Bob's name for their personal financial gain are being located and dealt with...one illegal happy little website at a time.
So there ya go. A happy little warning for all:
Don't mess with Bob.
I now return you to your regularly scheduled program. :)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Helping Hands Project
More from my Helping Hands Project!
Ceramic, Acrylic, Paper Mache, and Wood
The Sky Is The Limit
Reach For The Stars...
The World Is In Your Hands
Hope...Dream...Believe...
All profits to Art With Heart Mississippi!
Lots more projects to post...and update on me...stay tuned!
Ceramic, Acrylic, Paper Mache, and Wood
The Sky Is The Limit
Reach For The Stars...
The World Is In Your Hands
Hope...Dream...Believe...
All profits to Art With Heart Mississippi!
Lots more projects to post...and update on me...stay tuned!
Pray for Me, Pray for Others - Wed May 27th
I participate in "Pray for Me... Pray for Others" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to add your prayer request. Join a community of friends who care about you, and hope you will care about them.Please pray for...
ME: I've been very ill for quite some time, and have recently been to the ER and on bedrest awaiting a very important appointment where surgery and disability will be discussed. Please pray for a solution to my situation and wisdom for me and the docs. (and of course, details and lots of TMI are below in my blog, if interested)
OTHERS: My friend Mike that I grew up with just said goodbye to his three daughters tonight. His wife left with them and moved out of state. Mike has no financial resources to move up there or to bring his girls back home. Thanks so much for praying.
Can I pray for you? Please don't hesitate to send me your prayer requests.
~Kelli
Monday, May 25, 2009
Need your help...and it's a CONTEST!
Hey folks, a quick update...hanging in there and not much to report. Just tired of being stuck in bed in so much pain. Will be very glad when this ordeal is over.
So anyway, I need your help, peeps! My front page needs a nice background or picture that represents friendship. Something that is obviously not copyrighted, or if it is, can be used by permission or credit to the source. And it must be free of charge. Anything goes, really. I just want a nice gateway page that is inviting, as if I'm there saying "WELCOME! Come on in, kick your shoes off, have some sweet tea, and let's talk about life."
Can you help me find something great?
Well first of all...if you're a LURKER, you MUST DE-LURK! I don't bite...really I don't! Just post a comment here to say hi and let me know that you plan to participate!
Then email your findings to ugottafriend4life@gmail.com.
The person who sends me the background or picture that is perfect for the new and improved ugottafriend.com will win a pair of my filigree design Swarovski crystal earrings!
Lowsy photo, I realize. Kelli needs a new cam. Badly.
They are sterling silver and the stone color is iridescent, meaning that it's kinda clear-ish but changes colors in the light. Am I explaining this right? It's 3:00 in the morning, forgive me. They're REALLY pretty, and ironically enough, I don't wear earrings...I just like to make them!
So there ya have it! Please help me find a new front page design for the newly renovated ugottafriend.com! Send me links, files, whatever ya got that's "friendly"!
I don't have a current deadline, but if I had to guess, I'll probably keep this going for a few weeks. There's no limit to how many ideas you can send me, so have fun! I look forward to hearing from you!
So anyway, I need your help, peeps! My front page needs a nice background or picture that represents friendship. Something that is obviously not copyrighted, or if it is, can be used by permission or credit to the source. And it must be free of charge. Anything goes, really. I just want a nice gateway page that is inviting, as if I'm there saying "WELCOME! Come on in, kick your shoes off, have some sweet tea, and let's talk about life."
Can you help me find something great?
Well first of all...if you're a LURKER, you MUST DE-LURK! I don't bite...really I don't! Just post a comment here to say hi and let me know that you plan to participate!
Then email your findings to ugottafriend4life@gmail.com.
The person who sends me the background or picture that is perfect for the new and improved ugottafriend.com will win a pair of my filigree design Swarovski crystal earrings!
Lowsy photo, I realize. Kelli needs a new cam. Badly.
They are sterling silver and the stone color is iridescent, meaning that it's kinda clear-ish but changes colors in the light. Am I explaining this right? It's 3:00 in the morning, forgive me. They're REALLY pretty, and ironically enough, I don't wear earrings...I just like to make them!
So there ya have it! Please help me find a new front page design for the newly renovated ugottafriend.com! Send me links, files, whatever ya got that's "friendly"!
I don't have a current deadline, but if I had to guess, I'll probably keep this going for a few weeks. There's no limit to how many ideas you can send me, so have fun! I look forward to hearing from you!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Positively Adopted
I think awareness is very important, so when I ran across Chantelle's blog, I knew I wanted to add her website to my sidebar. Chantelle is adopting an HIV positive child. There are so many misconceptions about HIV. People need to get informed.
I hope you will visit Positively Adopted, and pass it on.
Thanks,
Kelli
Saturday, May 23, 2009
A story of faith, favor, and glory. Pass it on.
Freddy is a unique individual. Loyal and hardworking, he has labored at the same job for over 35 years, turning down promotions and pay raises because he likes his job just fine, thank you. He is an electrician for one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the world. He makes a meager salary and has always lived below his means. Freddy has been misunderstood by many, due to his meek nature. He speaks slowly and carefully, sometimes to the point that you wanna say "Dude, spit it out already". He's a thinker, and likes spending time alone. He isn't a social butterfly. He's quiet and easy going. He is patient, and his temper is about as long as the earth is wide. So a lot of people don't really "get" Freddy. Some don't realize his potential, because he chooses to fly way, way under the radar. It's just his nature, and always has been.
But one thing is clear - my stepfather is a man of faith. Great things are happening, and God is pulling him out of his shell and using him to reach others. Several years ago, he suffered greatly from a kidney stone. After finally passing it and soon after feeling another one coming on, he and my mom prayed that God would remove the agony from him. He passed that stone, PAIN FREE. He didn't even know that he had passed it until he saw it come out. The stone was so large that the average person could not have passed it, PERIOD, much less passed it WITHOUT PAIN. He picked up the stone and kept it for a while. He showed his doctor and his coworkers, and they were all in shock. He showed it to me as well. I held that jagged stone in my hand, in complete amazement that he actually passed the thing, and without utter agony (I have stones, so I know them WELL). It was truly a miracle, but that's not all. Freddy has passed several more stones since then...probably half a dozen. And every single one of them, he has passed WITHOUT PAIN.
