THe Tooth and Nothing But the Tooth

Warning!!! This blog post is being written under the influence of Darvocet.


I had an abscessed tooth removed today. Seems like the thing just blew up in the past couple of days. What an adventure!



Always the prepared one, yea right, but I'm usually good to have a book and paper with me in waiting rooms. This morning I planned to work on a post using all the figure skating terms I could to describe the day. Since the parking garage at Memorial City Professional buildings is always a toss up and today no problem parking, I arrived early to the office. So, I thought I was in for a world of wait especially since the waiting room was full. Back to figure skating, I was especially inspired since watching the women's figure skating on TV last night. This post was going to be so full of triple toe loops, double toe, sokals, and the such, but I had no sooner sat down for my Dr. appointment when my name was called to come on back.





Did I bring my x-rays with me? I was asked. No, I cut out the middle man and came straight to the periodontist, I replied. It was fairly obvious something was amiss since my whole left side of my face was swollen. I should have taken a picture because it would be the perfect before and after picture of losing weight...all on one face, at one time. Dr. McCuttie came in and told me that I had an abscessed tooth, with a severe infection and the tooth could not be saved. Happy for me that it isn't a front tooth but one back out of sight. Did I have someone I could call to take me home after surgery? Poor Roy, he had just arrived at the office and had to turn around and come take care of me. I was trying to convince them that I could drive home but no was their only and final answer. After seeing some emails and texts I wrote after surgery, they were right to insist with the no.





It all went so quickly, IV inserted, two shots in my mouth and I don't remember another thing till I started waking up. They had me call Roy to tell him to stop at the Walgreen's in the building and pick up my prescriptions before coming upstairs.





My apologies to those I called and talked to after surgery. I think I called Carolyn to see how Dani was after her surgery. Good news, surgery was successful for Dani.


It is now February 27. This morning I looked under my pillow to see if the tooth fairy had visited me during the night. No such luck. I asked Roy if the Dr had even given him my tooth in order for the fairy to visit and Roy replied a disgusted NO! I'm rather disappointed. I hear the going rate for a tooth under the pillow is big bucks these days. Why...(she says in her little old lady voice) I remember it was a good tooth day if we got a quarter from the fairy. Some teeth were only worth a dime.


Going to try not using Darvocet today. We will see how that goes.

NORD Rack Opens and I Was There!

Patience is not my strong suite. I have no clue why it is taking my phone so long to send me the pictures I took this morning while standing in line to enter the Nord Rack. The parking lot was full and I took one of the one hour only spots, the only few remaining. The other choice would be to park across the street and take my life and throw it out to be run over by all the traffic on Post Oak. I know how drivers react when they are running late getting to the office... The line was actually orderly and besides the people trolling the line for friends who had gotten there already and procured a place in line, there were few trying to cut in line. When the line began to move, we began to clap. Then, just like they did when Nordstrom's opened, the associates formed a line cheering as we came in. For Nordstrom's I cried when this happened. For Nord Rack, I was trying to eye where the shoes are located. That would be in the back of the store.

OK, one of the pictures made it. I think we were about at the 515 spot, so we made it in with the first wave. When they actually opened the doors the line was around Grand Lux and they had the line snaking it's way to the front. I found a purse that I liked and since I was in line to pay before the 1000th person, I got a neat recyclable bag to put my purchase in. Inside the store it was dodging shopping carts and women on a mission. There were a few brave men, but not many. It was a fun thing to do and I'm happy I forsook Bible Study to come to the opening day at the Rack. Peggy sent me a picture of my friends in Bible study praying for me as I was absent. Wow, good thing I don't do BSF. I would be ostracized or something. Of course I was texting with Lisa P and Peggy while I stood in line. Actually, I would have shopped a little longer in the jeans area and the accessories area but I dislike crowds so much.

This is as I came out. As each person left, one was let in.

Here is the picture Peggy sent from Bible study. Our whole group is praying for me. Our lesson was concerning idols. If you look at the picture above I think Gena, in the tan jacket, changed coats and was at the Rack. Similar hairstyles and color.... Hmmmmm.... Actually, I love each and every one of these praying ladies. I love our discussion, especially if the commentary is good.

I went to the Nord Rack with quite a bit of pain. The left side of my face is swollen. Have an appointment in the morning with one of the cutest Dr's I have even seen! No, not Dr. Provenzano, but Dr. Schroeder. When he did my implant, think tooth not north of the human equator line, I told him while under twilight sleep, that he was the cutest Dr I had ever seen. I noticed in many of his reviews on websites, many other women made that very same comment. I never shut my eyes while he did the implant because I figured he'd never be this close to my face again. Who knows if this swelling and pain is from a dental thing or a virus attacking thing.

I still haven't lost the 100th pound yet, but as soon as I do, a give a way is going to come up on my blog. It's going to be a very good one!

Not Growing Weary...Here, There or in Prayer

Many here in Houston are tired of the cold weather...not me. I love that February is actually acting like its supposed to, you know like winter. I've been able to wear my winter togs just a little bit longer than usual and that has been much appreciated. I'm not looking forward to those hot summer days that stretch on just a little too long and they will soon be upon us.

Target must have some kind of secret hypnosis going on in their stores. Why do I always come out of there with more than I intended to purchase? I went yesterday to buy vitamin waters on sale and get a free 8 pack of Power Aid, which Roy drinks. How did I come home with a brand new shower curtain, bathroom rug, towels, no two bathroom rugs, and washcloths? Oh I have forgotten the new liner, rod and rings. How did that happen? All I know is, all the new stuff looks really good in our bathroom. We basically had the same colors going on but it was time for a refreshing. You can tell by this we do not have a free standing shower and separate bathtub. We're cleaning up old school. Roy really liked the new look. He hardly ever notices stuff like this.


