Thursday, May 31, 2007

Getting Better Every Day

I'm feeling sooooo much better. Was able to sleep most of the night in our bed without coughing. Woke up around 2:00 with heartburn from the chicken and dumplings I had for supper, so I headed for the couch again.

Praise the Lord for the rain we got today! It was wonderful, but we still need more to get us out of this drought situation.

Was pretty busy this morning, then some in our department met at Red Lobster to celebrate a coworker's birthday. It is so nice to be able to get away for an hour and really get to know one another. One of the engineer's just got his pilot's license and bought a single engine Cessna. He's been flying to Birmingham on the weekends to see his parents. It was pretty cool listening to him talk about his training and how he was able to buy a plane so soon. He lives in a travel trailer. He was going to buy a house, but decided to buy a plane instead. He's single, young and really doesn't need much more than a travel trailer to sleep in, since he travels a lot on weekends. We decided at the end of the meal that we are going to do this once a month whether we're celebrating a birthday or not. We got wet running to our car. That hasn't happened in a long time!

Talked to Mama. She is doing better. Was able to eat quite a bit last night and this morning. She is beginning to get her strength back.

Took Daddy to the doctor. No, he didn't get his bloodwork done, so it was a wasted trip. We have to go back in a month after he gets his bloodwork. One good thing - he was able to get some pain pills for his arm. He's really been having a time with it. The doctor said he would try to get a physical therapist from Home Health Care to go to Daddy's apartment and work with him. That would be great. I told him I just couldn't take off several times a week to take him for therapy. I'm running out of vacation. He offered to give me a letter for FMLA. I told him I get 40 hours for family sick leave, but that's all I am allowed. Then, I have to take vacation. I told him I was taking the vacation first and would use the 40 hours when I ran out of vacation if Daddy or Mama got really sick. He didn't understand that I was only allowed 40 hours per year. And that's not 40 hours per person. It 40 hours total. Then, it goes against my sick leave and subtracts that many hours from my next year's allowable hours if I go over 80 total sick leave/FMLA hours. Because of the Meniere's Disease attacks last year and 40 hours FMLA for Daddy, I went over 23 hours which subtracted from this year's total. It's complicated, but it's not beneficial for me to go over. Those sick hours cost me a bonus the last three years. My boss told me he could have shown me as an exceptional employee, but couldn't because of my sick time. That's the reason I have shown vacation for times that I have been sick so that I wouldn't use many sick hours. The past two weeks since I got pneumonia, I've had to show 36 hours sick. Not good; not good at all.

After the doctor's office, we went to Walgreens to get his prescriptions filled and Daddy walked around in the store picking up things he needed. He really wanted a pocket knife, so we asked the lady cashier and she said she didn't think they carried them. We got his prescriptions and paid for the other stuff he picked up and started out. I remembered he needed me to add minutes to his phone, so I gave him the keys to go sit in the car while I paid for it. The cashier was the one we talked to as we came in the door and she reached in her purse and pulled out a small pocket knife and told me to give it to Daddy. She said she had her son's collection at home and didn't need this one. Her son had died 5 years ago and nobody else wanted his knives, so she had them. I blessed her and carried it to Daddy. He was so appreciative. It was just the size he was looking for. I took him home and carried in his stuff and then left to go home. Tabitha had called while I was in the doctor's office and asked if I would carry the kids to church.

I went home, kissed Vance, brushed my teeth and headed to Chadand Tabitha's to pick up the kids. Hope was so cute. She had her Dora doll with her and made Trent put a seatbelt on her to "keep her safe." She is very concerned that you wear your seatbelt. That's a good thing. The seatbelt is what kept Vance from getting hurt yesterday. She was upset that PawPaw had wrecked his truck. She kept asking if he was okay.

We had a great service tonight. I sang without once coughing or getting out of breath. God is good.

Vance called to let me know he was going to bed. I told him I had to drop the kids off and I'd be home. Took them by Burger King and got them some food and then took them home. I hung around and talked and didn't get home until 10:00. Vance was sound asleep.

Now, it's time for me to go to bed. I'm getting back to normal cause I'm staying up later. I really need to make myself go to bed before 11:00 every night and quit staying up till after midnight. That's probably one reason I got so sick. Your body needs sleep to heal itself and I just wasn't giving it time to heal.

