Daily Prompt: Seconds

Posted on 02/22/2013 by gegebearbear

Describe the most satisfying meal you’ve ever eaten, in glorious detail.

When I was three, I had to have my tonsils removed for the first time. They were swollen so badly that my throat was almost swollen shut. Needless to say, I could not or would not eat out drink much of anything before they took them out.

I remember the nurse bringing my first meal in after surgery. I could have kissed her. She had a tray full of Popsicles, sherbet and a nasty bowl of greasy chicken broth.

The Popsicle was my favorite. It was cherry, so cold, delicious, and made my throat feel so good. The sherbet was the perfect follow-up. It was tangy and delightful. I had never had a Neapolitan version of sherbet. But WOW! It was incredible. It made my throat feel so good or either I was just flat-out hungry enough to eat a horse. I loved every yummy spoonful. I never touched the broth…….salty, greasy, nasty, YUCK.

It might have had something to do with the pain medication I was given as well. I polished off the Popsicle and sherbet quickly, when I informed I could all I wanted. Once I discovered the nurses had an endless supply of cherry popsicles, it was over. I drove them nuts.

When I was three outpatient surgery did not exist. You spent a week in the hospital for almost everything.

By my discharge date, I had a permanent red circle around my lips. Those Popsicles were the most delicious meal I had ever been served. To date, I cannot turn down a cherry Popsicle and I prefer sherbet to regular ice cream. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. I guess, the two delectable treats being served as a meal, has added them to my list comfort foods. They are probably be my first comfort foods.

My eyes playing tricks on me…..just an example….please forgive me Pastor

Posted on 02/21/2013 by gegebearbear

When leaving church services a few days ago, my eyes were acting strange all day. Barry and I walked out the front door toward the parking lot. Our weather, has been a huge range from sunny to rainy to windy to stormy. Well, this night, it was burrrrrrr cold and windy.

I looked off to the right of the parking lot because something caught my eye. I turned and asked Barry if there a fire toward the Pastor’s house?

He started laughing and informed me that what I was seeing was the wind blowing the stop sign, with the parking lot lights reflected on the stop sign. My eyes just made it seem further away than it was. I was looking in the direction of the Pastor’s house.

The reason there may be a fire toward the Pastor’s house is an entirely different story, I don’t feel it is proper to share without permission. I’ll just tell you, it is a good one! He has video to prove it.

http://deriklawrence.wordpress.com

Yearly MRI √

Posted on 02/21/2013 by gegebearbear

With Cowden’s Syndrome, you have to follow a set schedule to keep up with which screening is next. Then, of course, if there is a problem, the screening and recheck can run together.

Today, I went for my yearly MRI, about the brain tumor on Monday at 1pm. This is where screenings can run together.

I had a breast issue last year that caused them to redo my mammogram, which has led to other mammograms, ultrasounds and now, 6 months later, a biopsy. Scheduled Monday, one hour before my neurosurgeon appointment. At least they are within walking distance of each other.

The sad thing is, my next yearly mammogram is due in April. But I guess my mammograms are about to put a kink in my set schedule. In my schedule thus far, gynecologist, endocrinologist, neurosurgeon, neurologist, neuro-oncologist, gastroenterologist, dentist, urologist, dermatologist, psychiatrist, counselor, genetics counselor, general practitioner, breast specialist, otolaryngologist, cardiologist, massage therapist, and acupuncturist.

Now, that I have boogered my knee up, I have to add an orthopedic doctor in there. I am sure surgery is in the future for that, which will add physical therapy into the mix.If surgery is in the mix for the next few months, I need to see about getting the lump taken out of my right wrist while they are at it.

The fancy MRI on my left knee next Thursday, then see the doctor Friday. The endocrinologist is in the mix next week somewhere. I’m getting tired thinking about next week.

Barry is my riding buddy. I’d be lost without him. I can’t drive long distances, so he gets me to the long distance rides. I’m tired of being organized. I never considered myself organized, but with all of this, you have to be. All of the above is just me, included in my mix are Barry’s appointments, as well as several I take mom to. I’m not making light of their appointments, mine takes up more calendar space than their’s does. We should hire a good personal assistant……

Double Whammy…you have to love doctors!!!