Today, I had a truly wonderful new experience. I got a massage...OK that's not new you are thinking. The new is, Stacey came to my home, complete with table and all the accessories that go along with a massage. It was really great to just relax in my own home after she left. I even pulled out my spa like robe to make the experience more meaningful. Meaningful isn't the word I'm looking for...authentic, that's it! I lighted some candles and played the most spa like music I have on my iPod for background noise. The most spa like music I have is music that puts you to sleep. Didn't think that would be wise. So, it was instrumental, Waters Edge. Buddy was a little bit interested in what was happening. She kept standing on her hind feet and patting my head with her paw. I saw what was coming though, she got a little playful and was trying to play with my face looking downward in the headrest on the table. It was kind of funny to see that paw coming through there, but she got bored with the whole thing and went back to sleep. In the days before my appointment I kind of wondered how to handle the differences of she coming to me instead of me coming to her. But wonderful, professional Stacey put my mind at ease before I could even vocalize my thoughts.


Last night Erin and I had dinner at Nordstrom. Her first visit to the Bistro and hopefully, not her last. We had a great time and took care of some nutritional business while we were at it. I worked with Debbie yesterday afternoon. She is helping me regain my functional fitness. Not bad way to start a week and the anticipated opening of the Nordstrom Rack on Thursday, can't forget about that. I sit here with an overwhelming gratitude to God, being able to recover from this two year ordeal and having the best people helping me with the process. Thankful for a loving and supportive husband. Thankful for friends and their encouragement along the way. Then my mind turns over to thinking and more importantly, praying for Dani. Dani is one of my good friends. Her talents in designing and presentation is off the chart good. While I was working for Jason, she saved my ____ many a time in planning and doing the events with me. In this time she and I became friends. I cannot tell you how much I love her. Roy and I both love Scott and Dani. She starts most conversations with, "hey hon." She is in the hospital with heart problems and she needs our prayers. Please join with me and with her thousands of other good friends and family in lifting her to the Lord.

The Wonderful World of Helicopters

Roy and I got to do a totally fun thing this afternoon. After church and lunch with a friend...well after heading back home to change out of my new cute boots and wear my other glasses, we went downtown to the George R Brown Convention Center. My cousin Beth is in town for this huge helicopter expo. She works in the helicopter industry. I don't know what she does, but she was busy. We got to grab a few minutes with she and David, her boyfriend who also works in the helicopter industry, and then Roy and I set out on our own to explore all the helicopters. Roy was in man heaven! He sat in all kinds of helicopters and would have probably done some of the virtual flying if there hadn't been such a long line. I was thrilled with the complementary tote/briefcase bag. Awesome! Love those kinds of freebies.

I would write more about our wonderful adventure and learning, but Roy is crowding me about using the computer. Guess, I will relinquish it to him and just blog later.

Thanks Beth and David for a wonderful opportunity. We get to have dinner with them on Tuesday and we are really looking forward to that.

A Week in the Life....

Ah Thursday night. It's quiet around these parts. Roy has gone to sub in a bridge game and Buddy is worn out asleep on the bed. I find myself in a very contemplative mood. For one thing I need to write down my thoughts for a list that my nutritionist has asked me to do. The Advantages list. For example, by giving up_______ I will be able to do_____. My slowness in completing this request is that I have thought so much about it and don't want to be "funny" with my responses. A lot of times I do these lists and I do them very flippantly. I regret that decision later on. It is really so much more than I can get my brain around. The thought comes to me at least twice a day, I will never have a day anymore where I can just throw caution to the wind and eat whatever I want. Probably more like, eat as much as I want. A bowl of chips and salsa come to my mind. I also think about my neighbor who is dying from some kind of stomach cancer and he is only eating bananas and soup. I thought he was getting so thin because of his grief over his wife dying an untimely death last year. He would love to be making the decisions I make every day over food choices. Perspective...


On Wednesday I had another appointment with Debbie. You wouldn't believe this, but I am unbalanced. Yea, no shock there. It is hard work trying to regain some functional fitness. I am very nonfunctional right now. There is some improvement though. We did not do the squeeze the purple ball of death and lift the hips at the same time on Wednesday. Guess Debbie just needed the peace and quiet. I think we all did.


I hate Excel. No news there but felt the need to say that.


Roy is taking tomorrow off to go to 2 Dr appointments. He wants me to go with him. Ugh! Well the eye Dr I don't mind cause I would like to help him pick out his frames. I'm thinking I can drop him off and then pick him up and use the time to run errands or go have coffee at Buffalo Grille.


Last Friday was haircut and highlight day out in the land of Sugar. Stevie and I decided to add some red to the caramel undertones and blond highlights. It felt too dark to me. Every time I looked in the mirror I saw ________, un-named person whose hair I don't particularly care for. One day I wouldn't like it, the next day I would think it was fine. I called Stevie yesterday and she could see me today at noon. So, I only went to core group at Bible Study and didn't stay for the lecture portion. Oh, there is much more happiness with my color this evening.


Peggy and I worked out at Lifetime on Tuesday. She ran into a former student who teaches a class there. Once we downloaded all our ailments to her after her kind invitation to come to class, we all agreed, we were better off working out on the machines. My new swimsuit came and it fits! Now I have to work up to actually get in the pool to do my aqua walking. Uh, don't want to mess up my hair color and I don't look particularly attractive in a swimming cap.

So excited that Bunko is a cowgirl theme next month. The rodeo will be starting on March 2.

A week from today Nord Rack opens. I told Gena, our discussion leader in Bible study, I will not be there next week due to the Grand Opening of the Rack. Oh Rack of Ages, clearance for me. Let me find some delicacies.

Tina, Wee Wee Like a Wild Woman or Karate Kid?

Saturday night while flipping through the selections on TV, I came across a Tina Turner concert from 2009. She still has legs at 69 but her killer dance moves have been modified since I last saw her in concert. The intricate moves on Proud Mary that Amy Hodge, Peggy Bain, Lisa P and I performed in the Nordstrom parking garage beside Mustang Sally with the top down just a few years ago can now be simplified if we decide to dance again. Then the signature moment from her concert where she stands on a crane like arm that takes her over the audience really got my attention as she walked and danced on the arm of that thing. Apparently she is very functionally fit to make those kinds of daring moves without a railing on either side. And she is in stiletto heels to boot. I only hope to be able to move like Tina when I am 69. Heck, I would like to do that now at 55! There is one thing though that Tina should maybe re-think. Oh yea, like Tina Turner and I are best friends and she would totally listen to me...but I have to say it. Now when she makes those "hot and sexy faces", she just looks old. It looks more like severe grimacing of someone older who is having trouble walking or getting across the stage. Especially when she was walking that sexy bent over walk...that looked so cool years ago.