That's not the whole story, either. A few years ago, I took Freddy to the hospital for tests, and he was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his prostate. His doctor wanted him to start treatment, and he politely refused. He said that he wanted to pray about it, and his doctor reluctantly respected his wishes. I was pretty upset at the time that he wasn't doing anything about it, because I know as well as anyone that YES, God does heal people, but not always instantly and not always the way that we want. Sometimes medical care is a part of that healing, so I couldn't help but feel very nervous about his decision not to pursue the cancer at all. He had no treatment whatsoever.
Last year, he went back to the doctor for tests, and the results showed that he was cancer free. PSA - ZERO. No treatment. No drugs. Just prayer. And it was gone.
He has been sharing his story with everyone, including his coworkers. The same men and women who used to pick on him and look at him as being "a little slow" or "not quite as sharp" as the average joe are now seeing him with new eyes. They see that he has something that they don't. They see faith. They see favor. And they respect him. People that used to laugh at him are now listening to every careful word he says. They talk to him about God. They ask him to pray for them. His coworkers have become friends, and they love him.
Freddy recently hurt his knee at work, and it turns out that he may have a hairline fracture. So the doc put him on light duty. He's stuck in an office sitting at a desk, which is a far cry from the labor work that he's used to. He's coming into contact with a whole different group of people, and although he lacks a little in the social department, he is taking the opportunity to share his stories of healing with them. He has started handing out Hillsong CDs to coworkers, and people are coming to know Christ through this man who is so often misjudged.
You know, God is like that. He's not looking for the folks that look good and make good grades and have a college degree and speak well and know all the best Bible verses and act just right and dress just right and talk just right.
He doesn't call the QUALIFIED. He qualifies the CALLED.
Freddy is proof that all you have to be is WILLING.
Willing to be a vessel. You may be an old vessel or a young vessel or an odd looking vessel or a cracked vessel. It doesn't matter, because God can take any vessel that is willing and use it for His kingdom in a MIGHTY and POWERFUL way. For HIS glory. Because when it's all said and done, it's not about you. It's about Him. Praise God.
Thank you, Lord, for loving me just as I am. Take this broken vessel, and use me for your glory.
Amen.
But one thing is clear - my stepfather is a man of faith. Great things are happening, and God is pulling him out of his shell and using him to reach others. Several years ago, he suffered greatly from a kidney stone. After finally passing it and soon after feeling another one coming on, he and my mom prayed that God would remove the agony from him. He passed that stone, PAIN FREE. He didn't even know that he had passed it until he saw it come out. The stone was so large that the average person could not have passed it, PERIOD, much less passed it WITHOUT PAIN. He picked up the stone and kept it for a while. He showed his doctor and his coworkers, and they were all in shock. He showed it to me as well. I held that jagged stone in my hand, in complete amazement that he actually passed the thing, and without utter agony (I have stones, so I know them WELL). It was truly a miracle, but that's not all. Freddy has passed several more stones since then...probably half a dozen. And every single one of them, he has passed WITHOUT PAIN.
That's not the whole story, either. A few years ago, I took Freddy to the hospital for tests, and he was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his prostate. His doctor wanted him to start treatment, and he politely refused. He said that he wanted to pray about it, and his doctor reluctantly respected his wishes. I was pretty upset at the time that he wasn't doing anything about it, because I know as well as anyone that YES, God does heal people, but not always instantly and not always the way that we want. Sometimes medical care is a part of that healing, so I couldn't help but feel very nervous about his decision not to pursue the cancer at all. He had no treatment whatsoever.
Last year, he went back to the doctor for tests, and the results showed that he was cancer free. PSA - ZERO. No treatment. No drugs. Just prayer. And it was gone.
He has been sharing his story with everyone, including his coworkers. The same men and women who used to pick on him and look at him as being "a little slow" or "not quite as sharp" as the average joe are now seeing him with new eyes. They see that he has something that they don't. They see faith. They see favor. And they respect him. People that used to laugh at him are now listening to every careful word he says. They talk to him about God. They ask him to pray for them. His coworkers have become friends, and they love him.
Freddy recently hurt his knee at work, and it turns out that he may have a hairline fracture. So the doc put him on light duty. He's stuck in an office sitting at a desk, which is a far cry from the labor work that he's used to. He's coming into contact with a whole different group of people, and although he lacks a little in the social department, he is taking the opportunity to share his stories of healing with them. He has started handing out Hillsong CDs to coworkers, and people are coming to know Christ through this man who is so often misjudged.
You know, God is like that. He's not looking for the folks that look good and make good grades and have a college degree and speak well and know all the best Bible verses and act just right and dress just right and talk just right.
He doesn't call the QUALIFIED. He qualifies the CALLED.
Freddy is proof that all you have to be is WILLING.
Willing to be a vessel. You may be an old vessel or a young vessel or an odd looking vessel or a cracked vessel. It doesn't matter, because God can take any vessel that is willing and use it for His kingdom in a MIGHTY and POWERFUL way. For HIS glory. Because when it's all said and done, it's not about you. It's about Him. Praise God.
Thank you, Lord, for loving me just as I am. Take this broken vessel, and use me for your glory.
Amen.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The next step
After going through a handful of wrong phone numbers (thanks a lot, office lady) I finally brought out the Google-Fu and found the place myself.
I have an appointment on June 10th at the USA Women's clinic. That was the earliest appointment they could give me since I am a new patient, regardless of my condition. Three weeks. Ouch.
I'm trying my best to stay out of the ER, but man it's hard. I'm still in bed with my legs elevated and taking iron as instructed. It wouldn't be so bad if I could find a comfortable position, but it's not happening. Prayers are definitely appreciated.
I have an appointment on June 10th at the USA Women's clinic. That was the earliest appointment they could give me since I am a new patient, regardless of my condition. Three weeks. Ouch.
I'm trying my best to stay out of the ER, but man it's hard. I'm still in bed with my legs elevated and taking iron as instructed. It wouldn't be so bad if I could find a comfortable position, but it's not happening. Prayers are definitely appreciated.
Tribute to Kayleigh Anne
I've been bawling my eyes out for nearly half an hour...fair warning.
The Freemans just shared a beautiful slideshow of Kayleigh's last moments with her loved ones. What a blessing to this sweet family. Thank you, Faith.
http://imagesbyfaith.wordpress.com
Please pray for the Freeman family as they continue their journey here on earth, while Kayleigh Anne waits for them with the Father above. Lord, bless them.
