Many ways to spend your days

Because I’m overflowing with knowledge on the many different ways to spend yours days, I felt it was my duty, nay, that it was my calling, to shower you with the plethora of ways to in fact, spend your days.

I have been highly trained and am now highly qualified to instruct you in these ways. (I have certificates to prove it) Enduring 14 months of grueling exercises, tests, drills and many sleepless hours to perfect the ways you can, spend your days.

So without further ado, soak in all that I’m going to teach you today. Take notes if you feel the need, I know if I were you, I would be writing every little thing down to study later.

In no particular order:

There’s the straight on method, with feet propped on a pillow.


Straight on method without the pillow. Definitely work yourself up to eliminating the pillow. It’s a big step to take and not to be taken lightly.


They can be angled across the chaise for a more lazy approach.

Over the arm of the couch method. Be prepared when doing this method to sleep as it will put you quickly into a peaceful dreamless sleep for up to 3 hours.


And one of my favorites. Crossed at ankles. There’s just something about having them crossed that just feels…safe.


*disclaimer: Consult with your physician before attempting any of these ways to spend your days as they may prove too difficult to get out of. Ensure you have ample water by your side, with all remotes, computers, phones, books, chapstick and either kleenex or napkins within arms reach.
Side effects may include: drowsiness, listlessness, hunger, frequent desires to urinate, temporary loss of circulation, numbness, backache, cramping in butt or legs, laziness and boredom. (only when alone)

WARNING: SHOWING FEET
I unwrapped them last night. It was like unwrapping 2 presents. It was great! I only took a little flesh off one of the incisions. No worries, it’ll close back up!


In all honesty, out of all my surgeries, they look the best immediately after removing the bandages. So far hardly any bruising, swollen yet minimal. This guy knows what he’s doing! The evidence is in this picture (to me, any way).

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Once upon a surgery, part II

catch up on part I 



When the Dr. talked to my mom to give her an update, he explained that patients such as myself usually are experiencing “phantom pains” and not actual pain. Since the nerves are removed leading into my toes he fully believed that it was going to be the case for me; to feel that phantom pain.

And then he cut open my left foot.

Inside, between the 2nd and 3rd toe was a very large neuroma. Then saw between the 3rd and 4th toe another very large neuroma. At that point, he realized the pain I’d been feeling the past year was very real. He realized something more. That there’s no way 2 very large neuromas can grow that fast in a years time. And there’s no way a neuroma can be there, let alone that large, after supposedly being removed 14 months prior.

He moves to the right foot. Where I’ve already had 3 surgeries. Upon opening it up, he sees my nerves, completely intact. Completely connected to everything they’re all supposed to be connected to. Showing no signs of ever being cut. He sees the neuroma leading into my 2nd and 3rd toe. Also seeing a stump neuroma between my 3rd and 4th toe (the only one showing it had been surgically removed).

I’ve had 4 prior surgeries “removing” neuromas. After each surgery I’ve had numbness indicating that nerves have in fact been removed, yet here he is stating all but 1 nerve shows absolutely NO signs of ever being cut into.

What am I supposed to think? How does a person react to that information?? I’m just as G-man says he is when I told him everything; dumbfounded.

Dumbfounded at the idea that Dr. P never removed anything. Never took care of the problem. Only cutting open my feet to do what? Stare inside and say, ‘yup, they’re there alright. Let’s close it up and tell her we took care of them.’

I don’t know what to think. Dr. W absolutely refuses to point the finger at Dr. P. The whole ‘doctor can’t talk bad about other doctors’ code, yet says there’s no way the nerves could have looked like they did with having surgery just 14 months ago.

How is this possible? Why have I been numb all these years? How can a dr. be so completely inept in his job? I truly do not know what to think.

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Once upon a surgery, part I

I’m a storyteller, regardless of what some may say, I’m awesome at them. Its true. Okay, sometimes it’s true.

I realized something through this whole process. Some things aren’t always as they seem. What once you thought, may not be how it really is. Just because someone talks something up, doesn’t mean its great and worth it in the end.

For instance, the surgical suite. Let’s just say it was a waste-of-money. I’ve had my surgeries in a hospital and I’ve had them in surgical centers. The difference??? One’s in a hospital, one’s in a surgical center paid for by doctors.

The End.

I was the only patient, as they claimed, so therefore I was treated as if I was the only patient. (easy enough). The surgeon asked what kind of music I wanted in the O.R…uumm, why do I care when I’ll be passed out? So, I said whatever they wanted. The nurse was nice. Even gave me the best I.V. I’ve EVER had. In the wrist even (my 1st) and it was completely pain free.