So, I'm off to bed. Goodnight and God bless.......................

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Not a Good Day

The day started off pretty good. I'm feeling soooooo much better. Still a little weak, but feeling pretty good. Went to work and had a pretty busy morning.

Kim and I went to Golden Corral for lunch. She's trying to get some strength back in me. I lost four pounds over the weekend. I think that's a good thing since I need to lose weight, but not if it costs me my strength. So, we ate and I did real good. But, I ate more on that one plate than I had eaten for the last four days all total. No wonder I lost weight! We had to run errands for work at Office Max, so while I was there, I got some ink and photo paper. That will save me a trip.

Daddy called to make sure I was taking him to the doctor tomorrow afternoon. I didn't ask, but I don't think he went and got his bloodwork done. I totally forgot about it this morning. I was too busy trying to get my work done now that I've got extra to do. I don't want to get behind.

Talked to Mama. She was feeling a little better. She had eaten more last night and this morning, so she gained a pound back. I made plans to stop by and see her when I got off work.

At 3:55, Vance called. He had just been in an accident. Thank God, he wasn't hurt! But, his new truck is. I called and left a message on my boss' answering machine and took off to check on him. He was fine and the girl he hit was fine, too. He just didn't see her and pulled out and hit her. It was at an intersection that is undergoing construction right now and it's awful. She even said she couldn't see him either. It tore up the front of his truck. To me, it looks worse than the accident I had in his other truck. We'll just have to wait and see how the insurance adjustor handles it. I pray for favor and that we won't be out any money.

The Highway Patrolman was very nice. He walked up and handed Vance the paperwork, looked at me and said "How old is your dad?" and looked at Vance. I said "He's not my dad! He's only three years older than me!" He looked at Vance and said "Did you hear what I asked her?" Vance said that he did and the guy just laughed. He was trying to cut up with Vance and make him feel better. It did get a smile from Vance. As he left, he said "Have a better rest of the day."

Vance and I went to Mama's to see if we could borrow her car. She's not driving right now, so it needs to be driven anyway. I'll drive it and Vance will drive my car since it already has a sticker on it so he can get on base. Mama gave me some plants and we came home. Vance is real upset - not about his truck, but because he just didn't see the girl. We're both thankful that nobody got hurt. He checked to make sure Mama's car had oil and water. I cleaned out my car so he can drive it.

I can tell Vance is upset. He said he didn't want anything to eat, but then when I got ready to order chicken and dumplings from PoFolks, he said he'd take a cheeseburger. He ended up eating most of it. I had eaten chicken and dumplings Sunday night and I felt better Monday, so I decided to try them again. Maybe it's the chicken stock that makes you feel better. They say chicken soup helps when you're sick.

I'm getting tired now, so I better go to bed. I'm trying real hard to get more sleep now that I've been sick. They say your body heals while it sleeps, so I'm going to get as much sleep as I can so I'll get 100% better.

Goodnight and God bless.........................

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Happy Memorial Day

It's been a very lazy Memorial Day for us. Vance is still not feeling too well and I'm so tired. We just lazed around all day. He watched old war movies and I read two books. Played around with some pictures on my computer. Not a very exciting day at all.

Mama called. She's losing about a pound a day. She still doesn't want to eat anything. I just don't know what we are going to do with her. I really think she has given up the will to live. I hope I can go see her tomorrow after work. It's been so hard with me being sick and not being able to do anything for her.

Daddy called yesterday and said he needed to get bloodwork done. We were supposed to have it done last week, but I couldn't take him because I was sick. His appointment is Wednesday and he's supposed to have it done before he goes. Maybe I can get off tomorrow morning and take him. He mentioned going by taxi. If he can, that would be great.

I really need to save as much vacation as I can for later in the year if one of them gets sick. I really think this may be the reason I got so sick. I just haven't been taking care of myself. Too busy running for everybody else. I don't know what will happen if something happens to me. There won't be anybody to take care of them.

I really got some rest this weekend. Vance and I both did. He slept at least 12 hours every night since Friday night and I slept a lot during the day plus sleeping at least 8 hours every night. That is very unusual for me. But, like I told Vance, your body heals while you're asleep, so I guess our bodies were healing pretty quickly this weekend. It kinda felt good not to have to do anything - not even get dressed or put on makeup. That was a real treat. But, tomorrow will be back to the old grind.