The Freemans just shared a beautiful slideshow of Kayleigh's last moments with her loved ones. What a blessing to this sweet family. Thank you, Faith.
http://imagesbyfaith.wordpress.com
Please pray for the Freeman family as they continue their journey here on earth, while Kayleigh Anne waits for them with the Father above. Lord, bless them.
GOOD NEWS NETWORK, VOL. 2
Welcome to the GOOD NEWS NETWORK!
Nothin' but the good stuff!
A brain storm of the past and something that my friends and I discussed last year, the GOOD NEWS NETWORK is something that is needed in this crazy roller coaster life of mine. I'm willing to bet that you could use a nice, big dose of good news too.
We are constantly surrounded by negativity, and while I get that reporting such events are important and at times absolutely necessary, there's a point where I have to say "uncle". I'm not a drama queen, but I can only take so much bad news in one sitting. I think it's time to spread a little positivity, don't you?
THE RULES:
1. Include the GNN badge in the beginning of your post.
2. The purpose of GNN is to share a positive, heart-warming story from around the world. Your post must contain NOTHING BUT GOOD NEWS.
3. You must list the SOURCE of the news story, with a link to their website if they have one. If you don't list the source and you get sued for plagiarism, I will not be held responsible.
4. A mention of my blog would be greatly appreciated. The URL is ugottafriend.blogspot.com.
5. Leave me a COMMENT and let me know that you have participated. When I learn how to use Mr. Linky (read: help me I don't know what I'm doing), we will use it to network our posts!
GNN vol. 2, 05/21/09
Courtesy of: The North Platte Telegraph, http://www.nptelegraph.com
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – Police say a 6-year-old boy grabbed the wheel of their pickup after his dad passed out from low blood sugar and kept them from crashing until a North Platte police officer could bring the truck to a halt.
Tustin Mains was in the back seat with his 3-year-old brother when he noticed that his dad, Phillip Mains, slumped down on Sunday evening while they were driving home from a restaurant.
"I remember getting up to about the mall — that was about 6:45," Phillip Mains told The North Platte Telegraph. "The next thing I remember was waking up to the officer and paramedics, and it was 8:15."
Tustin hopped up from the back seat to his father's lap so he could steer and see out the windshield.
His dad's foot had slipped off the accelerator, but even at idle the Chevrolet Avalanche was going an estimated 10-15 mph.
Other drivers noticed the boy driving the truck. Some maneuvered their vehicles in front or behind the pickup and turned on their emergency blinkers.
Tustin remained at the wheel for several blocks, even turning around when he got into a neighborhood he didn't recognize.
He was then spotted by North Platte officer Roger Freeze.
Freeze maneuvered his car near enough that he could stop, get out and run up to the pickup. The driver's side window was down, so Freeze reached in, grabbed the gearshift and rammed it into park.
North Platte Police Chief Martin Gutschenritter praised his officer and young Tustin.
"I will be issuing him a departmental citation for his quick, professional action on this case. That is also a very special young man. He was able to take quick action when his dad was incapacitated, and we are very proud of him, too," Gutschenritter said.
Tustin's dad was grateful to Freeze as well.
"To chase down a moving vehicle and get it stopped the way he did took a lot of nerve, and if it weren't for him, things could have turned out much worse."
For a kindergartner, Tustin did a pretty good job of driving. The pickup sustained only a minor scrape when it brushed a piece of a bridge as Tustin turned to head back into town.
When he saw his dad "fall asleep," Tustin said, he got scared, then got another fright when officer Freeze appeared at the driver's window.
But when Freeze brought the pickup to an abrupt halt?
"I was just happy," Tustin said.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
More harm than good?
I got a couple hours of sleep this morning, thankfully, and didn't take any pain meds. I woke up feeling bad but better than the last few weeks. I got up, ate a snack, and took the progesterone pill that the ER prescribed me. I went back to bed, and woke up a few hours later in horrendous shape again. So now I can't help but wonder if I'm having an adverse reaction to the hormones. It's common. I've never taken them in the past and gotten worse before, but after the last few days, that appears to be what is happening. I don't know what to do. Ugh...
I'm tired. And I just want this to go away. Forever.
Making phone calls and hoping to have something in place no later than tomorrow. Thanks for your continued prayers, friends. I promise my blog will return to funny photos and happy trees as soon as possible.
I'm tired. And I just want this to go away. Forever.
Making phone calls and hoping to have something in place no later than tomorrow. Thanks for your continued prayers, friends. I promise my blog will return to funny photos and happy trees as soon as possible.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Not much to say...
...except that I want somebody to TAKE. IT. OUT. NOW!
Please, God...make somebody take it out!
The extra hormones prescribed Sunday are useless. I am getting worse with each passing day. I'm actually moaning and breathing heavy at times, as if I'm in labor. The mepergan (demerol and phenergan) isn't helping at all anymore. I'm sitting here in bed with the laptop rocking back and forth from the pain as I type this. That's just ridiculous.
I'm setting my alarm for 8:00am so I can call USA med assistance. That's University of South Alabama, not United States of America. I am going to beg them to see me, and when they do, I am going to beg them to take the sucker out. If they can't see me this week, I am most likely headed back to the ER.
I desperately need divine intervention. All I can say anymore is "God please help me, I can't do this". Just like when I had the obstructive kidney stone last year, minus the screaming and throwing up. The pain is officially only one step behind a kidney stone, a 9.5 on the pain scale.
For a few years I wasn't sure I wanted to go through a hysterectomy, and at times was upset by the possibility. It's traumatic to the body and I am always high risk. I take longer to recover than the average person. I also don't have parental support, but that's an issue not worth elaborating on tonight.
But now...I'm ready. I want it OUT as soon as possible. Whatever it takes. I'll be USA's guinea pig with two dozen med students in the room gawking at my uterus and taking notes. I don't care. I have no shame. I just want this to end. Please.
Please, God...make somebody take it out!
The extra hormones prescribed Sunday are useless. I am getting worse with each passing day. I'm actually moaning and breathing heavy at times, as if I'm in labor. The mepergan (demerol and phenergan) isn't helping at all anymore. I'm sitting here in bed with the laptop rocking back and forth from the pain as I type this. That's just ridiculous.
I'm setting my alarm for 8:00am so I can call USA med assistance. That's University of South Alabama, not United States of America. I am going to beg them to see me, and when they do, I am going to beg them to take the sucker out. If they can't see me this week, I am most likely headed back to the ER.
I desperately need divine intervention. All I can say anymore is "God please help me, I can't do this". Just like when I had the obstructive kidney stone last year, minus the screaming and throwing up. The pain is officially only one step behind a kidney stone, a 9.5 on the pain scale.
