It was a nice easy Saturday. SR and I slept in, then ran to Little Rock to meet Jared and his girl for lunch. On the way home, we stopped at an outdoor/ garden type place I've always wanted to check out. I knew it would be expensive, but I didn't know it would be that expensive. Sheesh. I am in the market for a large pot to move my great-grandmother's rose bush into. At present, it is in a low-lying area that is getting less and less sun. It is my understanding they need at least 8 hours of sun a day and need to be in a well drained area. This summer it has barely survived, and bloomed hardly at all. There is no other good place in the yard I can plant and have it actually thrive, so I am going to try the pot idea. I decided to check out some pots at Lowe's tomorrow afternoon.
This afternoon, we left the windows up and enjoyed the fall air. I got out my trusty paints and fed my creative self, then opened a new book and read a bit. SR watched the poor misfortunate Razorbacks as they were pounded into the ground by Texas. We ate a light supper of scrambled eggs and toast, then I proceded to make out a menu for the coming week and a grocery list. I always do a much better job of shopping and cooking when I do this, but seldom really want to take the time to do it. And I'm so tired of the same old thing week after week. I found some tasy looking things in an old cook book I am going to try.
Now, I'm sitting by my open bedroom window. The air is beginning to cool and drift through to me. I can hear every car, every truck, every single vehicle that drives by behind my house, but that's ok. I guess you get used to it. When we lived in the country, the Whipporwills would start singing around sundown and sometimes they were so loud, you couldn't sleep. At least the cars and trucks move on down the road and don't sit just out of sight and constantly repeat their "Chip fell out of the Whiteoak" until you think you'll go mad. Still, I think I'd like to hear that again. It's been a long long time.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Life is What Happens When You are Making Other Plans
What happened to the life I thought I would be living by now? It's really amazing how differently real life turns out. If we had stayed in Rison, I would probably not be working outside of the home at this point. I never really wanted to be a career woman. I remember when I was very young, that my major goal in life was to have a home and family. I didn't really have a driving need to be anything other than a Mom and wife. Oh, at times I thought I wanted to be a teacher, or a hair dresser, or at one time a commercial artist, but for the most part, just a stay-at-home Mom. While the kids were small, I was able to do that, eventhough the money was very tight. I remember while we were going through that, I kept thinking I needed to get out and make some money. I began working part time here and there, and it went downhill from there. You get used to having more money, then you are stuck having to make it. When the kids began growing older and college loomed in the not too distant future, full time was required to help fund that. And I can remember after the first year or two, I wanted nothing more than to just go to the house and stay there. But, I kept my eye on the prize. I saw retirement in my mind as soon as the kids graduated college and started their own adult lives.
Moving to Sheridan changed all that. You have to give up something to get something. In Rison we had no house payment and no vehicle payment. In Sheridan, we had to purchase a home. Then, (as we would eventually have had to do even in Rison) we had to purchase a new vehicle. Staying home was not an option. It takes money to pay for those things. But, if we had stayed in Rison, I would have been living in a house that needed major renovation, and I would have been pretty isolated, living in the woods. So, you win some, you lose some. Right?
Thing is, I am tired of working. So is SR. We really long for retirement. The long stressful days at work are taking their toll on us. We aren't as young as we used to be you know. I think though, that if we could be doing something we really loved....as an attorney who loves the law, a teacher who lives to lead our young, an artist whose joy is to create....AND get paid for it, it might not be so hard to roll out of bed every morning. And even then I think, if you weren't able to set your own hours, and do as you please, it still would be a burden.
Money isn't everything. And today I was thinking that if I knew I had to work until I was 65, I would just say "Let's just sell everything we own and find some little dinky place to live." So I could roll out of bed when I got good and ready and stay up till Midnight if I was of a mind to. And in between? I could do whatever the heck I wanted.....
Moving to Sheridan changed all that. You have to give up something to get something. In Rison we had no house payment and no vehicle payment. In Sheridan, we had to purchase a home. Then, (as we would eventually have had to do even in Rison) we had to purchase a new vehicle. Staying home was not an option. It takes money to pay for those things. But, if we had stayed in Rison, I would have been living in a house that needed major renovation, and I would have been pretty isolated, living in the woods. So, you win some, you lose some. Right?
Thing is, I am tired of working. So is SR. We really long for retirement. The long stressful days at work are taking their toll on us. We aren't as young as we used to be you know. I think though, that if we could be doing something we really loved....as an attorney who loves the law, a teacher who lives to lead our young, an artist whose joy is to create....AND get paid for it, it might not be so hard to roll out of bed every morning. And even then I think, if you weren't able to set your own hours, and do as you please, it still would be a burden.
