Pretty sure everyone who doesn't live in a shell knows there was an earthquake in Haiti in January. When the earthquake happend, our church sent a team of doctors and nurses down to help. As soon as I heard about the trip, I told my mom I wanted to go. Even though I wanted to go, I knew there were people who could go who could give more at the time than I could. Being a super emotional, tender-hearted person, I also knew it may not be the best idea for me to go to a place where so many were hurting. I was sure I would spend the week I got back crying my eyes out, because I couldn't bring everyone home with me. On top of all the emotions, I also thought it may not be the best thing for my health to go out of the country to a place where so many diseases were everywhere.
After realizing all this, my husband and I decided to donate money to the team that went. Even though it has been over two months, I still think about Haiti often. I try not to look at pictures and articles, because it only made me sad. Still thinking there wasn't much I could do, I just continued to pray for the teams going to Haiti.
Last week, our Sunday School teacher was able to go on a trip to Haiti. Sunday morning, he showed us his pictures and told us about his trip. Through his pictures, I was able to see so many children who were so thirsty for love and attention. Sitting in Sunday School, God began to change my heart and show some things to me.
My health isn't great. But my God is. If He wants me in Haiti, my health is not an issue. I may be a little scared to expose me and my lack of immune system to a place where conditions aren't so great. But I'm even more scared to ignore the calling of a Heavenly Father who holds His children in His hands.
I'm not a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. I may not be able to provide much of any Haitian physical needs. But I know the unconditional love of an Almighty God, and that can satisfy the emotional needs of many. If anything can give hope to people in need, it's God's love. His love just happens to be one thing I know about and one thing I can show to others. Therefore, it would not be a waste for me to go to Haiti.
If I'm good at anything, it is loving. I had heard it wasn't the best idea to hug on the kids, because of the diseases they may carry. But when thinking about this, God laid something on my heart. If I hug a child, and I contract a disease they carry, so what? At least on more child was able to experience a love they didn't deserve, just like I did when I met my Father. At least I will come back to a country where medicines and doctors aren't hard to find. If a disease isn't curable, at least I was following the commands of our Lord when He said, "Love one another." I can't be sitting here worrying about how it will effect my quality of life, if I love on another person who needs it.
In Isaiah God asks, "Whom shall I send? And will go for us?"
To that I say, "Here am I. Send me!"
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Who knew?
I can't believe it is almost Friday. I feel like all I accomplished this week was minimal cleaning. And I say minimal, because whatever I clean will be unclean within 3 hours.
I was raised with two sisters. So until I got married, the only male I ever cleaned after was my daddy. And unlike most men, my daddy is a very clean person. I had no idea how big of a blessing it was to learn to clean house and do chores where only girls lived until I started cleaning after my husband, our nephew, and our two boy dogs. My goodness the males species is messy! I don't understand it. I can not get my mind to comprehend the drastic difference in cleanliness between men and women.
This week, I have cleaned the hardwood floors in our house three times! THREE! It's only Thursday!I park in the same garage, and my shoes never track the red dirt I see on the floor!
I clean the kitchen, wait for the next stomach to growl and clean it again. As soon as the dishes are clean, I unload the dishwasher. No less than an hour later, there will be dirty dishes in the sink. Is it too much to reach a little lower than the sink to open the dishwasher and put it in there? The automatic response when I ask this is, "Well, I never know if the dishes are dirty or clean!" To this I say two things: 1) Open the dishwasher and look! 2) The screen on the dishwasher has an arrow next to the word 'clean' and 'sanitized', if the arrow is red, they are clean. If the arrow is black, they are dirty! Duh......
This is the one that really makes my head spin....the toilet. After cleaning both toilets on Tuesday, I messaged my friend to inform her I would rather clean a nasty gas station womens' restroom's toilet than clean one man's private toilet. I don't know how they can lift the seat, see what I see and not vomit! And are they blind to stuff growing around the edge of the water?! When there is a dark ring around the edge of the water, find some toilet cleaner! And for goodness sakes, if you don't know where it is or how to use it, come find me. I would rather clean it then instead of three weeks later when I stumble upon cleaning a restroom I don't use.
I've always said I don't want daughters; I want all boys.
God, while you read my blog, please hear my cry. I don't know what I was thinking. I would love to have a daughter or two.