For a few years I wasn't sure I wanted to go through a hysterectomy, and at times was upset by the possibility. It's traumatic to the body and I am always high risk. I take longer to recover than the average person. I also don't have parental support, but that's an issue not worth elaborating on tonight.
But now...I'm ready. I want it OUT as soon as possible. Whatever it takes. I'll be USA's guinea pig with two dozen med students in the room gawking at my uterus and taking notes. I don't care. I have no shame. I just want this to end. Please.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
What's next
As expected, my doc office said that they would not treat me, but that I'm welcome to come back when I can pay.
They are releasing my records. Will pick them up and apply for medical assistance through the local university. Only God knows what the wait time is on that. I need divine intervention. I am in horrendous pain. I can't even describe it.
Thank you friends for your prayers.
They are releasing my records. Will pick them up and apply for medical assistance through the local university. Only God knows what the wait time is on that. I need divine intervention. I am in horrendous pain. I can't even describe it.
Thank you friends for your prayers.
Happy Birthday Brent, and Serious.Life Magazine
CLICK HERE to visit the new issue of Serious.Life Magazine! I love the new interactive format with videos and blog-style comments.
And a big 'ol HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the Editor In Chief as well! Have a good one, Brent!
And a big 'ol HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the Editor In Chief as well! Have a good one, Brent!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Update, and needing your input for a project I'm working on...
No change in my condition as of tonight. Even with the extra progesterone and mepergan fortis (demerol and phenergan) for pain, I'm seeing no improvement and would greatly appreciate your continued prayers.
Ok, I have a mission for my friends!
Comment and post links here of your favorite charities and tell me why they're your favorite. No matter how big or small, just be sure to post a link with more info about them if you can. I'm doing some research for a project that I hope to launch soon. Thanks for your time!
By the way, I do have a giveaway coming up...bear with me. As soon as I get well enough to function again, I'll get it together! In the meantime, send me those links!
Ok, I have a mission for my friends!
Comment and post links here of your favorite charities and tell me why they're your favorite. No matter how big or small, just be sure to post a link with more info about them if you can. I'm doing some research for a project that I hope to launch soon. Thanks for your time!
By the way, I do have a giveaway coming up...bear with me. As soon as I get well enough to function again, I'll get it together! In the meantime, send me those links!
Home from the hospital
One shot of zofran and two shots of morphine back to back barely fazed me...I must be some kind of freak. :)
Very tired and in pain but I will hopefully be feeling better soon. Doc appointment Wednesday if they agree to see me. If not, I will ask them to refer me to a local university health clinic, as per my E.R. doc who suggested it. After hearing my history with dysfunctional uterine bleeding and seeing how it debilitates me, he didn't hesitate to throw the word hysterectomy out there. If it's offered, I'm going to say yes. I'll know more after Wednesday. For now, I'm on an extra dose of hormones to (hopefully) stop the hemorrhaging. No pain meds prescribed.
I appreciate the love and prayers, friends. This has been a long road, and it's nowhere near over. Your messages and well wishes make a difference, and I thank you.
Very tired and in pain but I will hopefully be feeling better soon. Doc appointment Wednesday if they agree to see me. If not, I will ask them to refer me to a local university health clinic, as per my E.R. doc who suggested it. After hearing my history with dysfunctional uterine bleeding and seeing how it debilitates me, he didn't hesitate to throw the word hysterectomy out there. If it's offered, I'm going to say yes. I'll know more after Wednesday. For now, I'm on an extra dose of hormones to (hopefully) stop the hemorrhaging. No pain meds prescribed.
I appreciate the love and prayers, friends. This has been a long road, and it's nowhere near over. Your messages and well wishes make a difference, and I thank you.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Watching the storm
Outside my window, it's coming down in white sheets. Tis the season of flash floods for us on the Gulf Coast. The wind is incredible...looks like a hurricane outside. I imagine we're under a tornado watch, if not a warning. Needless to say, I'm not dragging my doubled over self out of this bed and driving an hour north to the hospital today, and not asking anyone else to drive me either. No change so far, but I've managed to sit up long enough to eat a few snacks and take a few meds. I'm not on the heavy stuff, at least not so far. I took one mepergan yesterday and haven't taken a pain pill since. I try to go without prescription drugs if at all possible, because I really hate taking them. I'm sure my kidneys appreciate it.
I'll be on the doc's doorstep tomorrow asking for the shot that the nurse said they would give me. If they turn me away due to lack of funds, I'll go downstairs to the E.R. If nothing else, they can give me some pain relief and an iron supplement, which I no doubt need right now. And they can refer me to a place where I can get some help. I need a permanent solution to this, whatever it takes.
Wow, the rain is getting harder. I expect to lose power anytime now. Will update later if I can get back on.
I'll be on the doc's doorstep tomorrow asking for the shot that the nurse said they would give me. If they turn me away due to lack of funds, I'll go downstairs to the E.R. If nothing else, they can give me some pain relief and an iron supplement, which I no doubt need right now. And they can refer me to a place where I can get some help. I need a permanent solution to this, whatever it takes.
Wow, the rain is getting harder. I expect to lose power anytime now. Will update later if I can get back on.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Trying to sit up
I should have gone to the E.R. yesterday. Was a very rough night. Almost passed out so I went to the kitchen and ate anything I could find that contained Iron. Chocolate chips, granola, hummus, and a can of red beans. Took a phenergan and finally got a few hours of sleep. Up having some grits although doubled over in pain. I won't go into anymore detail than that. You don't want details, I promise.
Will see how today plays out.
Will see how today plays out.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Doc update
He said going to the ER was optional and they may not be much help other than pain meds which I already have. I'm scheduled for a sonagram and another shot next week, and he wants to do a D&C asap.
This is, of course, depending on whether or not they will actually treat me. I told them I had no money and the nurse said to come in anyway. So we'll see.
I'm just sick of this and want it to be OVER, whatever it takes.
This is, of course, depending on whether or not they will actually treat me. I told them I had no money and the nurse said to come in anyway. So we'll see.
I'm just sick of this and want it to be OVER, whatever it takes.
Major issue is worse.
Hemorrhaging massively. Terrible pain. Waiting for doc to call me back to tell me where to go. Most likely emergency room. Thanks for praying.
Friday Funnies Are Back! Enjoy!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more dog and puppy pictures
see more dog and puppy pictures
see more dog and puppy pictures
Thursday, May 14, 2009
WE HEART ART - a new blog carnival!