So, since I have to get up early and go to work, I better head for bed. I need my beauty sleep. :)

Goodnight and God bless......................

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Lazy Saturday

Vance and I just lazed around today. He's not feeling good at all. You can tell - he didn't go play golf. I'm still very weak feeling from the pneumonia and still coughing some.

Tabitha called to see if we could watch Hope for a few hours while they went to the beach. Since she's not feeling well, she certainly didn't need to get out. Chad brought her over. She was so much fun. She was no problem at all. She let me take a few pictures of her. That's something that is hard to do. She is not a poser like Trent. She will not sit still for any length of time, so you catch her as you can. She played with Vinnie and Shadow. It's amazing to watch them with her. When she has food to give them, they are so gentle with her. Not so if I have food. They snap it out of my hand, especially Vinnie. But with her, he takes it so gently out of her hand. And every move she makes, they are right behind her.

She could tell PawPaw wasn't feeling good, so she would go get in his lap and make him smile. Then she would say "I love you, PawPaw." Then, she was gone again playing with the dogs or with a stuffed dog she found on a shelf in the bedroom.

After Tabitha came and picked her up, I just layed around on the couch. We ordered pizza for supper. Neither one of us has much of an appetite. We didn't eat anything for lunch. I forgot to take my medicine with my pizza, so I had to eat some yogurt a little later when I finally remembered it.

I'm so glad we have this long weekend. After church tomorrow, I won't be leaving the house unless I absolutely have to. I just want to rest and get over being sick.

Talked to my mother-in-law. She said Mac had a full body scan and there is no cancer anywhere in his body. That is definitely a praise report. God is so good.

I'm tired, so I'll head off to the couch. I still have to prop up to sleep and I just can't seem to sleep in the bed. Besides, Vance needs his rest and I don't want to wake him up coughing.

Goodnight and God bless......................

Saturday, May 26, 2007

It's Been Awhile

Yes, it's been awhile since my last post. We had a great time in Tallahassee over Mother's Day weekend. Michelle's parents came up, so Michelle had a special 1st Mother's Day with both sets of grandparents visiting. Fox was a doll, of course.

When I got there on Saturday, we went out to eat at a Cuban restaurant and had Cuban sandwiches. Really good. Vance and Mike took Fox home to take a nap and we girls - Michelle, Pam and I - went and had a pedicure. It was so nice. Then we did a little shopping.

Vance arrived while we were gone. He had been playing golf and drove over later. The guys had hamburgers cooking when our son, Vance, had to leave to go to Thomasville. He and Maggie, his 55 Chevy, were driving a bride to the lodge. What a night that was! They made Vance sit outside with Maggie running while they went in and took more pictures, then they went the long way down little pig trails to the lodge where the wedding was going to take place. Right before they got to the lodge, Maggie ran hot and died. The bride and father had to walk the last few yards. They were good sports about it. Vance called his dad and Michelle's dad to come see if they could find out what was wrong with Maggie, but by the time they got there, she was running again. He came home and waited for the bride's sister to call for him to go back and drive them away from the lodge. All went well and they were pleased with his service.

The next morning, we went to church for Fox's dedication (along with about a dozen other children). It was very nice - not as personal as dedications in our church, but nice. We went back to the house and had a very good meal before we all headed home. It was so much fun. We really enjoy spending time with Pam and Mike.

On the way home, the smoke was really bad along I-10 and I started coughing. The cough continued and I started running a high fever on Tuesday. I went home at noon and missed work on Wednesday, too. I was feeling awful. Still running fever on Thursday and the cough was much worse, but I had to get back to work. Timesheet week and I had just taken over the timesheets for the beach office since Phillip is out for an indefinite time period. He just had surgery. So, I had to go back to work. I managed to work Thursday and Friday.