All the other dr.s were nice but really. Really! What was I thinking it was going to be like?? Grandiose, I suppose. And grandiose, it was not. What WAS grandiose was the cost of it.

I digress.

I was too embarrassed to whip my massively big camera out so I only got me in the bathroom minutes before the surgery.
yep, that’s me looking awesome at 6:30 in the morning.

After 3 deep breathes, I was out to the world and they went to town on my feet. By the time I came to it was 2 hours later and the nurse was talking to me. Then the Dr. came over and told me everything that happened. All I remember is I stared at him dumbfounded by his report. I asked questions even though we both knew I wouldn’t recall any, if not just pieces of the conversation. My mind was reeling.

After informing me they gave me an ‘ankle block’ (which I have to say, is the best thing ever) explaining that they completely numbed me from my ankles down to reduce my pain (crazy, scary and awesome all at the same time), they wheeled me out to the car with instructions to rest for the next couple of days.

As my mom drove me home, I kept asking her the same questions over and over, doing everything to comprehend what the dr. told me and if what he had said was really true.

And why doctors feel the need to cover for other doctors…

ps. I have some exciting news, but I’m going to wait to make sure it really is as exciting as I’m thinking, to share. Nice cliffhanger, right? Sorry.

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I’m thankful for 19

I’m alive. Were you nervous?? I’m plastered on the couch (really, that’s nothing new) but more forced than before since walking is a trial for me. But the weekend couldn’t have been better since my sweet and wonderful mom was here to do just about everything for me.

’just about’ because..a girl has to retain some dignity here!

If you saw on twitter, the Dr. told me some things that are making me scratch my head in confusion but all in all everything went well and over the next day or so, I’ll go over what he said.

For now, it’s a thanks giving day.

I’m thankful for:
- my mom. She drove 3 1/2 hours back. Cooked from 6am-6pm and froze it all so I could have meals to eat for days. Cleaned every dish, brought me anything I needed, scolded me when I did too much and loved on me every minute possible. I love you Mom!
yumminess that I devoured the first night. You know you wish you had these boots, right?


- the Dr. for removing every last neuroma I have and the calls he’s made each and every day to see how I’m recovering.

- my friends and family who are quick to offer any help at the drop of a hat.

- all of YOU for your sweet words and thoughtful prayers. I felt each and every one of them and I can’t thank you enough for taking time to lift me up to Him.

- the cooler weather, long naps in the middle of the day and pain medication.

- the Lord for allowing me the chance to have this surgery after the defeat of hearing from multiple doctors that nothing can ever be done; will ever be fixed. That I’ll have to live with all the pain for life. He brought me to Dr. Wang that gave me hope and the chance to be ‘normal’ again.

- and finally G-man who pushed me to not give up. Who knew there was someone out there who could do the job. Who always had the hope and determination to make me better and do it at any cost. I love him so much!

Romans 5:3-5
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

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Eeeek, I’ve been cut!!

Yep, it’s happening, or happened (depending on when you’re seeing this)

I’ve been cut open like a dead fish, gutted and thrown on the grill.
via

OK, still going on with the dramatics.

If you think about it, pray for me. Pray the surgery went well, pray I’m recovering well, pray we make it home safely from Los Angeles so I can rest.

Thanks everyone for all all your support leading up to today.

And before I go, let me clarify something from Tuesday's post. I’m not sure if a certain comment was a bad comment or a neutral comment about my abs but let me set the record straight about what I do. and lets all note that in Tuesday’s post I never said I did straight abs, okie dokie?

I’m naturally thin. When I don’t workout for awhile, I get a little soft but (though some may hate me) once I do abs again, they immediately come back. Now, that’s just me.

A person has to be under a certain body fat percentage in order to have a ‘flat stomach.’ G-man and I are always having conversations about doing straight abs and how you’ll NEVER get a 6 pack doing them alone. Yet, I can..it’s just the way I’ve always been, again because I’m under that percentage.

With that said, I’ve been working out 5 days a week. Since I’ve been working someone else out, I’ve been doing cardio just about every single day. I do abs 1-3 days a week, a quick 15 minute dvd and arms. All of that coupled with eating right and lots and lots of water allow me to be fit and toned. Which is my ultimate goal. That picture was actually taken after a cardio day and not an ab day.

Obviously cardio has helped me slim down more.

AAAAAAANY WAAAAY! I’m tired of talking about this. Let’s focus on what really matters. Prayers make my heart smile as I recover. Thanks everyone! Have a fabulous time this weekend with your loved ones.

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Butterflies affluttering

The big day is tomorrow. I go under the knife. duh duh duuuuuuh!