Love,
Your toilet cleaning, dishwasher loading, daily hardwood floor cleaning daughter,
Jenn Jenn
I was raised with two sisters. So until I got married, the only male I ever cleaned after was my daddy. And unlike most men, my daddy is a very clean person. I had no idea how big of a blessing it was to learn to clean house and do chores where only girls lived until I started cleaning after my husband, our nephew, and our two boy dogs. My goodness the males species is messy! I don't understand it. I can not get my mind to comprehend the drastic difference in cleanliness between men and women.
This week, I have cleaned the hardwood floors in our house three times! THREE! It's only Thursday!I park in the same garage, and my shoes never track the red dirt I see on the floor!
I clean the kitchen, wait for the next stomach to growl and clean it again. As soon as the dishes are clean, I unload the dishwasher. No less than an hour later, there will be dirty dishes in the sink. Is it too much to reach a little lower than the sink to open the dishwasher and put it in there? The automatic response when I ask this is, "Well, I never know if the dishes are dirty or clean!" To this I say two things: 1) Open the dishwasher and look! 2) The screen on the dishwasher has an arrow next to the word 'clean' and 'sanitized', if the arrow is red, they are clean. If the arrow is black, they are dirty! Duh......
This is the one that really makes my head spin....the toilet. After cleaning both toilets on Tuesday, I messaged my friend to inform her I would rather clean a nasty gas station womens' restroom's toilet than clean one man's private toilet. I don't know how they can lift the seat, see what I see and not vomit! And are they blind to stuff growing around the edge of the water?! When there is a dark ring around the edge of the water, find some toilet cleaner! And for goodness sakes, if you don't know where it is or how to use it, come find me. I would rather clean it then instead of three weeks later when I stumble upon cleaning a restroom I don't use.
I've always said I don't want daughters; I want all boys.
God, while you read my blog, please hear my cry. I don't know what I was thinking. I would love to have a daughter or two.
Love,
Your toilet cleaning, dishwasher loading, daily hardwood floor cleaning daughter,
Jenn Jenn
Friday, March 19, 2010
You Make Me Smile
Things that put a smile on my face today:
1) Beautiful Sunrise this morning
2) My memaw's laugh
3) While working out this morning, when I looked out the window there were golfers everywhere!
4)Looking up this afternoon, there was not one cloud in sight.
5)Lunch with my Kristie on the patio at On the Border
6)Jeff came home wearing a Yankees hat (not only did it make me smile, but it melted my heart too!)
7) Finding the Arkansas vs. LSU baseball game on tv
8)Finally hearing my favorite sound in the world....the sound when the ball hits the baseball bat!
Its here! Its here! It's finally here! I love baseball season!
1) Beautiful Sunrise this morning
2) My memaw's laugh
3) While working out this morning, when I looked out the window there were golfers everywhere!
4)Looking up this afternoon, there was not one cloud in sight.
5)Lunch with my Kristie on the patio at On the Border
6)Jeff came home wearing a Yankees hat (not only did it make me smile, but it melted my heart too!)
7) Finding the Arkansas vs. LSU baseball game on tv
8)Finally hearing my favorite sound in the world....the sound when the ball hits the baseball bat!
Its here! Its here! It's finally here! I love baseball season!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Headlines
Our home page for Internet Explorer is msn.com. So every now and then, I stop and glance around at the headlines on there. Today as I was looking at all the different headlines, there were a few which caught my eye. Of course, I didn't actually click the story and read it. I just developed thoughts based only on the headlines. So I thought this would be a great place to share!
The first headline simply read "She wants to be fat".
Well, okay. She wants to be fat? What's your point? I know people who want to have a manicure at all times, but they don't get a headline on msn.com. I know a lot of people who were once upon a time part of a tanorexic community I was involved in. They don't have a headline either. I mean seriously, if she wants to be fat, let her be fat. I'm sure she knows her weight makes her 'at risk' for certain things, but so does being tan. And spending time in a toxic nail salon once a week probably isn't at the top of the 'Healthiest things to do" list. Calm down. She wants to be fat. Great! At least she knows what she wants. Not many people now days can say the same for themselves.
Next...
"Ohio woman gets married, has baby on same day"
Again, I think, "What's your point?" Is this really that rare? I know this isn't the way it is supposed to happen traditionally. I know 'Thou shall not commit adultery.' I believe in this principle. But, about the time I knew what adultery was I think I also knew what a shotgun wedding was. I think I am just very very confused as to why this is a headline. Apparently, that day in Ohio was very uneventful if that was the headline. So strange...