Money isn't everything. And today I was thinking that if I knew I had to work until I was 65, I would just say "Let's just sell everything we own and find some little dinky place to live." So I could roll out of bed when I got good and ready and stay up till Midnight if I was of a mind to. And in between? I could do whatever the heck I wanted.....
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Seasons of Change
To everything there is a season.
Monday is the first day of Autumn, thus the end of the Summer season. I love Fall. I think most folks do. I'm anxious to get outside in the crisp air and plant mums and put pretty "stuff" on the porch.
Today was the end of a different season for me. "T", my pal, my friend, my co-worker has left to be a stay-at-home Mommy. Eventhough I totally understand, since I was a stay-at-home Mom myself for several years, I'm crushed. She has been such a good friend, a confidant, a support system, a place to vent....well, you get the idea. I'm going to miss her so very much.
A new season of co-worker will begin on Monday. The new girl has been training for two weeks, but you don't get a good understanding of how things are going to be until she is on her own, and it's just the three of us. She seems quick to learn, pleasant to be around, and dedicated to getting things done. I know she will be an asset, or at least I think she will. But she's not my T.
I started a Facebook page last week. It seems to be a very busy place, but a bit confusing to me. I don't have enough time to sit and figure it all out, so LeLe has been helping me out some. In just a few days I have connected with several folks I am happy to see, and I love the busy-ness of it all. I may become tired of it at some point, and delete it as I did MySpace, but we will see.
It's the weekend for me thank goodness. The new school year has already helped those pesky virus bugs to spread their greedy little wings and infect a large portion of town. I've had to work several extra hours this week. Heaven help us when the weather gets cold for the Winter season.
Monday is the first day of Autumn, thus the end of the Summer season. I love Fall. I think most folks do. I'm anxious to get outside in the crisp air and plant mums and put pretty "stuff" on the porch.
Today was the end of a different season for me. "T", my pal, my friend, my co-worker has left to be a stay-at-home Mommy. Eventhough I totally understand, since I was a stay-at-home Mom myself for several years, I'm crushed. She has been such a good friend, a confidant, a support system, a place to vent....well, you get the idea. I'm going to miss her so very much.
A new season of co-worker will begin on Monday. The new girl has been training for two weeks, but you don't get a good understanding of how things are going to be until she is on her own, and it's just the three of us. She seems quick to learn, pleasant to be around, and dedicated to getting things done. I know she will be an asset, or at least I think she will. But she's not my T.
I started a Facebook page last week. It seems to be a very busy place, but a bit confusing to me. I don't have enough time to sit and figure it all out, so LeLe has been helping me out some. In just a few days I have connected with several folks I am happy to see, and I love the busy-ness of it all. I may become tired of it at some point, and delete it as I did MySpace, but we will see.
It's the weekend for me thank goodness. The new school year has already helped those pesky virus bugs to spread their greedy little wings and infect a large portion of town. I've had to work several extra hours this week. Heaven help us when the weather gets cold for the Winter season.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Transfused
The oncology nurse called yesterday to inform me that Mom's blood counts were so low, that she required a tranfusion. She is extremely anemic, and it's caused by the chemo. The doctor was concerned because Mom "hasn't even gotten to the worst part of the chemo", the nurse said. When I called her to tell her, I thought she was going to drop the phone she was so shocked. She maintains that she feels fine. No fatigue, no nausea, no nothing. (This has puzzled the nurse every time we see her.)
So, today Sister #2 took her for the transfusion. Her appointment was at 8:00 and she was called back at around 8:10. The IV was started, but much to their aggravation, the blood didn't make it to the lab until after 10:00. She had two units, each taking an hour. As she does during the long chemo days, Mom fretted and fussed having to stay in one place for more than 15 minutes. We keep telling her maybe God is trying to teach her patience. You should see the look we get when we say that too.
When the deed was finally done, Sister called me and told me that Mom was raring to go shopping. You NEVER take Mom to Little Rock, unless you are prepared to go to at least one store to shop.
So, today Sister #2 took her for the transfusion. Her appointment was at 8:00 and she was called back at around 8:10. The IV was started, but much to their aggravation, the blood didn't make it to the lab until after 10:00. She had two units, each taking an hour. As she does during the long chemo days, Mom fretted and fussed having to stay in one place for more than 15 minutes. We keep telling her maybe God is trying to teach her patience. You should see the look we get when we say that too.