If you knew me in the 80's, you'll remember how I LOVED Tina and all the dance moves. I could do the "What's Love Got to do With It" walk and knew all the choreography of her popular songs. What's more, I would put on my stiletto heels and stand in the middle of our bed and do the dance moves while watching all the concert videos. Now that I have written that please do not take a train trip to Smutville as I needed the soft "staging" to be able to do some of the dancing.





Fast forward to this afternoon. I can't even keep my balance with one foot barely lifted off the ground. I did what I hate, I made the Monarch face (grimace) and made sounds like I was trying to lift a chair upstairs just to be able to lift my hips a couple of times off a yoga mat and squeeze the purple ball of death between my knees. Mind you all at the same time while remembering to breath. I became that noise making, grunting person in the gym today. Only, I was in the University Room, so maybe that doesn't count. Who am I to make critical observations of Tina Turner? If I were stopped for drunk driving today, I couldn't walk the line without falling off. I would be begging for a breathalyzer test to prove my innocence. Is it a crime to lose functional fitness?





So if you see me somewhere waiting in line and I am doing a flamingo pose; oh think not that I have to wee wee like a wild woman or getting ready to get all Karate Kid on someone. No, I am only trying to regain some of that athletic prowess I had years ago so I can pass a balance assessment. I lettered 3 years in volleyball in high school. I was named to the All American team as a softball catcher. I played USVBA coed volleyball and did well. I had one of the hardest and fastest amateur serves in tennis. Opponents cringed and ran for cover as I came to the net with a swinging backspin volley. Now I want to be able to walk a straight line and not be so unbalanced. As Roy and I were coming home from dinner tonight, we saw an older woman struggling to step off the curb, hold onto a sack and get into a van. Oh, I lamented to Roy, that's me right now. No he said, that's you when you are 110. Got to love the hubs with a response like that.

A Sabbatical Day-Nah Just Playing Hooky

I'm playing hooky or as I sometime refer to it, playing sabbatical, from Bible study this morning. Besides this is the kind of morning to stay home, and ease into the day with a hot cup of coffee. I woke up late and felt a tad beaten down. Beaten down not in a bad way, but in a way that is a good companion letting me know all the work is the path to being healthy. Oh and yes, praise the Lord, I lost another pound. Just four more to go to hit a hundred pounds lost.


This week has been busier than usual. Went to the Senior Adult Revival, TO SING IN THE CHOIR, two out of the three times. Wow, what a blessing! At last report I heard that 20 or so have come to know the Lord. Senior adults! That is awesome!! John Bolin talked last night in choir about never losing the wonder of God. Don't take God's workings as old hat, been there and seen it before. Good words that went straight to my spirit.


I love that King of the Hill is on the Toon Network at 9:00 pm. Peggy Hill cracks me up. She states the obvious, like..."in my opinion, breakfast is the most important meal of the day." So many times whether Peggy Hill is competing in a Boggle tournament or a Mrs. Heimlick County Pageant, she refers to those in support of her as Team Peggy Hill. I am so thankful for my Team Peggy Hill. Met with Erin D last night. She is keeping me on track nutritionally. I cannot say enough about her wise wisdom and counsel in all things nutritionally related. And she is so much fun. So mine is a nice problem to have, I'm not eating enough calories every day. It's not that I'm trying to starve myself, I am thinking about CHO, which stands for carbohydrates I found out last night from Erin. In that, I have thrown calories out of my thinking and so that layer needs to be added back so the old body doesn't think it is in starvation mode. Also had my second work out with Debbie B. Wow, I didn't know that innocent looking exercise balls and resistance bands could be so mean. No, actually, it is this, I didn't know I had lost so much in balance and now to use the new term I've learned, my functional fitness is in the pits. That is a direct quote from Debbie. We've got our work cut out for us. Loved that at the end of our time, Debbie prayed for me. Peggy, friend not Peggy Hill, has been so supportive of my journey. We had Chinese food for the Super Bowl at her house so that I wouldn't be tempted to eat too much pizza etc. We also ate veggies and fruit. Love that Peggy has now joined Lifetime and we can work out together. We did a light workout yesterday to get her acquainted with the machines. I have ordered a new swimsuit and as soon as it comes I will join her in swimming. I ordered it as a shot in the dark. Don't really know what size I am. All I know is my swimsuits I have are too big. I've never been a big swimmer but I can mix it up a little with aqua walking and the dog paddle. Or maybe it should be the God paddle, cause I certainly will be calling on Him a whole bunch in the pool. Then I cannot write about Team Peggy Hill without thanking and being so grateful for Stacey, the best massage therapist in the world! No hyperbole, just fact. Of course not many can have the Stacey experience now that she is in management but I still get to experience those healing hands and elbows. Numerous times the Dr's have told me how good massage has been in the healing process and so happy I made that commitment. OK, uh getting a massage once a month is not a hard commitment to keep especially with Stacey. My muscles and my spirit are so renewed after spending an hour and a half on the massage table. Oh back to Team Peggy Hill...there are so many who are praying and encouraging me, too numerous to list. I'm so thankful for all the friends that God has brought around me. Many long time friends and many new companions. In my opinion, we are to make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other one is gold. Bahaha...oh Peggy Hill, you are one of my all time favs!

Wake Up and Work Out...Oh and Roll Bunkos

I bought the multi bag of Werther Sugar Free hard candies. They over loaded the bag with chocolate mint, my least favorite. They skimped on the coffee flavor, my fav. I am happy to be able to even lift a sugar free hard candy to my mouth. I just had my first workout with Debbie B. She is a lovely woman and serious personal trainer. I will probably be using her name as a cuss word tomorrow because I have a feeling my glutes and hips are gonna be sore. No, it was really good and I go back and see her on Wednesday.