Thanks to Juls for introducing me to a new blog carnival that's right up my alley! I love art, and look forward to connecting with other artists here on Blogger via the We Heart Art carnival!
The carnival is hosted by Three Bay B Chicks, Domestically Challenged, and I'm Living Proof That God Has A Sense Of Humor.
I am a Certified Ross Instructor, and teach the Bob Ross Wet on Wet Technique in two states (not as crazy as it sounds...I live on the state line)! I love teaching painting and it is something that I never thought I would do in a million years. Now I wouldn't trade it for anything. My students are the best!
I also do a LOT of crafting. I make homemade greeting cards, and send as many cards to overseas troops as I can.
I am Secretary of the non-profit organization Art With Heart on the Mississippi Coast. This hand was a rescue project from a glove factory that burned down. I cleaned up the hand and turned it into art. It is in the possession of a high school student that is auctioning it off for charity.
"Caught Red Handed, Stealing My Heart..."
I'm also a big photography nerd, and I hope to be professionally trained someday. Right now, I do very little more than point and shoot with a little HP digital. I take a lot of random photos, from skies...
...to broken glass on my family's property post-Hurricane Katrina. The home was completely gone with very little evidence of its existence. This photo was taken this year, by the way...three and a half years after the storm.
I am currently learning body art through Art With Heart. We do face painting, and are branching out into other forms of body art, such as temporary tattoos. Fun!
Thanks for having me! Would love to meet other art bloggers out there. Feel free to say hello and/or follow my blog. There's more to come!
~Kelli
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My Big Fat Blog Update, Something Is In The Air, and I'm Flawed.
Still fighting a bad headache here but I'm gonna blog anyway.
I was given some mint foot cream yesterday and I look forward to trying it on my unruly feet. I actually opened it a few minutes ago, though, and put it on the back of my neck...hahaha...yeah I'm desperate for my head to stop hurting. I'll try almost anything at this point. Mint seems to be popular among pain relieving creams, as well as pepper (capzasin anyone?)...any other remedies out there that you can think of? Please shoot them my way.
I'm also back on calcium and a very high dose of time released potassium. I hope that this will start making a significant difference in the way I'm feeling. Summer is here on the Gulf Coast and my body has an extreme intolerance for heat and humidity. Someday, I hope to be well off enough to have a summer home elsewhere like one of my students does. She's on the coast in winter and spring, and in Maine for summer and autumn. I love that! I've always thought it would be awesome to buy an RV and just GO. A nomad on the road...a true Bohemian starving artist. I need to finish writing all of those books I've started so I can make my dream come true if for no other reason than improving my health. :) Weather is a primary trigger of Periodic Paralysis, so anything other than clear and mild 60-80 degree temps causes problems. I definitely don't belong in the DEEP SOUTH! But then again, anything BUT the deep south doesn't work for me in the cold seasons.
Since I'm on a roll here, I guess I'll go ahead and try to bring everyone up to date on everything...
I'm preparing for a couple of upcoming festivals where I will be a vendor for the first time. I'm excited about it, although being outdoors is going to be a challenge. Hopefully my body will comply enough for me to get through it successfully. I'm still working on the helping hands as well as getting some paintings ready to sell. I have a few other things going on as well...homemade note cards, clay wishing stars...a few little crafty things. I'm a major craft nerd.
I also finished up my sister's wedding invitations this week. I think they turned out pretty nice. I love the stationery she chose, and I did my best with the font and colors. Her wedding is going to be cool, albeit, outdoors in the absolute dog days of summer. It will be fun...looking forward to it.
I will be doing a couple of Bob Ross demonstrations in a few weeks in Mobile as well as in Biloxi. I look forward to bringing a Bob Ross workshop to Biloxi's Hobby Lobby in late June. It's going well at Hobby Lobby in Mobile, although I've lost a few students due to job loss and poor health, I still have a handful and we're having a great time. I will take a pic of the painting we did last Saturday and post as soon as I can. It turned out lovely, and everyone really enjoyed it.
I'm also trying to launch a Friday night Kids Club at Hobby Lobby. It will be open to elementary school students, and I think it will be a great outlet for kids to come in and create something, all the while giving parents time for a quiet dinner out. Brilliant. I think it could be a great thing. We'll see how it goes.
Hmmm what else. Ah, I had to lock my Twitter account due to things getting out of hand. Lots of spammers. My apologies to those of you who came here and got the popup password request thing. I've removed it altogether so you won't be getting that anymore. As always, feel free to add me here, and then send a request on Twitter. Just be aware that if I have no clue who you are, you won't be approved over there.
Yes, the internet. Something is in the AIR or something, because people are going off the deep end lately. Ha...no, really. Let me recap the past few weeks here:
I get randomly, publicly scolded in front of everyone and their brother and mother and cousin and former roommate on Facebook. And I publicly defend myself, as I have every right to do. The vast majority who saw/read what happened have supported me 100 percent. A couple of people freak out because I said the "A" word for the first time in my life and a couple of people tell me that I should have handled it differently. So I posted a video blog (aka VLOG) in response and told people to chill out...I'm FINE. And the statement where I said I'd kick someone's butt was nothing more than a METAPHOR. It means that if you start trouble with me publicly, I will finish it...publicly. It's only fair. All who know me, knew what I meant. But a couple of unknowns were shocked, concerned, whatever, that I would say something like that. Really...chill out, people. Everything's fine. Move on, and have a nice day.
Then someone started posting comments on my page that twisted the truth and started trouble that made no sense at all. The statements were completely irrelevant. So I responded and told her nicely to stop doing that. She then goes and deletes all of her comments, leaving my comment, and tells me to stop harassing her on her page. She starts senseless drama on my page, talking CRAZY, then deletes everything that she wrote and tries to make it look like I'm the crazy troublemaker. Ha. Yeah, I don't think so. I'm not playing your little drama game. Buh-bye, and have a nice day.
Then someone that I've never met in my life told me that I have a "Jezebel spirit". HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA! Me. Girl who lives a celibate life doing as much charity work as an unemployed sick girl can do. Girl who is very happily divorced and does not date and has no intention of changing that. Ever. Girl who pursues and manipulates NO ONE and would never hurt anyone in her entire life. I don't push my lifestyle on anyone, but it is the way that I am. So yes...the Jezebel thing cracked me up bigtime. My family got quite a laugh out of it as well. So for the whole two of you who have a problem with me...please know that I'm not an idiot. I don't need google to tell me what a Jezebel spirit is (this person suggested that I google it to learn what it is) as I have been studying such things, including that, since my teens. I assure you that I live very much in the real world. I strive to always be self-aware, and I am in constant learning and growing mode, as we all should be. As I always say, I'm a work in progress. But please...creating drama that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever and offering a "professional opinion" to someone that you know nothing about is down right laughable. Sorry. Please go be concerned about someone else, and have a nice day.