I’m feeling like making it dramatic today.

I told a woman last week that I was getting a boob job. She believed me and then said she thought about one too. At that point I had to come clean at which point she didn’t believe me. And then it took me and 3 others to convince her it was my feet I was having surgery on.

I’m a good liar. It’s a fine quality thing of mine.

I actually started to get butterflies at the beginning of the week thinking about the recovery. I don’t care too much about the procedure, I’m out for that. It’s the recovery I’m not looking forward to and because of me thinking about my past recoveries I started getting trepidatious (there’s no proper spelling for that word, uh weird).

The last surgery, the bandages were so tight my feet throbbed for 6 days straight. 6 days of barely able to sleep because of the pain. I pray they aren’t tight this time. But I don’t think they will be because it doesn’t sound like it’ll be anything like the last surgery.

He’s giving me dissolvable stitches. I think that’s insane!!!! I won’t have to go back to him after 10 days to remove them because..they’ll have vanished in thin air. poof  that’s crazy! Everything he’s telling me, I’m just blown away by and in awe of all the possibilities he’s claiming.

So, Mom and I are heading to Los Angeles today a little early since my sweet friend's birthday is today! And because we have a very nasty early morning ahead of us. I chose not to change the surgery time so thanks to me, I have to be at the surgical center by 6:15 AM! bleh! What was I thinking?!

Until TOMORROW!

I’m wanting to fixate on pretty, sooo

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Is there one way to pray?

How do you pray?

via

I’ve really been thinking about this a lot over the past couple of weeks and I really have been wondering if my way of prayer is…redundant.

Matthew 6:7 states
And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.

Every morning I spend time in the word. After, I pray. Sometimes its 30 minutes because I have so much to pray for but I realized it’s the same things every single day. Every day. And I’ve been wondering, is it necessary? Is it necessary to pray over the same things every. single. day?

God knows my prayers before I even think them. And it’s not like He’s rolling His eyes when I say the same prayer day in and day out but, seriously, I can’t help but think He would. Yes, I know He’s nothing like my human ways, but I wonder if it’s one of those things He thinks, ‘at what point is she going to trust in Me over these things and move on!??’ Again, I know He doesn’t think like my sinful flesh does.

The sweet and lovely Amy did a post about her prayer journals and she told me I should start one up. I’ve never done one before and didn’t really know how to do it or what I was doing with it but I thought it was worth a shot.

I was having a really hard week emotionally last week when I started it. I wrote a few, cried and had to stop. The next morning however, I felt better. Lighter. More at peace even. Since that night, I haven’t really been praying as much over those things.

And because of that, it really made me question how to pray. I actually really enjoy talking to God through prayer. Throughout my day I’ll have random conversations with Him. He really knows how to comfort me. So now I’ve been wondering what to pray for.

If I’m writing them down or if I talk to Him about something once then what will I have to talk to God about? My life isn’t so fraught with trouble and depression that I need to have things to pray over every single day but if I stop the repetition, what will I pray about?

Philippians 4:6 is clear
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

My prayers are filled with thanksgiving, but maybe there needs to be more of it. Though I lose sight quickly, I have a lot more than many others do. And maybe, when I’m feeling down and depressed about where I am in my life, I need to instead praise Him and thank Him for where I am and that He knows why He has me here and not ask and cry why God why!

Does anyone have any insight?

How do you pray? Is it the same way as I’ve done all this time?

Do you have a prayer journal? And if you do, have you seen benefits from it? Pin It Now!

Dear Jillian Michaels, I now understand

I understand why you yell at people. I still don’t care for it, but I now fully and completely understand.

I’m working someone out. I know its lame, but I can’t talk too much about it, but they need help.

Enter ME.

There have been quite a few people who have referred to me as “Jillian Michaels” as I describe the workouts and my demeanor to them. Some in a good way…some not so good way.

But I don’t yell….but I can see where I could…

It can be frustrating listening to all the complaining and excuses being made, but I’m learning to not care and push them even harder. harsh? I don’t think so. But I know they think so. Maybe I’ll create a different approach.

I used this line the other day after they stopped in the middle of a set, ‘the longer you stop, the more we’re going to do.’ Needless to say we doubled that set.

Moving on…

I find a little pleasure in working people out. I’m not sure if I could do this as a full time thing, but I like knowing we’re both getting the benefit since I’m kinda getting a workout in too. And to see them go further than they did the day before or do more then they thought they could do is encouraging. But I get too emotionally involved I think. I get frustrated too easily at the lack of desire intensity devotion commitment to it.