This one made me giggle...
"U.S. health survey; Too few exercise, Too many smoke"
Well, ya don't say? I mean who would have guessed this?! Oh wait, that's right half the commercials on tv say the same thing! Hmmm....what are the odds? Too few exercise. Yes, we know. We realized this when the latest diet commercial was for the TACO BELL DRIVE THRU! Too many smoke. Well duh...if there is a surgeon general's warning on the side of a product annoucing its link to cancer, isn't one person consuming that product, one too many?
I was a journalism major. I was taught when writing articles, the headline has to be the attention grabber. People read articles with interesting headlines or something catching their interest. After spending time working for a newspaper, I guess some people forget or get in a hurry and just decide to state the obvious. Whatever works.
The first headline simply read "She wants to be fat".
Well, okay. She wants to be fat? What's your point? I know people who want to have a manicure at all times, but they don't get a headline on msn.com. I know a lot of people who were once upon a time part of a tanorexic community I was involved in. They don't have a headline either. I mean seriously, if she wants to be fat, let her be fat. I'm sure she knows her weight makes her 'at risk' for certain things, but so does being tan. And spending time in a toxic nail salon once a week probably isn't at the top of the 'Healthiest things to do" list. Calm down. She wants to be fat. Great! At least she knows what she wants. Not many people now days can say the same for themselves.
Next...
"Ohio woman gets married, has baby on same day"
Again, I think, "What's your point?" Is this really that rare? I know this isn't the way it is supposed to happen traditionally. I know 'Thou shall not commit adultery.' I believe in this principle. But, about the time I knew what adultery was I think I also knew what a shotgun wedding was. I think I am just very very confused as to why this is a headline. Apparently, that day in Ohio was very uneventful if that was the headline. So strange...
This one made me giggle...
"U.S. health survey; Too few exercise, Too many smoke"
Well, ya don't say? I mean who would have guessed this?! Oh wait, that's right half the commercials on tv say the same thing! Hmmm....what are the odds? Too few exercise. Yes, we know. We realized this when the latest diet commercial was for the TACO BELL DRIVE THRU! Too many smoke. Well duh...if there is a surgeon general's warning on the side of a product annoucing its link to cancer, isn't one person consuming that product, one too many?
I was a journalism major. I was taught when writing articles, the headline has to be the attention grabber. People read articles with interesting headlines or something catching their interest. After spending time working for a newspaper, I guess some people forget or get in a hurry and just decide to state the obvious. Whatever works.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Oh goodness
So I had my very first allergy shot today.
I've always had pretty severe allergies. But last year was the first time in all of my 22 years I had seen an allergist. For a year, she decided allergy shots were probably not the best idea for me, because I have such severe reactions.
Earlier in the month, she decided it may be beneficial for me to start allergy shots. She was thinking if we started my dilution in a 1:1,000,000 ratio, it wouldn't bother me as bad. So I agreed. It sounded like with those numbers, surely I would be okay.
The past few weeks, no minute I spend outside goes unpunished. Even if I only spend ten minutes outside, when I get inside I will have hives and congestion. When I told the nurses this last week, she said I needed to start my shots soon because they would help with this. So yesterday, I went to the park with my husband, sisters, niece, and nephew. It may have been a pretty day to take pictures, but it wasn't a pretty day for me and my oh so active allergies. So this morning, I woke up with a super bad sinus headache. I remembered what the nurse had said about the shots, so I decided today would be a good day for my first shot.
Ha.
Before she even picks up the needle, I ask the nurse if I will have a reaction (because of how sensitive my allergies seem these days). She reassures me it is almost all water in this injection, and since I have been taking plenty of allergy medicine, I will be fine. Plus, after every shot, every patient must stay for twenty minutes before leaving. So as I walk back to my chair, I remind myself, " Mind over matter. Mind over matter. Mind over matter."
After fifteen minutes of hacking, congestion building up, tight chest and the now present numbness, I decide to tell the nurse things don't seem normal. After an Alavert, Singulair, Epi, and a breathing treatment, I'm laying on the patient table trying not scratch my hands off. My allergist soon comes down the hallway to look behind the curtain covering her most loyal patient, me. :)
She simply says, "I should have known."