This morning I sang in the choir for the Senior Adult Revival. I do not consider myself a senior citizen but I do consider myself a choir member. It was fun singing and Brother John brought the Word. Then Cassi and I went to lunch and I introduced her to the wonderful world of La Fiesta. Cassi is so special to me. The Lord arranged our whole relationship and friendship. I love when God knows who we need to meet in life. I am blessed to call her my friend. She is a young friend, but her mom brought her up right on the Carpenters and old movies.


Yesterday, we went out to Bill and Peggy's to watch the Super Bowl. We had more fun and when we weren't distracted by the game or the commercials, we looked through Peggy's high school year books. Now that was fun. I was so glad we didn't flip between the game and the Sound of Music. If y'all have read Monablog for awhile, you know SOM is not one of my favorite movies.


We have Bunko tonight and I need to get my Valentines ready to take. I hope there is still strength enough in my arms to roll some Bunkos. I am so due!

Crazy Phone Call

Late yesterday afternoon our back up cell phone rang. I usually don't answer it unless I know who is calling. We have been getting a lot of calls but no message from one particular number and here it was blinking at me as the phone rang. So, I answered it. A gravely, old sounding woman asked, "where are you?" I asked, who is this? Again she said "where are you?" and I asked again who is this? She then responded, "I'm with your husband!" Oh, I said, are you on the bus with him? She hung up.

Psalms, Creativity and Randomness

Last week I downloaded from itunes Psalms and Proverbs from The Message Bible. The Psalms have been such a welcomed accompaniment during my workouts. This week I have finally arrived at Psalm 119. Always has been one of my favorite Psalms but with the fresh reading of links from bloggers who attended SMT and sharing what Beth taught, has made Psalm 119 very fresh to me in these recent days. These verses have stood out, "I'm single minded in pursuit of You; don't let me miss the road signs You have posted." Also love, love, love this, " Give me insight so I can do what You tell me, my whole life one long, obedient response."


Today's bike ride was with Erwin McManus. He taught on creativity and in such a totally different light from I Samuel 17. Awesome! I will definitely be re-listening to that one. We get so caught up in what the definition of creativity is and mostly we have it so wrong.


Some random things I am enjoying today and the above would be included;

• Activa Yogurt with Quaker Oatmeal Squares
• Hard boiled egg- I totally forgot how good those can be
• Roy taking Buddy with him when he gets up, then closes the bedroom door. Oh those last few hours of sleep are so peaceful with Buddy not in them
• Got a credit from Amazon because I pre-ordered So Long Insecurity and the price dropped right before the release date
• Had a fun excursion to the Play Grocery Store. Got my lo-cal tuna salad, some lo-carb peanut butter and Egg Beaters. I could get the Egg Beaters somewhere cheaper but not planning to do any real grocery shopping until Friday.
• Choir tonight and I'm not even saying that by faith! Choir is always good, now.
• Nordstrom had a Private Event sale online today. Found some boots...made for walking...

Well, that's it. I need to go downstairs to the office and pick up a package. Hopefully one pair of glasses will be in tomorrow. That would be a random thing to give great praise to God. I'd say I have felt like Mr. Magoo but all but two or three of y'all might even know who I'm talking about.

Weekend Plus Monday Recap

The weekend was filled with celebrations. On Saturday we went to Richard and Sandy Bell's 50 year wedding anniversary celebration. It was wonderful! It was so much fun to celebrate with them and hundreds of their closest friends. I so wanted a piece of the cake but I was good. Roy said it was delicious. After celebrating there and catching up with friends in attendance, Roy and I went out to dinner. I am celebrating that I only ate 7 chips when I am allowed 10 when eating Mexican food.


After church and Sunday School Roy and I had lunch with a friend. OK, we had lunch with Dena at the Nord. It was delicious as usual. We had a really fun time. I also took back a blouse, too big and since Roy was with me and he quenches my spirit at times in the Nord, I got out of there with money back in the bank. Usually it goes back in and comes right back out because I have found something else wonderful.


I wish blogger had an " add to dictionary" choice in the spell check.

On Sunday afternoon it was so much fun to celebrate Heather Sproule. She is getting married in March. There was so much love and fun in that room. We would watch Heather unwrap gifts, then get caught up with seeing friends we hadn't seen in a while. Even though most of us still go to First Baptist, you can get on a time track and never see old friends who are on a different time track than you. I loved that afternoon shower full of friends and sweet goodies that yes, I resisted. Praise the Lord!


I have 6 more pounds to lose and I will have lost a 100 pounds. Think there will be a give a way on the old Monablog to celebrate. If only I can lose 6 pounds and have it coincide with the opening of Nord Rack on February 25. Guess you can see what I am thinking of giving away. Oh, actually I could give away gift cards from Old Navy, Barnes and Noble, Grand Lux and Nordstrom. You would never have to leave the shopping center. Any thoughts on this?


Today I went to the opthamalogist and had a very thoroughly extensive eye exam. No retina damage and my eyes look good. Just dealing with inflammation and that is causing my constantly changing vision. Should be settling soon. In fact I don't feel like it has gotten any worse since the end of last week. In 2011 I may have eye surgery so I won't have to wear glasses and won't have to deal with the shifting shadows of vision. Can't think of the name of that surgery right now but lots of people my age do it. All the eye drops were fun this morning. First eye, drops got in fine. Second eye, there was a whole lot of blinking going on which meant multiple attempts to get those drops in. There was yellow dye running down my cheeks. They gave me a tissue to blot it off but I seriously was thinking of leaving that dye on my face. Then when I saw Roy tell him I am jaundiced and can't cook. Oh yea, I don't cook anyway...maybe I should have said I could not perform my wifely duties. That only means I can't vacuum. Since my hysterectomy in 2005 I have been hanging onto the no vacuuming excuse. He isn't buying into that either.

That's about it on the weekend plus Monday recap.

Happy One Year Retired Anniversary to Me!