A month ago I set a goal to work out 5 days a week. I’m doing really good. Now if you saw it, I said 6 days, but that proved too much for me and stuck with 5. 3 weeks in I was doing great, 4th week I got completely burned out by it and did I think 4 days. Thankfully with me working this person out, it’s enabled me to keep working out, albeit later in the day.

I admit, I’ve only done Ab Ripper X once in a week. But since I’ve worked out, my abs are rocking!

And my most difficult area, my legs are coming along too. Even my mom commented that she can tell they’ve toned up and my cankles aren’t so cankl-ee anymore. They’ve actually thinned down…since my calves have also thinned down. I’m so stinking happy at that report! It’s so hard for me to tell looking down on them.

I’ve slacked off on the push ups too, but I did 100 the other day and about died! This push up app that I have on my phone is destined to kill me.

I only have a few more days of hard workouts to do before I have my surgery so I really want to stay consistent with them all the way up to the end when I have to take a few weeks off. So here’s to pushing hard!!

How are you doing with your workouts??

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I’m thankful for 18

Did everyone have a nice Father’s Day weekend? I didn’t get to spend it with my Dad but I made sure I let him know how much I love him.

I actually have a TON to be thankful for this week.

I’m thankful for:
- My Dad. He is a pretty great Dad. He might think of a million reasons why he isn’t but to me, he’s the best.

- New friends who make me laugh, real hard.

- 1 new friend in particular (I hope you don’t mind my sharing…you DID post this on facebook, sooo) after we became official friends, you know, FB friends (making it official) I sent her a ‘hi new friend’ note and she wrote this:

”I've always (ok, like for several months) secretly wanted to meet you and be your friend... nerdy, I know... but now that I have, I'm glad!!”

That seriously made my day, by the way. And I’m SO glad too, because I’ve seen you ‘across the way’ too and have always wanted to get to know you. You’re hilarious, adorable pregnant (cause that’s all I’ve known you as) sweet and an awesome gift giver. *cough birthday coming cough cough* – I kid.

- A hilariously great time at a bridal shower. I picked the right table to sit at, that’s all I’m going to say.

- My love’s safe arrival to X country's cousin, Y country. He’s gone again, even farther than normal. *sigh*

this was us splurging on 1st class on our way back from Europe. We all had individual seats that laid down into beds. In short, it was fabulous. Him traveling just made me think of it.


- God still showing me He’s taking care of and providing for me when I forget and begin to get scared.

- Still having insurance for some unknown reason. I know for a fact I’m not supposed to have it, yet they’re paying my most recent Dr. bills. I’m baffled but blessed and don’t want to ask questions.

Psalm 52:9
I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it, And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.

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Cause he’s my Dad, that’s why

Just a small reason why I love him.


I’m his favorite. Don’t believe me? Just ask him…and then my Mom. (she’ll confirm it too)

Being the baby of the family has it’s perks, like being their favorite. Its great.

Though it’s unexplainable, I don’t remember a lot of my childhood, let alone my teenage years. No, I didn’t do anything ‘mind altering,’ I just can’t remember.

But one memory that I recall as a 4 or 5 year old is me sitting in the family rocking chair with my dad sitting at my feet gently lifting my foot out of a tub of warm water and slowly pulling a nail out of my foot. Slowly because he said it wasn’t wanting to come out.

That’s all I remember of it all. Just that part. My mom filled in the rest telling me (just last night, THANKS Mom!!) that I was jumping off the fence and landed right on top of a 2x4 with a nail sticking straight up. It went straight in between 2 bones and came out the top.

Picturing it?? Sweet, right?

They rushed me to the doctor where he said to take me home and soak it in water (and salt, maybe?) and pull it on out.

let’s pause..a dr. telling the parents of a 4 year old to take her home and do it themselves…would that happen now a days?? doubt it.

And that’s what he did. My strong Dad!

That word doesn’t even begin to describe him either.

Another memory: 8 or 9, he comes in the door, home from work with his hand wrapped up. While he was on a roof working, the head of the sledgehammer makes contact with his middle finger, smashing the bone. He tapes it up and keeps working the rest of the day and the day after that.

It’s permanently bent from healing on it’s own.

Another: early 20’s, he’s cutting a piece of wood with a table saw, it moves or is about to fall (fuzzy on how) but his hand gets caught in the revolving saw, stopping in the protective shield.

He almost severs all of his fingers. His pinky is barely hanging on. He begins to wrap it up but my brother was there and insisted he go to the dr.

Each needle the dr. goes to use bends at the contact of my dad’s skin. It’s so callused and rough from work, the needles won’t penetrate.