Posted on 02/20/2013 by gegebearbear

While at a checkup with the Allergist today, I received a phone call from the genetics counselor assigned to me. She had received the results of my genetics test. I apparently do have the rare genetic disorder all the doctors have been avoiding discussing with me. So I am one in 250,000 people in the United States blessed with this genetic nightmare.

Even though one sweet doctor had taken it upon himself to tell me that I could be considered diagnosed with the disease because of my medical history; I felt like a rock had been dropped in my lap. Reality smacked me in the face and now I had to discuss this with my family and get them to be tested. I hate being like this.

I would never wish this on my worst enemy, I certainly do not need to worry about my sisters, nieces and nephews having to deal with this. What about their children? This is just so much to deal with. I was coping fine, until I knew for sure. Now…I need to pray on this…

Do You Know Your Family Health History? (everydayhealth.com)
Genes Give You Mom’s Eyes and Dad’s Heart Problems (liheart.org)
Mitochondrial mutations: When the cell’s 2 genomes collide (esciencenews.com)

Daily Prompt: A Plot of Earth

Posted on 02/20/2013 by gegebearbear

You’re given a plot of land and have the financial resources to do what you please. What’s the plan?

We’ve done the big house thing, so to start…We’d have a modest handicapped accessible home-built, near the back of the property. Single level of course, but with all the technology available to make life easy around the house for a disabled person. One room would be set aside for a gym. I need a place to work out, instead of my dining room. There has to be huge porches with swings across the front and back of the house. One end of each porch would be screened in. I love to sit and enjoy the outdoor sounds.

Second, we’d have a small guest house built behind our house for my mom. She can design and pick out what she wants. She needs to include a guest room for company.

Next would come the raised garden, close to the house with benches everywhere. It would have a rose-covered arbor at the entrance with every plant possible to attract butterflies and birds by the dozen.

A covered patio with a table or other area to relax and get out of the rain. Somewhere close by, there would be a small garden shed to store all my tools and other essentials. I’d have to have some form of water feature in the garden. It would be great to have a fountain in the center of the garden. The birds and butterflies would love that!

To one side of the house would be Barry‘s garage sanctuary. He can work on cars, build things and do whatever he wants in his man cave. That would be his place to design and setup.

I can’t forget about our treasured pets. We’d have to have an area of the yard fenced in and a state of the art doggie-door for Miss Maggie to go in and out on her own. The door needs to lock the minute Mags is back in the house.

Then there is Shotgun, our Japanese Fighting Fish. He will need a larger tank somewhere near the kitchen. We can decorate it like the bottom of the ocean, but I need to be able to handle it to clean and change the water. Shotgun loves hiding in the roots of my plant in the aquarium.

The plot of earth would be full of big shade trees and a long drive way. I’d need to ride by bicycle to the mailbox. Along with the garden, the house would be surrounded by flowers and shrubs. Something would be blooming year round.

INR FRUSTRATIONS

Posted on 02/19/2013 by gegebearbear

Barry has not been him self. Can’t really blame him. His blood levels got off course again and his blood pressure has been up and down.

We are working closely with the cardiologist to keep his clotting factors between 2.5-3.5. We have no clue why it went nuts this time, but I’ve kept him out of work and tried to make him rest. It is not easy to get a Class A personality to relax, but I try.

He’s not as pale, but staying home one more day. Hopefully, they can get his meds in order and get him feeling better. He looks so pitiful when he feels bad.

He also feels like he needs to take me to all my appointments. We have a good time out together, but he doesn’t want me to drive for some reason. I just don’t understand…

I took this today in the ultrasound suite……

Yearly Thyroid Ultasound: HAPPY DANCE!!!

Posted on 02/19/2013 by gegebearbear

I got the all clear after my ultrasound today. They thought I had an active lymph node in my neck, but I have been given a clean bill of health any thyroid cancer or lymph node issues for the moment. A big thank you to the good Lord above and to everyone on here for the courage and support you bring out in me daily! THANK YOU!!!!!! 🙂

HAPPY DANCE! HAPPY DANCE!

Daily Prompt: Nightmares

Posted on 02/19/2013 by gegebearbear

Describe the last nightmare you remember having. What do you think it meant?

Let me see, my most recent nightmare involves myself, my husband, mother, and our dog. Barry and I designed and helped build the home we now live in. I actually had the pleasure of putting the first nail in the house. I am honestly surprised the house is still standing.