January 29, 2009 was my last day working at HFBC. So, it has been a year ago tomorrow that I retired. That last year of working under such tremendous stress and deadlines had contributed to the downfall of my health. There were many evenings I came home and would recount to myself how excited I had been when I first went to work at the church. My spirit knew I was not just working for a person but I was serving Him. Such an exciting season as I made coffee, did the coffee set ups, learned how to bar code, and request rooms and room set ups. I made copies, copies and more copies. Most requests were done in triplicate form that required much more time than when the church forms and requests came into the computer age, finally. How exciting when part time became full time divided between two ministries for me. Then finally, I made the complete and total move to Ministries and working for Jason. Somewhere along the way, the excitement died off. My eyes turned from serving the Lord, to just getting everything done and done in a timely matter. My spirit was broken down. I had been worn down with emotional blackmail, I had been accused of things I never even thought of, I was being squeezed out and neatly placed in a corner, never to be asked to participate in ministry again and I felt like I was becoming "that" person who I had seen so many times on staff, the fire had gone out. I was content to do my time and plan for my time away from the office. Than along came a virus that set down inside me and scared poor little Miss Muffet away.


On Tuesday night Beth was teaching the introduction to David, Seeking a Heart Like His. Her description of Saul and Saul's approach to being king resonated deeply inside my spirit. She said about Saul, A position that exceeds passion often settles with appeasement. Whoa! That's good!! A leader leads and loves the service, she continued. My passion for my job and the diminishing love for the service was evident. I was done and so over with the whole thing. Oh, I am so glad God got me out of my situation before my heart turned cold and stony to the things of God.


This has been a tough year in many ways and I wouldn't want it any other way. To see God in these situations and His Word coming alive. How thankful I am to the Lord. His mercies and compassion's are new every morning. To have the chance He is giving me to walk in the calling He has for me. To be blessed with a loving and servant hearted husband. To have such wonderful friends that walk along with me, praying and helping me when weak. To Him I am most grateful and thankful!


Now I wouldn't be truthful if I didn't tell y'all I love the opportunity to sleep in, to have no demands on my schedule and to shop when the whole world is at work and school, is simply wonderful! When having so many fun lunches with friends outnumbers the days in the week to fit them all in? Priceless!


This afternoon a book that my friend Susan K recommended came. I've hardly been able to put the thing down. The Days of Fire and Glory is the title and it is about Church of the Redeemer here in Houston. The glory days and the aftermath. As a college student, I attended Friday night services many a time and Sunday mornings before going back to Southwest Texas State now known as Texas State University. The music, God's presence and the mural totally had my attention. I am so glad I never wanted to go to the chapel afterwards for prayer. Think God was protecting my young and impressionable emotions. I did experience God in a whole new way to me though in that season of young adulthood.


So all in all, I am looking forward to seeing what God's plan and will is for 2010. I have a sense deep in my spirit what the year might look like. I'm leaning hard into Him as He directs my steps as I guard my heart.

Appointments, Errands, Friends, Track, and Air Organ

Where has this day gone? It seems like I was just waking up to take on the new day. So it is true, time flies when you are having fun. Now in reality some of the stuff I had to do today was not fun, but I chose to make it fun.

First off, I had a Dr appointment. It went well and my numbers are good for only being at this a month and a half. Got an increase in meds and found out my blood pressure is really low. They never told me the number and I asked three times. But I think the low blood pressure is a God thing because the Dr said it is protecting my kidneys. So Praise God, He is taking good care of me. Another God thing, opthamologist had a cancellation and I have an early morning appointment on Monday morning.


After the Dr appointment, I went to Buffalo Grill. You know I wanted pancakes really, really bad. But I was somewhat good and had eggs and grits with delicious toasted cinnamon coffee. Then off to Old Navy and clearance items were marked down 50% more, so I did all right at the ON. Of course while in that shopping center, I had to check out Nord Rack's progress and I prayed for everyone working to make it a reality by February 25. Also stopped in Whole Earth Provision Company and found some sale items for Roy.


Once all the errand running was done, I headed to church to walk. But much to my delight I ran into friends eating lunch and of course it is a must stop situation. So fun, so entertaining and then it was off to the track to walk.


Yesterday while riding the recumbent bike at Lifetime, I had an odd experience. So, there is a row of open bikes but this lady chooses the bike next to me. She has some weird stretching routine that she has incorporated into her workout on the bike. Only thing, she was space invading me. She nearly was hitting my nose and I know my nose is not small by any means but really, she was nearly hitting my nose with her lightweight dumbbells. So I am leaning way to my right to keep out of harms way. I was tired of my regular workout music, so on my iPod I was listening to great organ masterpieces. Every once in a while I like to hear me some good, triumphant organ music like you hear at Easter. I had read on the LPM Blog and on some of the blogs linked up for the SMT recaps that Beth had done an kneeling air guitar on her walk. So, why not play some air organ and freak out the space invader woman next to me. So on the last song which was Christ the Lord is Risen Today, I played down the invisible house on my invisible organ. Only wish I had thought to do the foot work peddling. Before each verse of the song, the organ went up an octive and each and every verse became more majestic. Who wouldn't be inspired to air organ? So, I did and I played like I knew what the heck I was doing. It was Easter Sunday in all its glory going on in my imagination, that was running away with me. Played all the range of keyboards on my air organ. I was gooooooooeeeeeeed if I do say so myself. My ending and exit from the bike was timed perfectly. Played my last flourish of rock organ, held for the applause from my invisible fans and then closed my session out with a little Mississippi Mass Choir, "I'm Not Tired Yet." It stopped space invader lady from doing her routine. Then I was off for my strength workout. I played it safe and went back to my normal playlist.

Reflections of Laughter and Ab Development

It is a beautiful Monday afternoon. This morning I was able to run a few errands close to home and also get a workout in at church. Actually did a little on the elliptical trainer and then walked the track the rest of the time. Roy has BSF tonight so I have a free evening ahead. I am looking forward to Bible study beginning tomorrow night. Beth is teaching on David. I love studying his life. Since September in Community Bible Study we have been studying the divided kingdom which began after Solomon's reign. So with David, this will bring this whole portion of the Old Testament into a clearer picture and I will have better understanding of it all.