Friday night, I went over to Kim's with Tabitha, her mom, Tammy and Carrianne and we proceeded to dip strawberries in chocolate/white chocolate. Penny called and told me that Mama had been taken to the hospital by ambulance and I took off to Bay Medical. Penny and I drove up at the same time and was there when the ambulance drove up. They took Mama in and Chip and Angie came to the ER to wait with us. Mama had called my house and left a message and Vance had heard it and called her back and rushed over to her house. He and Chip and Angie were there when the ambulance got there. At the hospital, they said her vitals were fine, but the CT showed a nodule in her left lung. They admitted her to the hospital. While we were in the waiting room, Penny, Chip and Angie tried to talk me into checking myself in because they could see that I was sick. No way was I going to check in! Penny, Chip, Angie and I went to Chili's to get something to eat before they decided to admit Mama. Penny and I left a little after midnight.

Saturday was the Ladies' Tea. I wasn't going to miss that even though I still didn't feel good. I wasn't running fever, so I figured I was okay to go. It was awesome! Patsy Dixon ministered and she was great. She's from Quincy. We had a good time. I left there around 4:00 and headed to the hospital. I was in a bit of distress from all the walking to get to Mama's room. She tried to get me to go to the ER, but I'm stubborn. Penny came and we stayed a couple more hours. By the time we left, they had locked the door we came in, so we had to walk even further to get to our cars. Penny ended up driving me to my car. I was really having trouble breathing.

Sunday morning, I went to church. I was feeling better and not coughing as much. Was able to sing with the Praise Team and we ended up having an hour and a half song service. The anointing was so strong and people were getting saved and healed at the altar during our singing. Pastor just kept telling us to keep singing. He only preached about 15 minutes. Mama called as I was heading home and told me she would whip me if I came up to the hospital. She wanted me to rest, so I went home and took a short nap. At 9:00 pm, I met Kim and Kyle at the Upper Room to pray for two hours. We were involved in the Global Day of Prayer. Actually, I think it's a week of prayer. We had an awesome time of prayer. I felt pretty good when I went to bed.

Monday morning before 8:30, Mama was calling to make sure I called the doctor and went in to see them. I got an appointment for 11:45. I was feeling rough - coughing every other breath and wheezing. She checked me out and said I had pneumonia. Gave me two shots and a breathing treatment and said I couldn't go back to work until Thursday. So, I went home and hit the couch. Started running fever again.

Spent Tuesday and Wednesday on the couch sleeping off and on. Not my idea of a fun time, but I've got to get better. Hope is sick, too. Tabitha brought them by to see me on Thursday and Hope was so concerned about me. Her little lip was quivering when she asked me if I was sick. I told her I was but I was getting better. I said, "You don't feel very good either, do you?" She said, "No, but I'm getting better." She is so precious.

Thursday, I went back to work. Still coughing, but feeling better. Tabitha took Hope to the doctor. She had to have a breathing treatment, x-rays and bloodwork. They were thinking she might have pneumonia, too.

Today was a little better, but I must have been running fever again because I was cold all day long. And I know it wasn't cold today. Hope's tests came back normal, so she doesn't have pneumonia, praise the Lord! Daddy called to see if I could buy him some groceries after work. Went to Wal-Mart at lunch to get him another coffee maker. His was leaking. After work, I bought his groceries. Vance called. He is sick and went home early. He was hungry and wanted Captain D's, so I left Daddy's and went and got him some food. He ate and went to bed early. He's got fever and his throat is sore and his sinuses are bothering him.

I'll be glad when all this sickness is over with! We have had enough! I'm looking forward to this long Memorial Day weekend. I plan on getting some rest.

God bless all the veterans and those who are serving our country right now. I thank you for your service.

Good night and God bless................................

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Finally It's Friday

Yeah! The weekend is finally here. Heading to Tallahassee in the morning to see the kids. I'm so looking forward to seeing them and spending time with them (and hearing Fox laugh and watching him smile and getting to hold him). It's going to be a fun weekend.

Today was busy for the most part. Kim was off again - the granddaughter was still sick. Kim took her to the doctor, so maybe she will begin to get better.

Fran and I compared our blood work. We should have video taped ourselves. We would compare something and then look at each other and say "I wonder what that is." It was so funny. We were so intent on checking out each other's results and we didn't have a clue what half of the stuff was. We cracked up. It was so good to laugh. I told her I would do some research to find out what everything is and I'd get back to her. All in all, we are in good shape - except we both need to lose weight. Me a lot of weight; Fran not so much. But, we'd both feel better if we could lose the extra weight we're carrying around.