When the deed was finally done, Sister called me and told me that Mom was raring to go shopping. You NEVER take Mom to Little Rock, unless you are prepared to go to at least one store to shop.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Full Moon
Ike made it's way across Arkansas in speedy fashion, leaving beautiful clear weather behind. Tonight, there is a beautiful full moon and SR suggested I try to capture it with the camera.
It's not "star" quality, but I though it turned out a lovely dark blue with the moon shining above the clouds. The down side of this is that a full moon tends to bring out all the crazy patients. So, tomorrow will more than likely be a very busy, crazy, exhausting day.
Yesterday SR treated me with a lovely day. We drove to Benton to pick up something at Penney's for Mom, and while there, he purchased me a birthday gift. This after already paying for a new "hairdo" on Friday. We then ate lunch at Colton's Steakhouse. Yummy. After that, we visited some antique shops and just browsed. That is one of the few things we enjoy together. He hunts. I don't. I paint and sew. He doesn't. It took about 25 years of marriage to finally find that we both love to browse antique shops. Actually, we were probably too busy trying to raise the family and make ends meet to have any time to find something we both enjoyed. Our work hours never matched and we never had time to spend together anyway. Thank goodness we do now.
Friday, September 12, 2008
A Birthday Poem
I have an aunt, who is a couple of years older than my Mom, and is lovingly referred to as "Aunt Bob". She gives our family many moments of fun and just mentioning her brings a smile to our faces. She has coined a phrase or two, and we use them every chance we get. My favorite, and I'm sure the favorite of others, is "He's growed ain't-ee?!"
Periodically, she will send us letters, because she loves to send and receive them. Usually included, is an original poem. Since tomorrow is my birthday, I thought I would share the one she sent to me this week.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELINDA
Happy Birthday to you dear
You will have nothing to fear
Stay as sweet as you are
You will not have to go very far
God is there for all of us
In Heaven there will be no fuss
Have a great day ever
You will be very clever
Keep your chin up high
You all can look up to the sky
Keep that great Big Smile
Together we can walk a mile
There are things we need to know
Together we all can grow
Your family is great
No one will ever be late
by Aunt Bob
Now, how could you not love something like that? This is not the best one she has written, but I think Mom has it. If so, I will borrow and share it. It is one of my favorite poems of all time.
Thanks Aunt Bob. We love you!!!
Periodically, she will send us letters, because she loves to send and receive them. Usually included, is an original poem. Since tomorrow is my birthday, I thought I would share the one she sent to me this week.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELINDA
Happy Birthday to you dear
You will have nothing to fear
Stay as sweet as you are
You will not have to go very far
God is there for all of us
In Heaven there will be no fuss
Have a great day ever
You will be very clever
Keep your chin up high
You all can look up to the sky
Keep that great Big Smile
Together we can walk a mile
There are things we need to know
Together we all can grow
Your family is great
No one will ever be late
by Aunt Bob
Now, how could you not love something like that? This is not the best one she has written, but I think Mom has it. If so, I will borrow and share it. It is one of my favorite poems of all time.
Thanks Aunt Bob. We love you!!!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Star Patient
Mom saw the oncology-gynocologist Monday. The doctor was so impressed with Mom's progress, she was labled her "Star Patient" and that had the patient grinning from ear to ear. Mom's CA-125 results were amazing. Correct me if I'm wrong here, anyone who knows more....(Chelle?....anyone??...) CA-125 measures the cancer "markers" in the blood. Mom's went from 145 in July to 15.5 at the time of her last treatment three weeks ago. Woooo Hoooo.
She will have two more treatments, then in December, another CT scan. The results of the scan will determine whether we continue chemo, or let it ride.
The day was not all fun and games, however. We had to wait on the doctor for an hour and a half. Doesn't seem like anything ususual for most specialists, but we've never had to wait that long before. At least it took up some of the time we would have had to wait in the lobby of the oncology lab. We only waited about 30 minutes to be called back. Mom's impatience with all of this is increasingly obvious. I take a book, or my portable DVD player and just try to enjoy the time. She doesn't take much of anything to pass the time, so she is miserable. About an hour from finish, she finally took a nap. Poor thing. I know she just does not enjoy being still and cooped up inside. She isn't happy unless she is outside on her mower.
Our new girl at the clinic began this week. She seems very sweet and a little timid. I can see a lot of myself in her. I hope we don't overwhelm her and scare her off.