It will be a year on January 29 since I retired. It has been an interesting and challenging year. Although, the stress level was much lower. God brought me through an interesting study of the storms in the Bible this past year. There has been time to contemplate. There has been the wonderful experience of quiet and being still. OK, who am I kidding, there were a lot less deadlines and lots more mornings to ease into. A lot less people to keep happy and little pressure to keep watch over the sensitive and easily peeved ones who used to fill my days. And days without set plans that developed into some of the more meaningful moments of my life. Lots of lunches out with friends, Bible study with Peggy, Mimi's with Lisa P and the most glorious afternoon naps that one can have. I wish I could tell you that I rediscovered my love of cooking, but maybe that is out there FAAARRRR on the horizon. Buddy seems to really like having me around more. Of course that is what life here at home is all about, Roy and I keeping Buddy happy. Think I might do a separate post on this subject...not Buddy's happiness...the last year. My eyes are having a good day and they aren't worn out and being non-cooperative this afternoon. So while the going is good, I'm doing the writing.


Just had a great abs workout. Well, it was from laughter. Yep, me and Lisa P on the phone. Had a great laughter workout before Sunday School with my table 9 friends. Actually, Roy and I had lunch with a friend yesterday and we had lots of laughter then too. With all this laughter I should have some 6 pack abs going. Well, maybe it will be more like two pack abs. OK, maybe it will be; I'll be able to see my abs.

Who is Being and Who Are We Being Generous With?

Last week I picked up a new book, like I needed a new book, but as y'all know that has never stopped me. And the bonus for me, southern fiction. The name of the book is Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. I started it Friday afternoon and finished it Saturday night. I could barely put the book down for any length of time. The story engaging and the characters more than interesting. It is a very poignant read, but there are some downright funny and laughable moments in the story. Kind of like real life. The very bottom line of the book are the incredible, but ordinary women who come around CeeCee, love on her, help her heal from some horrific childhood experiences and send her into her life, still with the care, love and support she needs.





Since finishing the book and I have now passed it on to share with a friend, my eyes are open with a little more light and appreciation for the friends that have saved me from horrific experiences not of my own making, decisions and consequences of my own making, and the problematic situations good and bad that come with life. Last night bunko took a leisurely pace. Pretty much we run like clockwork, visit, dinner, bunko and dessert. Begin at 7:00 and finished up by 9:15ist. We did a lot more visiting with one another last night. Now there were still some miracle rolls of not just rolling two bunkos in a row, but Christine rolled three in a row. Linda rolled three as well, but she rolled onesis three times. You lose all your points when you do that, but if you do that enough times, you'll get a nice prize. There was just something heart warming about our group of friends last night. Maybe because several are walking unmarked journeys right now and holding onto the Lord with all their might and giving Him all their understanding when understanding is so very difficult to let go. Others are walking in joyous seasons but their servant's heart are lifting anothers burden. I don't know but I'm so glad to be apart of such a warm and caring group of crazy dice rolling, bunko screaming, loving and enthusiastic friends.





Even at The Nord yesterday, lunch with good friends had that warm atmosphere. Again, there was plenty of side splitting laughter accompanied by tears and open, vulnerable moments sprinkled with eye spilling tears. We rejoiced and we wept all the while eating all that is the deliciousness of salads, crab stacks and sandwiches. Oh rejoicing at the Nord with the Lord because where two or more are gathered, He is there. As our lunch concluded we were so happy to see friends coming in the Bistro and knowing they would have a grand time as well.





Last night as I tried to fall asleep, I remembered CeeCee's "wreath" of pictures. She placed the pictures of all those so dear to her around her mirror and wove a ribbon between the pictures. That way CeeCee was able to visually construct what her heart already knew, how rich the tapestry of friends she held. I placed the mental pictures of my friends around my imaginary round mirror and wove the mental ribbon in and around those dear friends. And since I was still quite awake, I used imaginary scripture ribbon to frame it all together. And I did that because in real life, creativity and ribbon are not even on any level of gifting given to me through natural talent or spiritual gifts.


Of course the wreath isn't complete unless I am being servant hearted, loving and helping to others. In the book CeeCee certainly was in her young way to those who were helping her navigate through a rough part of life.


I wrote this early this morning before my follow up appointment with the eye doctor and thought I would come home to complete my thoughts. I subscribe to Anne Jackson's blog and she had similar thoughts today. Hers are much more meaningful than mine cause I am leaning toward the sappy which isn't really my forte. I am pretty much straight forward. Never the less, help a friend, love a friend, surprise a friend, write a friend, and you know this list could go on and on. Be generous.


Also a side note. When I went to work out today I avoided the speed disks and opened the doors without taking off the tops of my toes. You also know on Monablog, I tell the truth and disclose the dumb things that happen. Well today, my work out pants slipped way down while working out on a particular machine. I didn't realize it until I stepped away...uh let's just say I sang a quick rendition of Pants on the Ground. At least my underneaths were pink and matched my shirt somewhat. I don't think anyone really saw that event. Oh please Lord, I don't want anyone coming up to me tomorrow at the gym humming or singing Pants....

Go Ahead, Twist My Ankle

Dressed in new work out duds...check
Water to stay hydrated...check
iPod...check
Membership card...check
Grace and dignity....oh must have left those in the car, dang!


Yesterday afternoon, late afternoon, I headed over to Lifetime to get in a work out. I knew I would be pressed to get one in today. Soooo, on the evening before a holiday, at the first of the year when everyone is enthused about working out, I went to Lifetime. No problem finding a parking space, so far so good. Walked down the steps at a pretty good clip, very encouraging. Walking across the street and twisting my ankle on one of those big round speed disks, embarrassing. The disks are about 5 inches tall and that can be a mighty long fall for ankles. How I even walked onto it, I have no clue. Former athlete that I am, I caught my balance, didn't fall and limped over to the sidewalk. All those painful ankle sprains from volleyball have paid off in life. My ligaments and tendons are so stretched that usually nothing major happens when twisting an ankle. (this morning there isn't any swelling or bruising but it feels a little sore) I didn't lift my head because I did not want to see anyone or see if anyone was around to see the whole episode. Practicing everything I learned from sports, I walked it off. Gingerly at first and by the time I was close to the entrance, I felt confident that I could perform my work out duties and the first runner up wouldn't have to take my place. So, I open the door meanwhile dragging it across the top of my toes. Ouch!