Of course she should have. Why in the world would my body choose now to react to something like the average person's body? I must be crazy to think what helps other people with their allergies would help with my own.
NOTE TO SELF: Next time you expect your body to respond to treatment based on the response of an average human, simply look in the mirror. If a mirror is unavailable, remember the thickness of your medical chart.
I've always had pretty severe allergies. But last year was the first time in all of my 22 years I had seen an allergist. For a year, she decided allergy shots were probably not the best idea for me, because I have such severe reactions.
Earlier in the month, she decided it may be beneficial for me to start allergy shots. She was thinking if we started my dilution in a 1:1,000,000 ratio, it wouldn't bother me as bad. So I agreed. It sounded like with those numbers, surely I would be okay.
The past few weeks, no minute I spend outside goes unpunished. Even if I only spend ten minutes outside, when I get inside I will have hives and congestion. When I told the nurses this last week, she said I needed to start my shots soon because they would help with this. So yesterday, I went to the park with my husband, sisters, niece, and nephew. It may have been a pretty day to take pictures, but it wasn't a pretty day for me and my oh so active allergies. So this morning, I woke up with a super bad sinus headache. I remembered what the nurse had said about the shots, so I decided today would be a good day for my first shot.
Ha.
Before she even picks up the needle, I ask the nurse if I will have a reaction (because of how sensitive my allergies seem these days). She reassures me it is almost all water in this injection, and since I have been taking plenty of allergy medicine, I will be fine. Plus, after every shot, every patient must stay for twenty minutes before leaving. So as I walk back to my chair, I remind myself, " Mind over matter. Mind over matter. Mind over matter."
After fifteen minutes of hacking, congestion building up, tight chest and the now present numbness, I decide to tell the nurse things don't seem normal. After an Alavert, Singulair, Epi, and a breathing treatment, I'm laying on the patient table trying not scratch my hands off. My allergist soon comes down the hallway to look behind the curtain covering her most loyal patient, me. :)
She simply says, "I should have known."
Of course she should have. Why in the world would my body choose now to react to something like the average person's body? I must be crazy to think what helps other people with their allergies would help with my own.
NOTE TO SELF: Next time you expect your body to respond to treatment based on the response of an average human, simply look in the mirror. If a mirror is unavailable, remember the thickness of your medical chart.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
The Ladies Room
There are a lot of good places for new technology. I'm sure NASA gets excited about tiny computers. Best Buy likes it when the newest technology gadgets are all the rage. And I have to admit, I like it when my doctors are on top of what's new in medical techology. But there is one place I just can NOT handle technology.
Public restrooms are not where I want to meet the newest smartest invention of geeks-r-us! I understand automatic stuff means less germs floating around on less surfaces; I get it. I just think there are better places for these devices. Let me take a moment to tell you why.
First, let's talk about the automatic flushing. It never goes off at the right time. When I sit down on the toilet is not when I want it to get rid of the urine belonging to the person in the stall before me. When it flushes because I shifted my weight to the other side is not code for 'Automatic toilet: Flush now and spray my bottom with water splashing up.'
Then, as if the toilet is not enough to make my blood boil, the sink is motion activated. Oh yay! To get the sink to work, you must make sure you put your hand in the perfect spot and not move from that spot while you try to get all the suds of your hand. ( I admit this one doesn't bother me as much as the others but I would still rather turn the handle myself. ) I think these sinks can not go into businesses if they have normal water pressure. The water coming out of these sinks is either a small trickle requiring five to ten minutes to get the soap off or a quick burst-like waterfall that not only rinses your hands of soap but your clothes and any surface within a 3 foot radius.
And finally, the part I hate the most. The automatic paper towel dispenser. When I see these in a restroom, I just pray I am the only one in there. Because I know if I want to use paper towels to dry my hands, it is going to be a challenge. And not a challenge I want any other people to see. I have to do the chicken dance just to get half a paper towel out. And as I am waving my hands around trying to dry my hands, I actually am thinking, "I can't believe I'm doing this, I must be nuts!"
So to all the new technology and geeks-r-us employees, please leave all of your things somewhere other than a public restroom. It would be delightful if I could simply take care of business without your spraying, dance-requiring, perfect spot staying self. Thanks.
Public restrooms are not where I want to meet the newest smartest invention of geeks-r-us! I understand automatic stuff means less germs floating around on less surfaces; I get it. I just think there are better places for these devices. Let me take a moment to tell you why.