That’s my Dad. Hard working, loyal, strong, honest, devoted, lover of God, goofy, tender, loving and mine. A man once said, ‘if you ever want to shake the hand of a man who’s worked all his life, shake my Dad’s hand. It will hurt.’

Wouldn’t trade him for any other father out there.

I am my father’s daughter. We eat Excedrin like it’s candy..which reminds me of another memory. He, me, 10 candy bars each, 1 night.

Priceless



I love you Dad.

Your favorite,
Grisel

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Boy, aren’t you a lucky duck!

It’s Friday and I figure I’d save you from a dark and down post, because it. was. coming. You’re welcome.

I actually didn’t get a chance to finish it before I had to leave for a few hours and now I’m in such a great and happy mood that it just didn’t fit me anymore. And I definitely didn’t want to creep back into it by finishing the post.

So any hoo, I’m happy right now. woot woot!

Let’s all capitalize on this moment, shall we?? Do you need a pick me up today? I’m your gal. Need that encouraging word? Seek me out. Want a joke?? I got plenty, and yes they are hee-larious. Every single 3 of them. Need a hug? I’m..well, I’ve lost my ability to hug actually.

I get all uncomfortable, which will make you uncomfortable because we’re doing the whole jerky movement forward thing. Is she going in? No, do I go in? Um, ok I’ll just lean back a little more to show I’m officially not going in, because what if she wasn’t going in?

Aaaaand then I wave to increase the awkwardness because you’re only 3 feet away from me and I’m practically waving to your face.

Don’t believe me? I did that last night. I made a ‘going in’ move but it was innocent because I was talking and I flail my arms when I speak (just ask anyone who knows me)
and the woman made a jerking movement as if to go in for the hug and saw I stopped then she stopped and 1 minute later I’m waving.

The End!

Well for that any way. It’s Friday so go do something tonight or tomorrow or tomorrow night. The sky is the limit because it’s the weekend.

I leave you with my awesome gas mileage from all my trips. My SUV is pretty darn awesome with it’s gas mileage and yes of course I took a picture of it while driving…you’re telling me you wouldn’t?!

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I’m the best auntie ever

This is not the most truthful statement. I’ve failed miserably in the Aunt department many many times. I have 9 nieces and nephews with one on the way, sometime July/August, it’s a girl! 3 boys 7 girls. Good odds I think.

My nephew actually cried when he found out my SIL was having another girl. Poor guy.

When I was hanging with the parentals this past weekend, my sister brought her family on over and we grilled out. Her hubby rocked the grilled chicken, not to mention everything else was fantastic.

But back to the cute little ones. I pretended I knew what I was doing and took some pictures of them. I hadn’t seen the youngest for months, so it was fun playing with her.

Prepare yourselves for loads of darling pictures of my nieces and nephew. I love them just a little bit.


Striking a pose!




I’m so happy (‘except when I’m screaming’ says her mom.)


 
Did I mention that I braided her hair? She loved it, not gonna lie. It was the first time I’ve ever done a little girl’s hair, not gonna lie about that either.

I know this is dark, but I like it this way.


I love her concentration.

These 2 have a special bond, I hear.


I liked having our shadows in the back and I like my sister’s expression.

Afterward, my niece asked if I would paint her nails. So I did both toes and fingers, then had my sister paint mine.

I sure hope I have 2 girls so they can have sister things to do. Very important, I think.

Do you have a sister? Are there certain things you would all do together?

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You’re going to be jealous

I’m just going to warn you…you will be very jealous of me.

Effective immediately! That’s right, 11 days before my surgery, immediately!

To save face, I’ll refrain on whether or not I will be using this pre surgery.

To say I’m excited to have this sweet bright red baby in my hands would be an understatement. I’m ecstatic!

6 whole months with this puppy is like holding gold in my hands each and every time I want to go ANYWHERE. Any state, any store, aaaaannnnyyyywhere.

Ok, sorry, I wanted to jump up and down when she handed it to me, but the woman thought I had already had the surgery and I didn’t correct her, so I walked out with calm restraint and naturally jumped in the car to snap this picture!

This makes me look forward to this surgery all the more…please don’t do your ‘wow that’s pathetic’ head shake. One time a week is all I can take…

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I drive I bake I eat

These are the 3 things I’ve done most recently. Driving more than anything.

It’s getting old. Like real old.

I’m coming back from L.A today and here’s something trippy…I haven’t even left home yet…Is it a faux pas that I’m telling you I wrote this yesterday to have it ready to go?

Forgive me if it is, but I have to leave in 1 1/2 hours for L.A and my hair is still in a towel, I still have to finish shopping for a bridal shower I’m attending today and drop it off at someone’s house and wash the dishes…UGH!