In other news, my website here is public and will remain so, but my MySpace account is now private due to an excess of creeps. I have honestly lost count of the married men looking to cheat on their wives. I try to have patience with these bozos but I've reached my limit. So I've decided to make a little announcement:
ATTENTION MANWHORES! I AM A DIVORCED, DISABLED WOMAN WITH NO INTEREST IN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS WHATSOEVER. I AM NOT THE NAIVE, WEAK, VULNERABLE LITTLE GIRL THAT YOU OBVIOUSLY THINK I AM. HELL WOULD FREEZE OVER BEFORE I WOULD LET SOME RANDOM BOZO ON THE INTERNET TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ME. I AM SO HAPPILY CELIBATE IT IS NOT EVEN FUNNY, AND PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU AND YOUR HILARIOUSLY PATHETIC MESSAGES WILL NEVER CHANGE MY MIND. TAKE A HIKE, LOSERS. AND HAVE A NICE DAY.
So yeah...SOMETHING is in the air, or the water, or something, because there's a whole lotta crazy going on. And just because I'm "ugottafriend" and strive to get along with everybody, does not mean I'm going to put up with people's crap. :)
The craziness is not just on the internet, either. I was at the post office today and a lady's car was blocked in the parking lot. So I turned around and hobbled back into the post office and announced that someone was illegally parked and blocking a customer from leaving. A lady spoke up and said "I'm the postmaster, and she cut me off as I was coming into the parking lot". And that's it. The POSTMASTER...purposely blocked a woman from leaving the post office because she "cut her off" in the parking lot. How nutso is that? HAHAHAHAHA...I swear I'm not making this up.
Something is in the air, people. And man oh man...it ain't pretty.
Anyway, enough of that. :) It's after 2 AM now and I think I'm finally catching up here. My friends list is growing and my thoughts and prayers are with all who are suffering. I think of you daily and sincerely pray for the healing touch and peace of God in your life. People sometimes ask me how I am related to the people that I request prayer for, or why I feel so strongly about people that I don't really know. My response to them is as simple as "The Center of the Mark". Feel free to go look for that song online...it's by 4Him, and that song made a tremendous impact on me when it debuted in the 90's. It is my heart. When someone asked Jesus one day what they needed to do to enter the kingdom of Heaven, his response was short and sweet - love God, and love people. I learned years ago that the word sin in its original form translates to the phrase "to miss the mark". This song by 4Him says "To love God...love people...that's the center of the mark".
Love. A simple answer with a tremendous, life-altering effect. Just love.
It's the reason I pray. The reason I ask others to pray. The reason I cry when others cry. The reason I hurt for the suffering. The reason I get out of bed. The reason for ugottafriend.com.
And it's the reason why I lost sleep over the person who falsely accused me a couple weeks ago. Do you get that? I was mad and hurt, not because I'm "insecure" as someone self-righteously suggested, but because I care. An online friend posted a statement last week that I related to very well in this moment...in fact, it's just perfect:
"Sometimes things get to me too easily...I guess it's just a flaw you acquire when you open your arms to everyone."
Right on. Thanks for that one, Kat.
If caring is a flaw, so be it.
Sweet dreams, everyone.
~Kelli
I was given some mint foot cream yesterday and I look forward to trying it on my unruly feet. I actually opened it a few minutes ago, though, and put it on the back of my neck...hahaha...yeah I'm desperate for my head to stop hurting. I'll try almost anything at this point. Mint seems to be popular among pain relieving creams, as well as pepper (capzasin anyone?)...any other remedies out there that you can think of? Please shoot them my way.
I'm also back on calcium and a very high dose of time released potassium. I hope that this will start making a significant difference in the way I'm feeling. Summer is here on the Gulf Coast and my body has an extreme intolerance for heat and humidity. Someday, I hope to be well off enough to have a summer home elsewhere like one of my students does. She's on the coast in winter and spring, and in Maine for summer and autumn. I love that! I've always thought it would be awesome to buy an RV and just GO. A nomad on the road...a true Bohemian starving artist. I need to finish writing all of those books I've started so I can make my dream come true if for no other reason than improving my health. :) Weather is a primary trigger of Periodic Paralysis, so anything other than clear and mild 60-80 degree temps causes problems. I definitely don't belong in the DEEP SOUTH! But then again, anything BUT the deep south doesn't work for me in the cold seasons.
Since I'm on a roll here, I guess I'll go ahead and try to bring everyone up to date on everything...
I'm preparing for a couple of upcoming festivals where I will be a vendor for the first time. I'm excited about it, although being outdoors is going to be a challenge. Hopefully my body will comply enough for me to get through it successfully. I'm still working on the helping hands as well as getting some paintings ready to sell. I have a few other things going on as well...homemade note cards, clay wishing stars...a few little crafty things. I'm a major craft nerd.
I also finished up my sister's wedding invitations this week. I think they turned out pretty nice. I love the stationery she chose, and I did my best with the font and colors. Her wedding is going to be cool, albeit, outdoors in the absolute dog days of summer. It will be fun...looking forward to it.
I will be doing a couple of Bob Ross demonstrations in a few weeks in Mobile as well as in Biloxi. I look forward to bringing a Bob Ross workshop to Biloxi's Hobby Lobby in late June. It's going well at Hobby Lobby in Mobile, although I've lost a few students due to job loss and poor health, I still have a handful and we're having a great time. I will take a pic of the painting we did last Saturday and post as soon as I can. It turned out lovely, and everyone really enjoyed it.
I'm also trying to launch a Friday night Kids Club at Hobby Lobby. It will be open to elementary school students, and I think it will be a great outlet for kids to come in and create something, all the while giving parents time for a quiet dinner out. Brilliant. I think it could be a great thing. We'll see how it goes.
Hmmm what else. Ah, I had to lock my Twitter account due to things getting out of hand. Lots of spammers. My apologies to those of you who came here and got the popup password request thing. I've removed it altogether so you won't be getting that anymore. As always, feel free to add me here, and then send a request on Twitter. Just be aware that if I have no clue who you are, you won't be approved over there.