I emailed Mrs. Ruth and Mrs. Sandi to tell them about Fran's dream about me dying. I never did feel any fear about it. They both said they believed it was a spiritual dream - that the old Pat was about to be replaced by a New Pat, one who is moving closer to her destiny in the Lord. I'll take that. I do so want to draw closer to the Lord. I believe there are things I'm supposed to do that haven't been birthed yet. Like Mrs. Sandi says, I'm pregnant with a dream that is about to come to full term and be birthed. I'm excited about it. I want to be used by God to the fullest of my ability and where my ability fails, His will take over and push me further. I believe good things are going to happen this year in my family.

At lunch, I went to Wal-Mart and got a few things for Daddy. I forgot his ice cream yesterday, so I picked some up and carried it to him. I also delivered a letter I received from the lawyer that he and Rose hired to try to get the estate of my Grandmother settled.

After lunch, I was so sleepy. Randy was off today and Paul had to take material out, so I was locked up in the warehouse again. I got so sleepy; I had to get up and walk around. I could so easily have laid my head down on my desk and I would have been out. I remembered that I hadn't taken my VEMMA, so I took it and in a little while I was feeling much better. Otherwise, I would have gone straight to bed when I got home.

When I got home from work, I made some address labels for Olga and carried them to her. She paid me for the VEMMA she got from me and gave me some magazines that tell about the VEMMA business. It is an awesome magazine and it has a DVD that comes with it. That, too, is awesome. I wish I had time to really get my business off the ground. I really believe in this product. I have felt so much better since I've been taking it. I was able to get off my heart medication and haven't even had any problems with fast heartbeat. No sinus infections, no allergy problems, no colds this year. Plus, I haven't had any migraines in months.

I ironed Vance's shirt that he's going to wear Sunday when Fox is being dedicated at church. He's looking forward to seeing Fox, Vance and Michelle. I let him listen to my ringtone (Fox's laugh) and he told me that I was going to have to put it on his phone, too. He loved it. It made him smile (and my husband doesn't smile that often). I take that back - he smiles except when you want him to for pictures. Then, you will not get a smile out of him. Maybe the tiniest upward turn to his lip, but you're not real sure it's a smile.

Okay, now I'm going to bed. I want to get up pretty early and get on the road. I'm the social person in our family and I want to socialize as much as I can tomorrow. Vance, on the other hand, is not a social person. I think that's why he likes to play golf. He can hit the ball and walk away and not have to be around anybody else except for a little bit.

Good night and God bless...............

Friday, May 11, 2007

Dream, Nightmare or Prophecy?

As I was leaving for work this morning, my cell phone rang. It was Fran and she was crying. She said "Oh, thank God you're alive. I had a horrible dream that you died. It was so real. I've been crying since before 5:00. I almost called you to see if you were alright." I assured her that I was fine and asked "How did I die?" She didn't know. She said Vance called her and told her and then she was with the whole family - Chad, Tabitha, Vance, Vance and Michelle, etc. She said it was awful. I promised to go to her office as soon as I got to work and show her that I was indeed alive. Of course, one day it will be real, but hopefully not anytime soon. I want to see my grandchildren grow up. As soon as I got to the office, I went over and gave her a hug. Yep, she had been crying. She was really upset. She said "I love you and don't ever want to have to go through that in real life."

Sometimes, like Jimmy Stewart in "It's a Wonderful Life", you wonder if you make a difference in this world. Would anybody really miss me if I wasn't alive anymore? Would they cry at my funeral? There have been times in my life that I really wished I was dead; that I didn't think I could face another day. But, praise God, He always sees me through. I know He will always be there for me when I think I can't go on another day. Do I think people would miss me? Yes, I do. When I see the joy in my grandchildren's faces when they see me, I know they would miss me. When I hear my children and their wives say "I love you, Mom" I know they would miss me. When my husband touches my hand and gently kisses me, I know he'd miss me. Yes, I truly believe everybody would be missed in some way. Everybody does make a difference - one way or the other. Every life matters.

Kim closes on her house next week and Debb will be moving into her apartment the first of June. Good things, exciting things. I'm excited for them both.