I have a lot to do.

Let me correct something from yesterday…I love that many of you believed that I’m capable of growing all those tomatoes…however they are my mom’s. She is the grower of all things, NOT me. That’s her garden. She’s a growing fool! (no, I am not calling my mom a fool…)

So I baked. After 6 days straight of claiming I was going to bake banana bread. I finally did it on the last day at my parents. A heavy guilt trip may or may not have been applied, forcing my hand. In their defense, I did claim to them for 2 days that I would make them..I even brought my over over ripe bananas. Then my sister got involved on the guilting…

In short (because all of this was supposed to be short) it was awesome! Like world class awesome…


This past weekend, my mom made her famous (famous for the family any way) salsa. We live for this salsa, we breathe for this salsa. It. was. good.

She gave me some to take home in a jar. I was so excited. 1. because I got some for my very own. and 2. because it was in this jar. Don’t ask me why I was so excited for that, but I was.


Now I must continue my productivity and get on the road. Pray for me. My driving around idiots morons people who don’t know how to drive, is really testing my patience, resolve, sanity and sweet and kind demeanor.

Ooh ooh, real quick. When I was driving home from my parents Sunday night, I was miserable and angry with everyone around me and I wouldn’t talk to God about it to help. So, over an hour into it, the peeps around me were better so I was relaxing and thought of the funniest (maybe just to me) joke!

God is with you/me all the time. Everywhere you go He’s there. So I was thinking of Him in the passenger seat next to me, when I was refusing to talk to Him. When I thought about the carpool lane. If God is with me in the car right now, why shouldn’t I be able to use the carpool lane when I’m in L.A??? It’s 2 or more!! Which would make a total 4!

You know, Father, Son and Holy Spirit…

I think if I get pulled over, I may just use this. or not..

Was that a bad joke? Did you chuckle just a little bit? Shake your head at me, in a ‘wow, that’s pretty pathetic’ kind of way??

It made me chuckle and relax even more, so it helped me a bit at the time. *sigh*
Ok NOW I’m leaving.

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I’m thankful for 17

Could it have been a nicer weekend? Time with my family couldn’t have been better. I was able to get my niece and nephew fix, which was nice. I hope you all had an equally nice weekend.

Today starts another crazy busy week, only to lead to another crazy busy week, but I’ll just bring myself back to today and not look too far into the chaos.

I’m thankful for great coffee time with a friend. And more that she chose McDonalds and not Starbucks. Sorry all you Starbucks lovers, I can’t quite stand it anymore.

I’m thankful for a weekend with my family. It’s been a little bit too long since I’ve seen them so it was nice to visit, relax and enjoy the time I had with them, and see the wonderful vegetable and fruit garden my mom’s growing.

Let me ask you, do you consider a tomato a vegetable or a fruit??

I’m thankful for the hope of ‘happy’ feet again. G-man had and happily took the opportunity to say, “I told you so” with knowing this Dr. would provide the hope I needed to feel it was possible and I now have the hope and can’t wait to see what the recovery will hold for me.

I’m thankful for wonderful support from friends and family for the upcoming surgery. All the well wishes I received last week really do mean a lot to me. Thank you!

I’m thankful for a confident relaxed doctor who has to be one of the easiest doctors I’ve talked to.

I’m thankful for the 2 hour nap I got 5 minutes after I woke up and made my bed. I got as far as putting my socks on to work out and next thing I pitched over on my pillows and was out. Woke up just long enough to fold the blanket over like a taco and had the best nap ever. It was needed apparently.

Happy Monday to everyone. Let’s start it off right, shall we? Enjoy this beautiful weather!

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50 days to 30

I’m all about the numbers this week apparently. 100, 15, and now 50.

But this number signifies how many days…can you guess?? That’s right folks!! How many days till my 30th birthday!

Oh my goodness gracious, the world is coming to an end!!

Alright, I exaggerate just a teeny bit. I actually had have absolutely no problem with the idea of me being 30…until I chose to write this post. True story, when I thought of writing this, I was laying in bed waiting to fall asleep (as is my norm with blog brain storming) and creating my post in my mind and I started to freak out.

30! 30!!!!

Ever since I can remember, every single year as my birthday would approach and someone would ask my age, I would be quick to say, “I’ll be 24 in 4 months.” “I’ll be 26 in 3 months.” “I’ll be 28 in just a few months.” And this year is no exception. I’m telling people when they ask my age that I’ll be 30 in a couple months.

I don’t know why it is but as my birthdays draw near, I get this weird idea that my current age is too young. That it’s an immature age. 29. That’s SO immature, right? puh!