Yes, the internet. Something is in the AIR or something, because people are going off the deep end lately. Ha...no, really. Let me recap the past few weeks here:
I get randomly, publicly scolded in front of everyone and their brother and mother and cousin and former roommate on Facebook. And I publicly defend myself, as I have every right to do. The vast majority who saw/read what happened have supported me 100 percent. A couple of people freak out because I said the "A" word for the first time in my life and a couple of people tell me that I should have handled it differently. So I posted a video blog (aka VLOG) in response and told people to chill out...I'm FINE. And the statement where I said I'd kick someone's butt was nothing more than a METAPHOR. It means that if you start trouble with me publicly, I will finish it...publicly. It's only fair. All who know me, knew what I meant. But a couple of unknowns were shocked, concerned, whatever, that I would say something like that. Really...chill out, people. Everything's fine. Move on, and have a nice day.
Then someone started posting comments on my page that twisted the truth and started trouble that made no sense at all. The statements were completely irrelevant. So I responded and told her nicely to stop doing that. She then goes and deletes all of her comments, leaving my comment, and tells me to stop harassing her on her page. She starts senseless drama on my page, talking CRAZY, then deletes everything that she wrote and tries to make it look like I'm the crazy troublemaker. Ha. Yeah, I don't think so. I'm not playing your little drama game. Buh-bye, and have a nice day.
Then someone that I've never met in my life told me that I have a "Jezebel spirit". HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA! Me. Girl who lives a celibate life doing as much charity work as an unemployed sick girl can do. Girl who is very happily divorced and does not date and has no intention of changing that. Ever. Girl who pursues and manipulates NO ONE and would never hurt anyone in her entire life. I don't push my lifestyle on anyone, but it is the way that I am. So yes...the Jezebel thing cracked me up bigtime. My family got quite a laugh out of it as well. So for the whole two of you who have a problem with me...please know that I'm not an idiot. I don't need google to tell me what a Jezebel spirit is (this person suggested that I google it to learn what it is) as I have been studying such things, including that, since my teens. I assure you that I live very much in the real world. I strive to always be self-aware, and I am in constant learning and growing mode, as we all should be. As I always say, I'm a work in progress. But please...creating drama that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever and offering a "professional opinion" to someone that you know nothing about is down right laughable. Sorry. Please go be concerned about someone else, and have a nice day.
In other news, my website here is public and will remain so, but my MySpace account is now private due to an excess of creeps. I have honestly lost count of the married men looking to cheat on their wives. I try to have patience with these bozos but I've reached my limit. So I've decided to make a little announcement:
ATTENTION MANWHORES! I AM A DIVORCED, DISABLED WOMAN WITH NO INTEREST IN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS WHATSOEVER. I AM NOT THE NAIVE, WEAK, VULNERABLE LITTLE GIRL THAT YOU OBVIOUSLY THINK I AM. HELL WOULD FREEZE OVER BEFORE I WOULD LET SOME RANDOM BOZO ON THE INTERNET TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ME. I AM SO HAPPILY CELIBATE IT IS NOT EVEN FUNNY, AND PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU AND YOUR HILARIOUSLY PATHETIC MESSAGES WILL NEVER CHANGE MY MIND. TAKE A HIKE, LOSERS. AND HAVE A NICE DAY.
So yeah...SOMETHING is in the air, or the water, or something, because there's a whole lotta crazy going on. And just because I'm "ugottafriend" and strive to get along with everybody, does not mean I'm going to put up with people's crap. :)
The craziness is not just on the internet, either. I was at the post office today and a lady's car was blocked in the parking lot. So I turned around and hobbled back into the post office and announced that someone was illegally parked and blocking a customer from leaving. A lady spoke up and said "I'm the postmaster, and she cut me off as I was coming into the parking lot". And that's it. The POSTMASTER...purposely blocked a woman from leaving the post office because she "cut her off" in the parking lot. How nutso is that? HAHAHAHAHA...I swear I'm not making this up.
Something is in the air, people. And man oh man...it ain't pretty.
Anyway, enough of that. :) It's after 2 AM now and I think I'm finally catching up here. My friends list is growing and my thoughts and prayers are with all who are suffering. I think of you daily and sincerely pray for the healing touch and peace of God in your life. People sometimes ask me how I am related to the people that I request prayer for, or why I feel so strongly about people that I don't really know. My response to them is as simple as "The Center of the Mark". Feel free to go look for that song online...it's by 4Him, and that song made a tremendous impact on me when it debuted in the 90's. It is my heart. When someone asked Jesus one day what they needed to do to enter the kingdom of Heaven, his response was short and sweet - love God, and love people. I learned years ago that the word sin in its original form translates to the phrase "to miss the mark". This song by 4Him says "To love God...love people...that's the center of the mark".
Love. A simple answer with a tremendous, life-altering effect. Just love.
It's the reason I pray. The reason I ask others to pray. The reason I cry when others cry. The reason I hurt for the suffering. The reason I get out of bed. The reason for ugottafriend.com.
And it's the reason why I lost sleep over the person who falsely accused me a couple weeks ago. Do you get that? I was mad and hurt, not because I'm "insecure" as someone self-righteously suggested, but because I care. An online friend posted a statement last week that I related to very well in this moment...in fact, it's just perfect:
"Sometimes things get to me too easily...I guess it's just a flaw you acquire when you open your arms to everyone."
Right on. Thanks for that one, Kat.
If caring is a flaw, so be it.
Sweet dreams, everyone.
~Kelli
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
More prayers going up...
Phillip has undergone brain surgery today and is very ill. They have sedated him again and are moving him to try to improve his post-op condition. Please keep him and his mom Amy, who is battling cancer, in your prayers. This is a very, very difficult time for them.
Baby Veyiah went to the hospital today with low sats, but is home again on a monitor. Praying that her SVT is under control as well as her breathing. She's such a cutie pie!
I've been in bed, sick again. I want to blog but can't seem to get my head together to do so. I'll see what I can do later tonight or tomorrow.
~Kelli
Baby Veyiah went to the hospital today with low sats, but is home again on a monitor. Praying that her SVT is under control as well as her breathing. She's such a cutie pie!
I've been in bed, sick again. I want to blog but can't seem to get my head together to do so. I'll see what I can do later tonight or tomorrow.