I didn't take a lunch today since I had to take Daddy to the Outpatient Center for tests. Instead, I brought a microwave pizza. Yuck! Not what I wanted to eat at all! It not only wasn't very tasty, but it gave me indigestion all the rest of the day. I took Daddy and was able to get back to work. That's a first. So, I only had to use 3/4 of an hour vacation. Wonderful!

Michelle called me after I got home. She's making an appointment for us (Pam, Michelle and me) for a pedicure and manicure on Saturday. We're going to have so much fun. I'm looking forward to the weekend.

Now, it's time for me to go to bed and get some much needed sleep. I'm trying to do better with my sleeping. I even started exercising today. I watched Paula White talk about exercises you can do at home and I did pushups and squats. I'm starting out slow. I do want to be able to walk this weekend. :) I plan on adding a little more each day. One day, I hope to become addicted to exercise to replace the addiction to sugar and food.

Goodnight and God bless........................

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Post No. 200

Did I say yesterday was busy? Okay, here goes for today's news. It was Wednesday, so we had our safety meeting. Didn't take long for that. Watched a video that I think I saw about 15 years ago..... It was new to most people, but when you've been around as long as I have.... Kim had to go to Pensacola for a meeting. I got back to the warehouse and Randy and Paul were gone and the warehouse was locked up. I had no idea where they were. Tried Randy on his radio, but he had it turned off. Finally called Phillip's office at the beach - no answer- so I tried his radio. Got him. I asked if he knew where Randy and Paul were. He said that they were all headed to Ft. Walton for their big warehouse meeting. Nobody told me anything about it. So, I had a nice quiet day in the warehouse with all the doors locked. It was so peaceful. I got a lot done.

Went and checked on Fran. She doesn't seem to be in as much pain. Her eyes were actually kinda sparkly looking today and she wasn't holding her arm. She was using it. Praise the Lord, I still believe she is going to get better and better every day until it's completely healed. Today was the first time you didn't see pain in her eyes. And she wasn't on the verge of tears like she has been being.

I had problems with my radio at work so Greg came to check it out. Found the problem. There's a little button that got bumped and it turned the sound down on the speaker. He said it happens all the time and nobody else knew what was wrong with their radios either. Made me feel a little better. He got me a flip phone to try since mine is always falling out of the holder. I'll see if I like it. If not, I kept my phone/radio and I can always change the SIM card back to it and use it again. While he was in my office, we got to talking about computers. He is one who has several computers at home and he downloads music and DJ's at parties and weddings. He was telling me I needed to get an external drive to download all my pictures to. Sounds like something I need to get since I have over 6000 pictures in my computer and it's slowing down a bit. And I have 1000's more to scan in and save. He told me what kind to get and how much it would cost.

I only took a 30 minute lunch so I could save some time for tomorrow when I have to take Daddy to have x-rays done. I won't take lunch at all tomorrow. Hope I remember to carry something to eat.

Before I left for the day, Daddy called to see if I could get him some minutes on his phone. I figured I could buy a card from Best Buy and check on the external drive while I was there. You see, the guys gave me money that I could use to buy it. I did get one. It's the My Book Premium Edition 250GB. He was telling me a 160GB would cost $100. This one only cost $119. It will hold a lot of stuff.....I can back up my entire computer, maybe both computers. Then I can free up some space by deleting the pictures I have in my computer and start all over again. That should help it run faster, shouldn't it?

Penny called on my way home. She has the paperwork I need to take Daddy for tests tomorrow at her house. I'll have to pick it up after church tonight. Put the time on Daddy's phone, made it home, kissed Vance, brushed my teeth, ate some crackers and headed to church.

Chad dropped the kids off at church. Tabitha is in school on Wednesday nights for the next six weeks. I had forgotten or I would have picked the kids up. After church, I took them by Burger King, then home. Talked to Chad and Tabitha a few minutes, then headed to Penny's. I talked to her about 30 minutes. Since I hadn't eaten supper and Vance said I needed to stop and get something when I called to tell him I would be late getting home, I went to Sonic. Had to wait there about 30 minutes. It was Senior recognition tonight and the place was packed. I ended up at home at 10:25. Ate my burger, well most of it. The dogs got the rest. I hope I don't have too many more days like this. I'm tired, but I have to wait a couple of hours for my food to digest before I can go to bed. If I go too early, I'll pay for it with a bad case of acid reflux. I really wasn't hungry and didn't want anything, but I had the shakes and knew I needed to eat. Probably should have just gotten a milkshake. I'll try to remember that next time.