First, let's talk about the automatic flushing. It never goes off at the right time. When I sit down on the toilet is not when I want it to get rid of the urine belonging to the person in the stall before me. When it flushes because I shifted my weight to the other side is not code for 'Automatic toilet: Flush now and spray my bottom with water splashing up.'
Then, as if the toilet is not enough to make my blood boil, the sink is motion activated. Oh yay! To get the sink to work, you must make sure you put your hand in the perfect spot and not move from that spot while you try to get all the suds of your hand. ( I admit this one doesn't bother me as much as the others but I would still rather turn the handle myself. ) I think these sinks can not go into businesses if they have normal water pressure. The water coming out of these sinks is either a small trickle requiring five to ten minutes to get the soap off or a quick burst-like waterfall that not only rinses your hands of soap but your clothes and any surface within a 3 foot radius.
And finally, the part I hate the most. The automatic paper towel dispenser. When I see these in a restroom, I just pray I am the only one in there. Because I know if I want to use paper towels to dry my hands, it is going to be a challenge. And not a challenge I want any other people to see. I have to do the chicken dance just to get half a paper towel out. And as I am waving my hands around trying to dry my hands, I actually am thinking, "I can't believe I'm doing this, I must be nuts!"
So to all the new technology and geeks-r-us employees, please leave all of your things somewhere other than a public restroom. It would be delightful if I could simply take care of business without your spraying, dance-requiring, perfect spot staying self. Thanks.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Random
Last week, I had my KayKay for a day. (side note: she is four and a half) Before lunch, I thought we could play uno. I figured she could play since it is just matching colors and numbers. I didn't spare any instructions. She beat me four times. FOUR TIMES!
The more I think about it, the more I realize I love the Sara Bareilles cd. It's fun to sing, and some of the lyrics make me giggle. I like that.
I have an addiction to Starbucks. It's a nasty habit. I don't always wake up thinking, "Where are my keys and wallet?" But if I see someone with a Starbucks drink on a day I didn't think that, I will be in the nearest drive thru in less than 5 minutes. Thank goodness I live in a place where I can think of at least 5 Starbucks locations within a 5 mile radius.
I have two dogs. A yorkie and a schnauzer. Both of them are boys. After my husband leaves for work, they come get in the bed with me. We have a king size bed. Yet every morning, I wake up with both of them practically under me squished into a single foot of our monster bed. I don't get it.
Two days before I got married, my side of the family was gathered at my grandparents' house. At the time, KayKay was three. She was playing on the floor when I heard her pass gas. I laughed and said, "KayKay, you pooted." With the sincerest face and innocent eyes, she looked at me and said, "No I didn't. I farted."
The more I think about it, the more I realize I love the Sara Bareilles cd. It's fun to sing, and some of the lyrics make me giggle. I like that.
I have an addiction to Starbucks. It's a nasty habit. I don't always wake up thinking, "Where are my keys and wallet?" But if I see someone with a Starbucks drink on a day I didn't think that, I will be in the nearest drive thru in less than 5 minutes. Thank goodness I live in a place where I can think of at least 5 Starbucks locations within a 5 mile radius.
I have two dogs. A yorkie and a schnauzer. Both of them are boys. After my husband leaves for work, they come get in the bed with me. We have a king size bed. Yet every morning, I wake up with both of them practically under me squished into a single foot of our monster bed. I don't get it.
Two days before I got married, my side of the family was gathered at my grandparents' house. At the time, KayKay was three. She was playing on the floor when I heard her pass gas. I laughed and said, "KayKay, you pooted." With the sincerest face and innocent eyes, she looked at me and said, "No I didn't. I farted."
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Good Stuff....
Some days...okay maybe a lot of days...I have a hard time finding my motivation. And some days, I have a hard time remembering this life is not about me. I forget the reason I was created was to bring honor, glory, and praise to my God. There are days when I struggle with putting God before all of my selfish desires. And on those days, I always need some good encouragement. To make sure today is a day I remember I am God's child, and I exist for him alone, I have been (and will continue) to listen to this song and repeat this scripture over and over and over and over and over......