Friday Blogging

I went to the land of Sugar today for a haircut. The weather dismal and by the time I left the rain was coming down at a pretty good clip. Decided against my regular thing of going over to Super Target and headed back toward home. Now the rain has ceased for the time being and a trip over to the Play Grocery store might be very likely this afternoon.


There isn't really too much to blog about. Blah, blah, blah on the adjustments that I'm making health wise. I've lost 5 more pounds and bought a scale that is accurate and lines up with the Dr's office. Total weight loss since September 11, 2008...92 pounds! I started back working out. My mind wants to pick up right where I left off but my body has nixed that. I did have a good start though.


This seems to be a good day to start the new Gail Godwin book that came last week. She is one of my favorite authors. I struggled with her last book but this one seems like it is back in her sweet spot of writing.


Like so many of you, I am prayerfully watching the coverage of Haiti and the people devastated by so much loss both of people and possessions. The stories of faith and redemption are scattered among the other reports of loss, destruction and death. Those stories are a testimony to God. Oh to see aid and comfort come more quickly to these hurting people.

Me and a Little Squirrel, We Don't Have a Thing Going On

Anyone know the song, Me and Mrs. Jones, we got a thing going on? Well my mind thinks musically and in that I mean, songs pop into my head for circumstances in life. Anyway after today's encounter with a squirrel, all I can think is Me and this little squirrel, we got a thing NOT going on.





I had just returned from a wonderful lunch celebrating birthdays of two of my besties...Lisa P and Peggy. They were both born on the same day but different years. So the three of us went to Grand Lux to celebrate today. It was not boring. We had to change booths because there was a hot tea spill on aisle 3. All that means is somehow Lisa's hot tea got knocked over and it was taking over the table and running off...mostly on my side. They moved us over one booth. We all had an interesting discussion on piccata, piccato, and miso. And then more so, we had great laughs at our definitions of the terms. Peggy was reviewing all her Latin knowledge from high school and Lisa and I were conjugating verbs in Spanish. OK, we weren't but didn't that sound good. We had great fun making the words of the day (see above) and making them into musical terms. Like mezzo piccatta or a soft piccato. Even John Bolin had fun with them. He was there having lunch and came over to say hello. I know visiting with the three of us was a life changing experience for him. Bill, Peggy's husband and son David ate lunch at the Grand Lux today. It was a veritable First Baptist hang out today. I know you are wondering, ah so where is the squirrel in this story. Be patient, it's coming. While we were laughing and visiting we were entertained by a much, too much in lust couple making out in the parking lot. Sadly for us, it was a long goodbye. It was like a train wreck, we couldn't stop watching... They weren't even very attractive.





OK. So we finally break up the party and go our separate ways. I pulled into my parking space here at home and did a quick check of my emails before getting out of the car. Now being the diligent and helpful friend that I am, I had an email from a good friend asking me my opinion on a purchase at The Nord. Instead of coming in and answering on the computer, I sat there and used my Black Berry to respond. The door to the car was open and I was busily writing when I saw a little movement to the left of me, outside the car. There was a squirrel with its little paws on the ledge of the car, looking up at me and getting ready to jump on into the car. I screamed bloody murder and I nearly wet my pants being overtaken with such fierce fear. I scared the squirrel and a guy walking his dog. He hadn't seen the squirrel. He just heard the scream. He ran over to me to see if he could help. I was embarrassed to tell him about the squirrel, but did. He just looked at me like...sure lady. This guy is in his 20's. About this time his dog starts barking and going nuts and there is the squirrel sitting there, looking at us as if he or she might come on over to see what's going on. The only explanation I can think of is, people have been feeding the squirrel and it has lost some of the fear of humans. I will always carry the fear of a rodent with a big busy tail.

Dear Senior Citizen, What the Heck? Are You Writing to Me?

Dear Senior Citizen,
We are proud to announce a Senior Final Expense Life Insurance to help pay what the Federal Government does not pay for your final expense.

This is what greeted me in the mail today. What the heck? I am 55 years old. I only like to be called a senior if there is a discount involved or I want close parking in the North parking lot at church. Not looking for supplemental death insurance, unless this is a warning from the Lord and Pennsylvania Life Insurance Company is John the Baptist preparing the way. This invite could not come at a more fitting week because even though I am young at heart, my body is tending to veer over to the other side and I HATE it and I have been MAD about it and have made some sacred vows for the veering to stop!


Here it is bottom line, the virus that attacked my heart in 2008 has also attacked other vital organs. The first known one is my pancreas. The effects have just now shown up. Really over night. They can tell by looking at the cells. Who knew? There is a very likely chance that it also attacked my liver and kidneys. Maybe even my brain, which just cracks me up because at least medically speaking Doctors have acknowledged that there is one in my head...much to the surprise of loved ones and me. Well, it maybe effecting my brain via other organs. Via Via Las Virus.... Little shout out to Elvis on his 75th birthday. He is really alive and lives in Michigan. Cold preserves him. So the rest of my days before I pay for my final expense, will have lots and lots of surprises in them. It is a little overwhelming big picture wise.


So how do I know that I am a senior citizen? Other than being addressed as one in a letter. Well, standing in line at the Walgreen's gave me some clue. One older lady in line, turned to me and said, do I know you? Why are you so tall? Women who wear pink are big babies. ( I have on a pink sweater today) She might be right on that one. Then her helper came back and corralled her in. I need to get a helper so I can say stuff. No, don't think so. Come to think of it, the helper was as tall as me.


Oops, I got ahead of myself. Well, this week I had an appointment with another Dr to see what the heck is going on. That was Wednesday. It's not a good sign when you get a call from the Dr office asking you can come back in and it is Thursday morning. All the numbers you don't want to be high were high, really high, very high just like they had been in December. I mean I did a drastic cutback. They could tell by looking at things this wasn't cause I went on some holiday binge, it was from a compromised pancreas. So I have a lot of work ahead and many fronts to fight.