I'm off to bed. Goodnight and God bless...................

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Whew! Another Busy Day!

As I was getting ready for work this morning, Olga called. She needed some Vemma. Her shipment hadn't arrived yet and she was almost out. We never want to be out of our Vemma. It's one of the things keeping us going. We need those vitamins and minerals. She asked if I could drop some off on my way to work. She's not much out of the way - just a small detour - so I said I would. As I was driving to her house, my cell phone rang. It was my precious Trent - "Nonna, can you come to my play?" I said "When is it, Trent?" He said "8:15." I said "Let me call my boss and see if he'll let me come." I called Kenny and asked if I could take off some vacation to do something fun for a change and go see my grandson in his school play. He said that I could. I dropped off the Vemma at Olga's and had some time to kill before I had to be at the school, so I went to Sonic and got some tea and then went to the car wash and washed my car. I called to let Tabitha know that I would be there and she asked me to save them seats.


I got to the school at 8:00. Went in the cafeteria and sat down. Sandy Rosengren is the music teacher and I talked to her and her husband, Paul. Vance, they said to tell you hello. Their sons and Vance used to be in a jazz band together, the Polytactals. That was a long time ago.


Chad, Tabitha and Hope got there and the play started a few minutes later. It was called EE-I-EE-I OOPS. It was really cute. It seems the cow couldn't moo and the rest of the barnyard was trying to get the cow to sing along with them. They found out the cow had low self-esteem, so they built up the cow's ego until it started to moo. It was really cute. Trent was a pig. He makes a cute pig. Check out his picture.


I left the school and went to work. Only 2 hours late. Got real busy when I got to my desk after drinking a cup of coffee and eating some yogurt. Decided not to take a lunch since I had to take Daddy to the doctor this afternoon. That would knock off an hour of vacation that I wouldn't be losing. I think I'm going to have to start missing lunch on the days I have to take Mama or Daddy to the doctor. That will help save my vacation.


The warehouse guys were late going to lunch. It was around 1:00 when they left. I asked Paul if he would bring me back a hamburger cause I was beginning to get the shakes from not eating and I didn't want to eat anything sweet from the snack machine. He brought me back a burger and I scarfed it down while inputing timesheets right before I had to leave to pick up Daddy. I had to go over to the Credit Union and deposit Daddy's check. Fran is in so much pain in her left arm. She's been hurting for about two months and can't get any relief. She has such awful insurance that she has to wait another week before she can get an x-ray. I can't stand seeing her in such pain. I almost cried. But one thing I did do was lay my hands on her and pray for her healing, but if God decided not to heal her outright that He would give wisdom to the doctors to find out the source of the problem. But, I'm believing for a miracle. She said the pain began to go away after I prayed for her. I'm looking for her to be pain-free tomorrow when I check on her. Cause my God is still in the healing business. He still performs miracles! And I'm looking for one tomorrow.


Daddy isn't feeling too good. The antibiotics has really been making him feel bad. You'd think it would be just the opposite. Took him to the lung doctor and he's doing much better since the fire. His breathing and his blood oxygen level is back to normal, near perfect the nurse said. He's probably breathing better than I am. I stay so rushed that I get out of breath easy. Hopefully, losing weight will help that some.


We had to stop for gas when we left the doctor's office. I had been in such a hurry that I didn't get gas earlier and we were running on fumes and a prayer. $20 for 6.82 gal. of gas. That's highway robbery. And they say it's only going to get worse.


On the way back home, Daddy told me his appointment Thursday was at the hospital. I was under the impression that it was on 77 and Baldwin Road. I've got to call Penny and find out for sure. I would have taken Daddy to the wrong place.


I was extremely tired when I got home, but I couldn't lay down and rest because I was afraid I'd fall asleep. We had a mandatory meeting tonight with Pastor Sammy. I didn't want to miss that. It was a good meeting and he wants us to plan a get-together in July - an eating meeting. I like those kinds of meetings. He wants us to start getting together as a group and have fun together. When will I be able to fit that in? Hopefully, it will be on a Sunday afternoon (after my nap time). Speaking of naps, I need to go to bed.