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
2 Corinthians 4:7-11,16,17
7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
2 Corinthians 4:7-11,16,17
7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Some things
Things I should accomplish before I'm 30
1. Sky dive
2. Visit the new Yankee Stadium
3. Finish college (????)
4. Go overseas for a mission trip (preferably China)
5. Get rid of Starbuck's addiction
6. Develop better laundry habits
7. Beat all 8 worlds of Super Mario 3
8. Make sure my husband is confident he is none other than My very own, personal knight in shining armor.
9. Wakeboard
10. Take a cruise.
Things I must always have in my kitchen
1. Peter Pan Honey Roasted Creamy peanut butter
2. Caffeine free Diet Coke
3. Chicken
4. BREAD
5. grape jelly
6. Sweet 'N Low
7. Tony's
8. crackers of some kind
9. cereal (preferably Lucky Charms or Cinnamon Toast Crunch
10. Cinnamon
11. Crescent rolls
12. Cream cheese
Things I hope to do today
1. Praise My King
2. Make my husband smile
3. Give my daddy a big fat hug
4. Not just tell, but show my mama I love her
5. Start reading another book.
6. Beat Jeff and Lucas both at some game
7. Cook a delicious dinner
8. Remind some of my friends how great they are
9. Watch the new Law & Order SVU recorded on the DVR
10. Show someone I don't know God's love
1. Sky dive
2. Visit the new Yankee Stadium
3. Finish college (????)
4. Go overseas for a mission trip (preferably China)
5. Get rid of Starbuck's addiction
6. Develop better laundry habits
7. Beat all 8 worlds of Super Mario 3
8. Make sure my husband is confident he is none other than My very own, personal knight in shining armor.
9. Wakeboard
10. Take a cruise.
Things I must always have in my kitchen
1. Peter Pan Honey Roasted Creamy peanut butter
2. Caffeine free Diet Coke
3. Chicken
4. BREAD
5. grape jelly
6. Sweet 'N Low
7. Tony's
8. crackers of some kind
9. cereal (preferably Lucky Charms or Cinnamon Toast Crunch
10. Cinnamon
11. Crescent rolls
12. Cream cheese
Things I hope to do today
1. Praise My King
2. Make my husband smile
3. Give my daddy a big fat hug
4. Not just tell, but show my mama I love her
5. Start reading another book.
6. Beat Jeff and Lucas both at some game
7. Cook a delicious dinner
8. Remind some of my friends how great they are
9. Watch the new Law & Order SVU recorded on the DVR
10. Show someone I don't know God's love
Thursday, March 4, 2010
I yam what I yam
About this time last year, I had a severe allergic reaction to soy. It happend on a Sunday night. On Monday, I went to my allergist still having difficulties breathing. After they had given me epi and several breathing treatments, they decided it would be best if I went to the emergency room. So I was transmitted from the clinic to the hospital in the ambulance. After an afternoon in the emergency room, they sent me home. They felt all my levels were 'normal' enough for me to be sickly in my own bed. By Wednesday, I had been to the ER three times and had to be admitted to the hospital for the rest of the week.
During the week, I developed a pretty good relationship with my allergist. While I was in the hospital, she would come see me two or three times a day. This impressed me because she is the only doctor at a very busy allergy and asthma clinic. When she saw me wearing LSU attire, I found out she was from Louisiana. So we were also able to bond about the Tigers.
So over the past year I have been seeing this allergist, she has developed an interest in me and my health (or lack there of). She is intrigued by the number of autoimmune diseases and the severity of my allergies at my age. She seems to have a desire to figure out why I am plagued with Crohn's disease, Interstitial Cystitis, and bad allergies. I just decided I was a sick kid cause God made me that way. I didn't think there were any deep medical mysteries behind all my diseases. But apparently, I was wrong.
The last time I went to see her, she told me she wanted to do several different blood tests. A week after they sent everything off, they called me to tell me they had all the results. The nurse said, "We have your results. We don't want you to worry, but we would like for you to make an appointment to discuss everything with the doctor." So I made an appointment. The next day, the doctor called me herself. She was calling to see if anyone had called to talk to me about the results. I repeated to her what the nurse had told me. She told me I had some levels (of some cells I can't remember) which we low but they were commonly low in adults. One was tetanus and the other had something to do with yeast. She asked me if I had problems with yeast, and of course, I had to say yes. She told me the low levels of this whatever explained why. She then told me she found other things which were abnormal but they were 'funky' so she would rather talk to me in person.