She will have two more treatments, then in December, another CT scan. The results of the scan will determine whether we continue chemo, or let it ride.
The day was not all fun and games, however. We had to wait on the doctor for an hour and a half. Doesn't seem like anything ususual for most specialists, but we've never had to wait that long before. At least it took up some of the time we would have had to wait in the lobby of the oncology lab. We only waited about 30 minutes to be called back. Mom's impatience with all of this is increasingly obvious. I take a book, or my portable DVD player and just try to enjoy the time. She doesn't take much of anything to pass the time, so she is miserable. About an hour from finish, she finally took a nap. Poor thing. I know she just does not enjoy being still and cooped up inside. She isn't happy unless she is outside on her mower.
Our new girl at the clinic began this week. She seems very sweet and a little timid. I can see a lot of myself in her. I hope we don't overwhelm her and scare her off.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Daily Dose of Laughter
I love reading the Shoebox Blog. It often gives me a laugh when I need it most. I often snicker at the funnies, but this post made me laugh out loud.
11:26 am by Dan
* Butternut Squashed Thumb
No matter how bad the day is, I always smile when I view these blogs. I wish I had the creativity these folks have and I'm thankful they share with the rest of us.
Worst Fall Recipes
11:26 am by Dan
* Butternut Squashed Thumb
* Vegetable Flu
* Wrong Cider of the Tracks
* Caramel Crapples
* Leftover 4th of July Watermelon Surprise
I check I Can Haz Cheezburger several times a day. I love them. They always brighten my day.
No matter how bad the day is, I always smile when I view these blogs. I wish I had the creativity these folks have and I'm thankful they share with the rest of us.
Gustav and Labor Day
We spent the majority of the weekend watching the weather channel, as I'm sure, everyone else did. We are thankful Gustav wasn't as bad as predicted. My baby boy is on his way to New Orleans to help restore power. I have been watching the newscasts where people are standing in front of the canal levy and I'm terrified one will break while my boy is working. I know God will take care of him, but a mother still worries. I am also extremely proud of him.
I was unable to finish out the medication for my infection. The cure was causing more trouble than the cause, but my personal nurse practitioner changed the medication and I should be on the mend soon. I do feel better, however.
I have had so many issues to deal with the last several months, that I have neglected my church. I haven't worried terribly about it, because I know God knows my heart and my issues. I do miss it though, and hope to return this coming Sunday if all goes as planned. It will be strange, since it's been so long, but I long to sing His praises again and hear His Word.
Mom's lab results continue to be questionable, but the GYN-Oncology doctor has things well in hand I'm sure. She and I went to several furniture stores yesterday, since we both felt up to it, but we were unsuccessful. She did find one she really wanted, but it was a very bold floral print and she wanted a solid. Alas, it came in only the floral print. We ate a very tasty lunch at Chili's and also visited Goody's, J.C. Penney, Kohl's and Kirkland's. We had a nice but tiring day. She does get tired more quickly than before her illness, and I never have been able to "shop til I drop" as LeLe can attest. My back didn't bother me until we were a couple of hours into our excursion. That in itself is almost miraculous to me!
Our Tuesday back at work has been hectic and busy, but the time flies. And I might as well get used to it, because school has started and the little ones are already passing illness around like gangbusters.
I was unable to finish out the medication for my infection. The cure was causing more trouble than the cause, but my personal nurse practitioner changed the medication and I should be on the mend soon. I do feel better, however.
I have had so many issues to deal with the last several months, that I have neglected my church. I haven't worried terribly about it, because I know God knows my heart and my issues. I do miss it though, and hope to return this coming Sunday if all goes as planned. It will be strange, since it's been so long, but I long to sing His praises again and hear His Word.
Mom's lab results continue to be questionable, but the GYN-Oncology doctor has things well in hand I'm sure. She and I went to several furniture stores yesterday, since we both felt up to it, but we were unsuccessful. She did find one she really wanted, but it was a very bold floral print and she wanted a solid. Alas, it came in only the floral print. We ate a very tasty lunch at Chili's and also visited Goody's, J.C. Penney, Kohl's and Kirkland's. We had a nice but tiring day. She does get tired more quickly than before her illness, and I never have been able to "shop til I drop" as LeLe can attest. My back didn't bother me until we were a couple of hours into our excursion. That in itself is almost miraculous to me!
Our Tuesday back at work has been hectic and busy, but the time flies. And I might as well get used to it, because school has started and the little ones are already passing illness around like gangbusters.
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