~Kelli
Sweet Kayleigh Anne Freeman is with Jesus
Please pray for Aimee, Adam, and their children as they deal with this heartbreaking loss. They are a family of great faith and have touched many, many lives though sharing the story of their one pound miracle. They know they will see their precious baby girl again.
God bless you, Aimee, Adam, and all of your loved ones. Kayleigh's story reached many across the globe, and we will never be the same. You are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
~Kelli
God bless you, Aimee, Adam, and all of your loved ones. Kayleigh's story reached many across the globe, and we will never be the same. You are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
~Kelli
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mom's Day
see more dog and puppy pictures
I'm getting way behind again (thanks to another 3 day migraine), but wanted to send a quick shout-out to all the Moms out there.
And to all of you Non-Moms like myself...HAPPY SUNDAY!
Talk to you soon. Updates coming as soon as I get the chance.
~ Kelli
Friday, May 8, 2009
Sarah and the kids need your help...
If anyone is in the medical field or in a position to send health-related supplies overseas, please consider helping Sarah's Covenant Home. Sarah and her staff take care of special needs orphans in India.
http://sarahscovenanthomes.blogspot.com/2009/05/medical-supplies-needed.html
Please pass it on if you can.
Thanks,
Kelli
http://sarahscovenanthomes.blogspot.com/2009/05/medical-supplies-needed.html
Please pass it on if you can.
Thanks,
Kelli
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Acrylic Body Art
Did these while sitting at the baseball field. :)
Left arm...
Practice flower on paper...
Left hand...
Practicing for future Art With Heart face painting and henna tattoo parties.
My little bro got a base hit and pitched a little.
That's all for now. A more "heart-felt" blog is coming soon. Aha...hahaha.........
Good night. :)
Left arm...
Practice flower on paper...
Left hand...
Practicing for future Art With Heart face painting and henna tattoo parties.
My little bro got a base hit and pitched a little.
That's all for now. A more "heart-felt" blog is coming soon. Aha...hahaha.........
Good night. :)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
My first tattoo :)
It's just henna of course. Tonight's Art With Heart meeting was learning how to use henna to make temporary (approximately one week) tattoos. Was fun...and after a little practice, we'll be ready to launch this at the next Art With Heart festival booth along with our face painting!
BUSY
I was gonna post the Veggie Tales video "I'm Busy, Busy" but it's not on YouTube...ha!
But yes...I'm not hiding out. Just busy!
My schedule has been absolutely CRAZY lately, and I have yet to catch up on various things of life. And I certainly haven't online.
That includes blogs, friend's websites, my OWN website...etc.
And there's a good chance that I might not EVER catch up.
But I hope I will...eventually. Maybe. We'll see.
Anyway, good things are happening, people. My work has nearly doubled, I'm on the road a good bit, and while my health issues are a daily battle, some days are better than others.
This past Saturday, I attended the Moss Point River Jamboree. I painted faces for a few hours, and did a short Bob Ross painting demonstration.
I skipped out around 2:30pm, but was there early and got more accomplished than I expected. Running on zero sleep for nearly 2 days, I think I did exceptionally well.
Sunday, I visited my home church in Pascagoula. My pastor's message was more relevant to my life than he will ever know. It did me a world of good.
Monday, I spent the day in Biloxi with my friend Stacy, pigging out on ice cream and laughing it up as we always do. And if you didn't watch the previously posted video, I also secured a once a month teaching gig at Hobby Lobby over there. It's an 80 mile round trip but I believe it will be totally worth it.
So now I have Mobile, Moss Point, and Biloxi classes coming up. Later this year, I will be adding Pascagoula and another Mobile location to the schedule.
I'm thrilled. I don't have a CLUE how I'll physically do it, but I'm THRILLED.
Art With Heart is also going well. We are growing and it's great to see the difference that is being made. Art therapy is a wonderful outlet. It reaches all ages and offers a sense of value...a sense of self-worth. There are many out there who need that. I've been there, and know the difference that it has made in my own life. I'm so happy to be a part of this organization. It is a great thing.
Another reason why my schedule has gotten crazy is that the next few months are full of festivals and shows. I want to be a part of as many as I can, although I'm limited to not being in direct sweltering heat. Periodic Paralysis + summer heat = trouble with a capital T. So I'm going to do what I can until I have to become a hermit (which is usually June-Sept). We'll see how it goes.
Busy busy. I could never do all of this. God's hand is in every bit of it.
More to come. Hope you're having a fabulous week, friends.
But yes...I'm not hiding out. Just busy!
My schedule has been absolutely CRAZY lately, and I have yet to catch up on various things of life. And I certainly haven't online.
That includes blogs, friend's websites, my OWN website...etc.
And there's a good chance that I might not EVER catch up.
But I hope I will...eventually. Maybe. We'll see.
Anyway, good things are happening, people. My work has nearly doubled, I'm on the road a good bit, and while my health issues are a daily battle, some days are better than others.
This past Saturday, I attended the Moss Point River Jamboree. I painted faces for a few hours, and did a short Bob Ross painting demonstration.
I skipped out around 2:30pm, but was there early and got more accomplished than I expected. Running on zero sleep for nearly 2 days, I think I did exceptionally well.
Sunday, I visited my home church in Pascagoula. My pastor's message was more relevant to my life than he will ever know. It did me a world of good.
Monday, I spent the day in Biloxi with my friend Stacy, pigging out on ice cream and laughing it up as we always do. And if you didn't watch the previously posted video, I also secured a once a month teaching gig at Hobby Lobby over there. It's an 80 mile round trip but I believe it will be totally worth it.
So now I have Mobile, Moss Point, and Biloxi classes coming up. Later this year, I will be adding Pascagoula and another Mobile location to the schedule.
I'm thrilled. I don't have a CLUE how I'll physically do it, but I'm THRILLED.
Art With Heart is also going well. We are growing and it's great to see the difference that is being made. Art therapy is a wonderful outlet. It reaches all ages and offers a sense of value...a sense of self-worth. There are many out there who need that. I've been there, and know the difference that it has made in my own life. I'm so happy to be a part of this organization. It is a great thing.
Another reason why my schedule has gotten crazy is that the next few months are full of festivals and shows. I want to be a part of as many as I can, although I'm limited to not being in direct sweltering heat. Periodic Paralysis + summer heat = trouble with a capital T. So I'm going to do what I can until I have to become a hermit (which is usually June-Sept). We'll see how it goes.
Busy busy. I could never do all of this. God's hand is in every bit of it.
More to come. Hope you're having a fabulous week, friends.