So yesterday was my appointment. She was hoping to find out if all of my problems were somehow linked together. Especially since Crohn's is an inflammatory bowel disease and Interstital Cystitis is when the lining of the bladder is inflammed. When she came in, she gave me a copy of the report/summary she had typed to send to all my other doctors. With all the things she had tested, she was hoping to find levels suggesting I have common variable immunodeficiency. She wasn't so lucky. All of my levels were the exact opposite. This wasn't good news (or bad). She informed me, "It just means things with you aren't normal, but there is no name for it."
Well isn't this just the story of me and my entire existence for 23 years. I am not normal. There is nothing we can blame or label. I just am the way I am. I don't think I needed a doctor to tell me that. Oh well, at least now she knows what my family and I have known for 23 years.
Aren't you jealous you aren't me?
During the week, I developed a pretty good relationship with my allergist. While I was in the hospital, she would come see me two or three times a day. This impressed me because she is the only doctor at a very busy allergy and asthma clinic. When she saw me wearing LSU attire, I found out she was from Louisiana. So we were also able to bond about the Tigers.
So over the past year I have been seeing this allergist, she has developed an interest in me and my health (or lack there of). She is intrigued by the number of autoimmune diseases and the severity of my allergies at my age. She seems to have a desire to figure out why I am plagued with Crohn's disease, Interstitial Cystitis, and bad allergies. I just decided I was a sick kid cause God made me that way. I didn't think there were any deep medical mysteries behind all my diseases. But apparently, I was wrong.
The last time I went to see her, she told me she wanted to do several different blood tests. A week after they sent everything off, they called me to tell me they had all the results. The nurse said, "We have your results. We don't want you to worry, but we would like for you to make an appointment to discuss everything with the doctor." So I made an appointment. The next day, the doctor called me herself. She was calling to see if anyone had called to talk to me about the results. I repeated to her what the nurse had told me. She told me I had some levels (of some cells I can't remember) which we low but they were commonly low in adults. One was tetanus and the other had something to do with yeast. She asked me if I had problems with yeast, and of course, I had to say yes. She told me the low levels of this whatever explained why. She then told me she found other things which were abnormal but they were 'funky' so she would rather talk to me in person.
So yesterday was my appointment. She was hoping to find out if all of my problems were somehow linked together. Especially since Crohn's is an inflammatory bowel disease and Interstital Cystitis is when the lining of the bladder is inflammed. When she came in, she gave me a copy of the report/summary she had typed to send to all my other doctors. With all the things she had tested, she was hoping to find levels suggesting I have common variable immunodeficiency. She wasn't so lucky. All of my levels were the exact opposite. This wasn't good news (or bad). She informed me, "It just means things with you aren't normal, but there is no name for it."
Well isn't this just the story of me and my entire existence for 23 years. I am not normal. There is nothing we can blame or label. I just am the way I am. I don't think I needed a doctor to tell me that. Oh well, at least now she knows what my family and I have known for 23 years.
Aren't you jealous you aren't me?
Monday, March 1, 2010
I Couldn't Believe my Eyes!
Teenagers are special. Very special. There really aren't many great words to describe them other than 'teenagers'. Lately, I have been watching my little sister (who happens to be one of the most mature teenagers I've ever known) and my nephew who just moved in. It's strange watching teenagers. It wasn't too long ago when I myself was a teenager. And I would like to take a moment to say, to anyone who knew me when I was a teenager, I'm so sorry.
They are teenagers so I don't think there is anything anyone can do about it but observe and learn. But they have a very different view on life, family and priorities. Family is not always the most important to a teenager, simply because family is *cringe* embarrassing. And, there is never ever a moment which goes according to a teen's plan. Life stinks. There is school and chores and parents. And then food and sleep creep in every now and then. But not nearly as much as it should. And then back to school, chores and parents. And since family is usually embarrassing or not fun to endure as a teenager, the same routine is not a happy one.
Today I witnessed the strangest thing I have ever seen. It was absolutely breath-taking. I had the pleasure of coaching 5 year olds in Upward cheerleading. Tonight was our awards celebration. For the entertainment, they had a family who did a 'spin-tacular' show. It was a family of 12 kids. The dad has been in the book of world records four times for various basketball tricks. They had a 17 year old daughter who was a part of their show. Seventeen year old girl. Performing with family. Whatever mental picture you just had, delete it from memory. SHE WAS HAPPY! Sincerely happy. You could tell by every move she made, she enjoyed what she was doing, she loved her family, and she herself was happy. When the performance was over, I could not wait to talk to the girl with a huge grin covering her face. So when I finally snagged a moment of her time, of course my first question was an inquiry of her age. My mouth dropped when she said 17.