My thoughts this year on being 29 is that it’s at that point where I’m almost 30. 30, the age of maturity…the age where I feel I’m a real “woman.” 29 is too much in the 20’s to feel or sound or seem mature.

I understand this sounds really absurd. That being in my 20’s is a great thing. Being 29 has been wonderful for me. And that there’s absolutely NO REASON to rush into being older.

I wonder at what age I’ll stop projecting my age. I wonder at what age I’ll feel my actual age. I now completely understand when someone older than me says they feel like they’re in their 20’s. I understand because I feel like I’m 22. Silly, awkward, dorky at times.  I don’t feel like I thought (when younger) an ‘almost’ 30 year old should feel like. –which, I still don’t know how that is 1 1/2 months out.

But it’s approaching, and quickly. And even though I imagined my life completely different by the time I reached my 30th birthday when I was younger, I’m so content and at peace with where God has me now. To know and see and experience all He wanted me to experience that wasn’t anything what I, my little self, thought I should.

So here’s to 49 more days as a 29 year old. I will consciously make the effort, if asked my age leading up, to state proudly 29, since it will be in fact the last remaining days I’ll ever be able to answer with a ‘2’ in front.

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15 days to doomsday

Wait, what? It already came and went?! Dang, I’m always the last to know these things.

I guess it’ll just have to be 15 days until I have surgery again.

15 days and counting! Can I get a woot woot!!? I’m woot wootin over here.
(haha, the words‘woot wootin’ are making me laugh)

Friday, June 24th is the BIG day, down in Santa Monica. My mommy is going to take me. I love moms, don’t you?

Can I just say, I’m kinda looking forward to it? Yeah yeah of course because it could actually fix all the pain I’ve been having for over a year now but the REAL reason…because they said I’ll be in a ‘surgical suite.’ Am I that pretentious?

No, I’m not. However… their office said my surgery will be in a surgical center where they dote on you as if you’re the only patient there. They actually refer to it as a surgical suite. Who wouldn’t want surgery knowing that little bit of information!? It’s currently scheduled at 0730, but you know I’ll be changing it to later…because he said I could change it to whatever time I want, because, well it’s in the suite.

I think I’m feeling a bit too prissy right now…

You can count on me taking pictures while I’m there. During my conscious moments of course.

I really can’t wait to see just how different this whole process will be. From start to finish, I’m on pins and needles with anticipation.

that’s a slight lie and a slight joke and a slight bit of sarcasm…all rolled into one little sentence. I’m on FIR-AH!

KABOOM!

And this is me fizzling out…


Forgive my analogies. I’m feeling exceptionally funny today.

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Happy 100 to me

So this marks my 100th post. Insane in the membrane…Insane in the brain!!

Ok, tell me you all just sang that along with me, so I don’t feel like a complete dork.

What will I do today to commemorate my 100th post, you ask? Well, I think I’ll do what most do (I’m such a follower) and talk about myself, of course! haha, I kid. I kid..sorta

Since my very first post back in February, I went from my 1 friend following me to 34 wonderful people willing to read about lil’ ol’ me. Ya’ll make me smile with each and every comment you leave me. Cross my heart it’s true!

Since I feel I’m full of wisdom (no, not full of hot air…WISDOM) I felt I should share some with you so you too can feel what I feel daily.

- When you spend decent money on patio furniture, take a little bit better care of the cushions, so you can actually utilize the furniture.


Tears me up every time I see my sad chairs sitting outside all lonesome, wondering why I have been so negligent.

…did you think it would be blogging wisdom? Alright alright, I guess I can do that too.

- If you have a blogger account, check to see if your email address is enabled. This let’s me and everyone else respond to your comment you’ve thoughtfully taken the time to leave. Here’s how you do it: go into your dashboard and click “edit profile” beside your picture.  Then check the box next to “show my email address” (if it isn’t checked) and BAM! now we can respond to your comment or question you left.

It’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. Promise.

-  Break up your paragraphs. If you see my first, second and third posts that I ever wrote, you’d see how big my paragraphs were. Loooong and kinda hard to read. (albeit good stuff )
But if you shorten your paragraphs down, we the reader have a much better experience with your blog. And it really helps the eyes too.

Then there’s the obvious:
- No music
- Get the pop up comment box
- Remove the funky word we have to write. (now, I just did this to test it out. It doesn’t bother me all that much to type it in, but apparently it bothers A LOT of other bloggers and some won’t even leave comments because of it. They claim you’ll get a lot more comments when you remove it. Eh, I guess we’ll see.)
- Simplify things

And then for me, personally, I like when the print isn’t itty bitty or in such a pale color, my eyes strain to read the print. OR the background is all black. For some reason, all black backgrounds REALLY hurt my eyes. I’ll generally leave the blog immediately if I see that. As good as it may be, it’s not worth the pain.