Back to the nightmare….

Well, we had a long day of yard work and were sitting down to eat supper. Maggie, our adorable boxer, was asleep on the couch. Poor girl, exhausted from playing outside, while we worked.

Suddenly there was a large crash upstairs and then it sounded like footsteps on the stairs. Barry stood to check the noise out. As he got near the stairs, the noise stopped, mom and I heard a loud gasp from Barry. As we rounded the corner to the staircase, we both stopped in our tracks.

Coming down the stairs was a floating rocking chair with a little girl sitting in it rocking and singing, ‘You are my Sunshine’. All the commotion woke Maggie up and I realized she was at my feet when I heard a low growl. Barry, Mom and I all started backing up, as the rocking chair floated closer and passed us. Maggie started to bark, while after the chair.

The chair floated through the kitchen, into the dining room and then the living room and headed back to the stairs. The child continuously singing the same song. We all looked at each other, befuddled over what just happened.

No one volunteered to go upstairs to check things out. We went back to the table and finished eating. We could here what sounded like a rocker on the floor above us and occasionally a child singing. Maggie was back on the couch sound asleep.

I haven’t got a clue where this dream came from. Mom had told me that she thought she saw a floating rocking chair when she was having a bad day and we had spicy food for supper, I went to sleep with a stomach ache. Those are the only reason I can think of for such craziness in my dreams. Of course, all the above mixed with my night medication, could explain it all.

Enjoy a little giggle….

Posted on 02/18/2013 by gegebearbear

OLD AGE
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN GUILTY OF LOOKING AT OTHERS YOUR OWN AGE AND THINKING,
SURELY I CAN’T LOOK THAT OLD.
WELL . . . YOU’LL LOVE THIS ONE.
MY NAME IS ALICE , AND I WAS SITTING IN THE WAITING ROOM FOR MY FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH A NEW DENTIST.
I NOTICED HIS DDS DIPLOMA ON THE WALL, WHICH BORE HIS FULL NAME. SUDDENLY, I REMEMBERED A TALL, HANDSOME, DARK-HAIRED BOY WITH THE SAME NAME HAD BEEN IN MY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS SOME 40-ODD YEARS AGO.
COULD HE BE THE SAME GUY THAT I HAD A SECRET CRUSH ON, WAY BACK THEN?
UPON SEEING HIM, HOWEVER, I QUICKLY DISCARDED ANY SUCH THOUGHT.
THIS BALDING, GRAY-HAIRED MAN WITH THE DEEPLY LINED FACE WAS WAY TOO OLD TO HAVE BEEN MY CLASSMATE.
AFTER HE EXAMINED MY TEETH, I ASKED HIM IF HE HAD ATTENDED MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL …
‘YES. YES, I DID. I’M A MUSTANG,’ HE GLEAMED WITH PRIDE.
WHEN DID YOU GRADUATE?’ I ASKED.
HE ANSWERED, ‘IN 1967.. WHY DO YOU ASK?’
YOU WERE IN MY CLASS!’, I EXCLAIMED.
HE LOOKED AT ME CLOSELY.

THEN, THAT UGLY,

OLD,

BALD,

WRINKLED FACED,

FAT,

GRAY-HAIRED,

DECREPIT

ASKED,

‘WHAT DID YOU TEACH???

Author: unknown

The Shine On Award

Posted on 02/18/2013 by gegebearbear

I’d like to thank prettywitgla33es for nominating me for this award. I consider this award an honor, because I like to think the Light of the Lord is always shining on me. Take the time and check out her blog, it is fresh and inspirational. She enjoys writing and it shows. She is also very dedicated to her family. You will not be disappointed.

Below, you will find my 15 nominations, in no particular order. I’ve decided to go with blogs I have just discovered, so please, check them out.

http://playingyourhandright.wordpress.com/

http://amyestone12.wordpress.com/

http://theverybesttop10.com/

http://genieslampblog.wordpress.com/

http://hollybee42.wordpress.com/

http://silkroadcollector.me/

http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/

http://aquashift.wordpress.com/

http://elcantador.wordpress.com/

http://whatsupcowden.wordpress.com/

http://stripedcandy.wordpress.com/