Even though that was over an hour ago, I am still in shock. It was so refreshing to see a teenager enjoy her family. A family who is by no means normal ( I mean this is a good way. ) and makes money based on their performance as a family. It was refreshing to not hear one sarcastic comment come out of her mouth. It was refreshing to watch her hug her family with a sincere smile behind scenes. And when a younger sibling accomplished a stunt on the court, she smiled out of pride!
Hopefully, I was not the only one who noticed this delightful teenager. Maybe some kids noticed how she acted. Happy as a teenager! Wow!
They are teenagers so I don't think there is anything anyone can do about it but observe and learn. But they have a very different view on life, family and priorities. Family is not always the most important to a teenager, simply because family is *cringe* embarrassing. And, there is never ever a moment which goes according to a teen's plan. Life stinks. There is school and chores and parents. And then food and sleep creep in every now and then. But not nearly as much as it should. And then back to school, chores and parents. And since family is usually embarrassing or not fun to endure as a teenager, the same routine is not a happy one.
Today I witnessed the strangest thing I have ever seen. It was absolutely breath-taking. I had the pleasure of coaching 5 year olds in Upward cheerleading. Tonight was our awards celebration. For the entertainment, they had a family who did a 'spin-tacular' show. It was a family of 12 kids. The dad has been in the book of world records four times for various basketball tricks. They had a 17 year old daughter who was a part of their show. Seventeen year old girl. Performing with family. Whatever mental picture you just had, delete it from memory. SHE WAS HAPPY! Sincerely happy. You could tell by every move she made, she enjoyed what she was doing, she loved her family, and she herself was happy. When the performance was over, I could not wait to talk to the girl with a huge grin covering her face. So when I finally snagged a moment of her time, of course my first question was an inquiry of her age. My mouth dropped when she said 17.
Even though that was over an hour ago, I am still in shock. It was so refreshing to see a teenager enjoy her family. A family who is by no means normal ( I mean this is a good way. ) and makes money based on their performance as a family. It was refreshing to not hear one sarcastic comment come out of her mouth. It was refreshing to watch her hug her family with a sincere smile behind scenes. And when a younger sibling accomplished a stunt on the court, she smiled out of pride!
Hopefully, I was not the only one who noticed this delightful teenager. Maybe some kids noticed how she acted. Happy as a teenager! Wow!
Perfection
Every now and then, I stumble across something I think is absolutely perfect for me. On May 4, 2008, I met a man who is perfect for me. :) A few weeks after, I found a song perfect for our relationship. A few months later, I found a dress perfect for our wedding. The day I found the perfect dress, he found the perfect ring for me.
Sometimes I go months before I find something I think is perfect. Sometimes its only a matter of days. My recent find of perfection came from someone I have known since pre-school. Growing up, I had a super talented friend named Brittany. Anyone who knows her, knows she is one of a kind. I honestly can not remember a time when she had any piece of artwork that was considered less than amazing.
Last week, I found some recent artwork she had done in a form I had not seen her create before. Even though I had never seen her work in this area before, it was still just as amazing as anything else she has ever created. So I asked her if she would put her new outlet to use on my page. And it is perfect!
Brittany Miller is the creator of the new design on my page. If you know me, as you look at this background you know it is perfect for me! I encourage you to check out her page and the different things she has done. Here is address to her blog, www.brittanyartist.blogspot.com Check it out!
Sometimes I go months before I find something I think is perfect. Sometimes its only a matter of days. My recent find of perfection came from someone I have known since pre-school. Growing up, I had a super talented friend named Brittany. Anyone who knows her, knows she is one of a kind. I honestly can not remember a time when she had any piece of artwork that was considered less than amazing.
Last week, I found some recent artwork she had done in a form I had not seen her create before. Even though I had never seen her work in this area before, it was still just as amazing as anything else she has ever created. So I asked her if she would put her new outlet to use on my page. And it is perfect!
Brittany Miller is the creator of the new design on my page. If you know me, as you look at this background you know it is perfect for me! I encourage you to check out her page and the different things she has done. Here is address to her blog, www.brittanyartist.blogspot.com Check it out!
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