I better stop there. If I continue then ya’ll will have as much wisdom as me and then, what fun would that be for me? Am I right?

Thanks everyone for a great 5 months of blogging!! I’ve loved getting to know you all!

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What would your sign be?

No, not talking about that kind of sign. I don’t do that stuff. I’m talking about if you had your own restaurant or business, what sign you would put up for all your customers to read.

When I was in Los Angeles visiting my friend, we went to a Thai restaurant after her Honor’s ceremony. She hadn’t been in years since her husband isn’t keen on the place, so no biggie, I said I was up for it.

The food was decent, they were about to close so maybe they didn’t care that much but it wasn’t like it was anything they could screw up. So any way! I look over her shoulder and see this sign.

ignore the cell phone grade quality

 
Does someone want to explain this to me?!

The 2 most random things to not be responsible for together. Am I right!?

So, I want to hear it. What sign would you put up in your store/restaurant that you’d want your customers to know.

I’m dying to know!! Once you all tell me yours, I’ll tell you what my sign would say. Pin It Now!

I’m thankful for 16

I have to say that it’s June and it’s been raining and cold all weekend long. And the crazy thing is, I don’t mind. I actually love it. It would normally be around 100 or higher here with humidity, so why in the world would I complain about it staying cooler, ya feel me?

It made me want to nap on the couch all weekend long and eat ice cream.

I’m really missing this a lot lately. Okay, I’m really missing who’s here a lot lately.


I’m thankful for my love sending me a card in the mail just to say he loves me. He didn’t even tell me he sent it, which made it that much better. What’s even greater is, I sent him a card without telling him and we got them both on the same day.

I’m thankful for all of you and your sweet words last week. I really am amazed that I’ve been given the opportunity to get to know all of you and make such great friends. (can I call you friends??)

I’m thankful for saving $4 with coupons. I know its hardly anything but I was really excited I actually used coupons and saved money.

I’m thankful for the Lord carrying me through my up and down moments.

I’m thankful for learning a new hairstyle. I knew like, 3 different ways to do my hair and now I know 4. Yippy! I really am excited for this. I’ve never been good at doing hair.

I’m thankful for all the rain. It waters the crops and farms, not to mention my little basil plant that I planted in my neighbor’s planter. Truthfully, this is a selfish thanks, since I don’t have to go and water it for a few days now.

I actually had a dream while it was raining that the rain made my basil grow from 3 little stems to 50 little basil stems. I was very excited in my dream. I know I’ll be disappointed when I go and see it.

How was the weather for everyone else? Are you dying in the heat?? The heat we’re supposed to be having? Or wearing sweaters like me? I still work out every morning in a sweatshirt.


Psalm 100
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.
Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.

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I’m on it like a cork in a wine bottle

I’m finally getting around to posting the pictures from the wine tasting we did last Friday. A whole week later, yikes, but at least they’re here. I know you all were just wondering when the heck I was going to show you all…am I right?

Indulge me any way, okie dokie pokie?

By the way, be prepared for an overload. I don’t do anything small. It’s go big or go home over here. It’s all or nothing. It’s the big easy…no…no, that’s not right.

We started out at some place I don’t remember and don’t like the pictures from so we’ll skip ahead to the 3rd, yet 2nd winery. The actual 2nd turned out to be a disappointing room in a warehouse by a mechanic shop and we just couldn’t figure out why they’d open up there. Worst location ever. So we left.

No, these aren’t real and no I didn’t attempt to eat them.


The fabulous wall where all the magic happened. And by magic I mean pictures.

My friend (the birthday girl) and her boyfriend









We eventually moved on to a smaller family owned winery where we ended up locking the keys in the car. Our new motto is:
If you could lock your keys in your car anywhere, let it be a winery.
Ok, so it isn’t the best motto and I could think of better places, but we made the best of our situation…


…and broke into the bottle of wine that we bought and relaxed while waiting for AAA.


If we hadn’t locked the keys in the car, we never would have seen this peacock wooing female pigeons. He apparently isn’t picky.

Ever seen the back of a peacock? We hadn’t either. You’re welcome.


If we hadn’t locked the keys in the car, we wouldn’t have found this snake.


And she wouldn’t have gotten her snake fix.

If we hadn’t locked the keys in the car we never would have been able to decompress from the day, relax and enjoy each other’s company. We were all very happy the keys were locked in the car.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

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