Now I want to honest here, I did pray before going in and I read a great blog about reacting as a Christian, not just act like one...which is pretty easy. Reacting is hard. I've found great comfort in Proverbs 4 and even today on the radio I heard Nancy Leigh DeMoss talking with other women about scripture memorization. Several verses that they said, blessed me. Believe me I am not a big Nancy Leigh fan. Didn't like her book Lies Women Believe and not looking for a blessing there from her program, but you know God.... Charles Stanley and Psalm 55 blessed me this morning. I say all this cause I'm struggling with this news and find it difficult to accept. I have done everything I should and boom...all this hits. Of course Colt McCoy could be saying the same thing today. Yet, I still Praise Him and Trust Him! God is in control.


So trying to drown out my downstairs neighbor's loud music right now, so I have some praise and worship playing. Just heard Trading my Sorrows. Yep, it ministered.


I'm overwhelmed with the thought the rest of my health life will be a fight. And surprises can occur at anytime. So picking up prescriptions and stuff at Walgreen's, the clerk is trying to be all nice and compassionate and in her help, she compared me to her grandmother....NO!!!!!!!


Today, I did a very fun thing. I had lunch with two wonderful, smart, loving, funny and talented college girls. Of course we ate at The Nord. I had a blast with them. Before meeting them I took some stuff back to Nordy that doesn't fit anymore. I officially bought a size 14 pair of jeans today. I have lost a total of 87 pounds and very encouraged to be losing more. See I am finding things to be very grateful for and resting in God through this. Roy was so funny yesterday, he said what is it with you before storms and your health? (Houston is experiencing a chilly blast or Artic Blast and heart stuff came days before Hurricane Ike)


Well, I just took my first pill and I am waiting to see if I can operate machinery while on it. Side effects that may occur include diarrhea, gas, headache, nausea, stomach upset or vomiting. The instructions say if this bothersome for you...if this is bothersome... uh yes, I believe it would be a little bothersome. These seem to be the side effects for every pill I have seen in the last few years. Guess I will look through the rest of the mail and see if anymore Dear Senior Citizen letters. We are getting a lot of my mother in law's mail because Roy is the executor. Some of these catalogs that are intended for senior citizens are a bit racy. One page house dresses and mu mu's. The next page s*x toys and paraphernalia for the elder adult. I'm shocked! I definitely have an opinion on all that but I ain't gonna write anything about it on my blog.


Oh, there is a senior discount at IHOP that came in the mail today. Dang, that's off my diet for now.

Slowly But Surely

It looks to be a cold couple of days here in H-town...It's the H-town coool down. Giving my props to Yolanda and Brother Larry Jones. Does anyone say props anymore? I am so out of it. I am always looking to procure a Revolution...ohhhh...ohhhh...do ya want a Revolution...whoop whoop. These whoops have nothing to do with Aggies by the way. Anyway...can you tell I am off meds? Anyway, it has been a Wednesday Adventure day here in my sphere of influence. I have bravely gone to grocery stores before the cold hits. It feels cold on the outside but oh so tropical on the inside of Kroger's and Central Market. Seemed like hurricane supply time. I had no clue people would be in the stores panic buying. They should be at Lowe's or Home Depot doing that kind of thing. Man, I am just trying to buy bread and Diet Coke. Well at Kroger's but at Central Market it was blood oranges and Cara Cara oranges. Also came home with some roses. Not quite the panic food mode. It was nice to know that even the healthy/organic crowd is panic buying. It helps the economy fo' sure.

This morning I had a start up or follow up appointment with a Dr. Part of my cardio check up brought some not so great news, we think. So I went through the holidays a little mad about the surprise. Then I got over it. Stopped investigating it on Dr. Google and did what I should have done in the first place. Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. So this morning I began this journey by giving blood and having more tests run. You know I am looking for the Lord in all of this, and yeah, I found Him.

I finally have a name of what I have and have been going through, rapid atrial fibrillation and severe cardiomyopathy not ischemic in origin. Kind of like supercali... from another Julie Andrew's movie I don't care for. :) Anyway, I will deal with it for the rest of my life (not severe now, Yea!!!) and right now we are all working toward putting me in the best position to do that.

Now here are two good things about this morning. One, I've been prescribed some meds for my panic attacks. I will probably never take any of the pills but it gives me a sense of control. Not control but a knowledge of having something to take the edge off when I get panicked in a public place or in the choir loft. The Dr told me it is like having post traumatic stress disorder.

The other good thing is, I've lost 10 more pounds...during the holiday season. I'd pat myself on the back but don't want the pride coming before a fall type of thing. That puts me at 86 pounds. I have lost 86 stinking pounds! There are friends of mine who weigh that much or a little more, so it would be like loosing a whole person or two children or three young children. Part of me realizes I have lost that much but part of my brain hasn't quite got it. I still buy clothes too big and have to return them. Thankful the Nord has the generous customer service policy. Roy bought me some pajamas for Christmas in a size large. I didn't think they would fit, that they would be too small. So, I kept putting off trying them on until last night. Oh my goodness, they fit. I went through some pics from 2008 till today trying to get my brain around this. Oh, I have about 40 more or maybe 50 more pounds to go. But there was the joy...loosing weight when I haven't been all that attentive to the whole process. So here are some pictures to chart my progress

June 2008 on an Alaskan cruise. Weighed the most I had ever weighed and symptoms were raring their ugly heads but there was an answer to all the symptoms and didn't look like heart issues.

Peggy and I went to Living Proof Live in San Antonio. This was the weekend of August 23rd. While there I had a heart attack but didn't know it at the time. This is Cheryl who I finally got to meet at the event.

Christmas 2008 at Peggy's. Think I had lost about 35 or 40 pounds in this picture.

August 2009 at my mother in law's funeral.

Me today just messing around with my phone after my Dr. appointment.

Well, that's it for today. Don't know my next move until the results come back. Well, I know I am moving on with God, don't need any results to do that. Maybe I will bust a move. Uh, does anyone say that anymore? I am so out of it.