Goodnight and God bless......................

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

What a Busy Monday

It sure was nice being able to get ready for work and not sweat. Thank you, Vance, for turning on the A/C.

Today was pretty busy at work. Carried some of the pictures of the lighthouse for Kim to see. I had made us each a calendar and a CD of all the pictures. She told me I was sitting on a gold mine and we should find some way to sell these pictures. I told her she would have to be my business manager, because I always end up giving everything away. Hey, I'd go into business with her. She's pretty smart about things like that.

I realized when I got to work that I didn't have my ID badge. Since I changed purses Saturday, I had not changed everything over and I'd left my badge at home. Daddy called and asked me if I could go buy him some groceries. I told him I'd have to do it after work, since I left my badge at home and had to go home and get it. He said that was fine. So, at lunch I headed home to retrieve it. Swung back by Taco Bell to get a taco salad. Mama called while I was waiting at the drive-thru and asked if I could go by the doctor's office and pick up a prescription for her and carry it to the pharmacy. I told her I had to get groceries for Daddy and the doctor's office was right on the way to the grocery store, so I'd be glad to pick it up for her.

I talked to Michelle a couple of times today. She called to see if I wanted some books that Vance had that belonged to us. I love it when my phone rings, cause I have the audio of Fox's laughing video as my ringtone. It makes me and everybody around me smile. Can't wait to hear him laugh in person this weekend.

When the guys came in around 2:30, they called Kim and me into their breakroom and presented us with cash as a gift since they missed Secretary's Day. That was so sweet of them. And I'm not a secretary or admin, but they think of me anyway. God bless them all! It was truly a blessing to us.

I was really tired when I got off work, but my day wasn't over yet. I went to the doctor's office and picked up the prescription, then to Winn-Dixie to buy groceries. Dropped off the groceries at Daddy's and picked up his check to deposit. He hasn't been feeling well since the doctor put him on antibiotics. He said he was sick the whole weekend. The antibiotics always make him feel worse. I have to take him to another doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon and then for tests on Thursday. After I left Daddy, I went to Winn-Dixie to drop off the prescription for Mama. They told me to wait to see if it would go through, so I sat and waited for about 30 minutes. Then they handed me the prescription, so that meant a trip to Mama's to deliver it. I visited with her for about 45 minutes. Chip and Angie had gone over yesterday and cleaned her house and mowed her lawn. It looks really good.

As I was leaving Mama's at around 7:00, Vance called to tell me he was going to the store and wouldn't be home when I got there. I called and talked to Angie on my way home. I told her how good the house looked. I'm glad they did that for Mama. It really made her feel good. And there's no way I could do it. I don't have time to clean my own house. I have to do it in spurts. I'm just wore out by the time I get home and the weekend is the only time I get to do something for myself. I think I'm going to get a manicure and pedicure with the money the guys gave me. Just finding the time to do it without using vacation time will be the trick. Maybe I can do it Friday night.?

I just crashed on the couch when I got home for a few minutes, then swept the floor. That was all I could manage. I was just too tired to do anything else. Vance got us one of those microwave casseroles for supper. I ate while watching my favorite TV show - CSI Miami. I love those CSI programs. Now, it's time for me to climb into bed and get some much needed sleep.

OOPS! I just realized I was supposed to call the Praise and Worship team and remind them of a mandatory meeting tomorrow night. It totally slipped my mind. I hope I can remember to do it tomorrow. Maybe I should send myself an email. I'll do that as soon as I finish up here. Which means, I better finish up fast before I forget. Kim seems to think the chronic fatigue has come back on me since I'm always tired and I am forgetting things a lot lately. That was the way it was when I had it really bad several years ago. I think I better remember to take my Vemma and maybe even double up on it for a few days until this passes. What is funny though - I'm sleepy during the day, but can't sleep at night. I'm like a baby that's gotten it's sleeping habits all messed up.

Time to send myself that email. Good night and God Bless................

Monday, May 07, 2007

Happy Sunday!

It was so hot getting ready for church this morning. Vance still had not turned on the A/C. I know how cold he gets, so I felt like I should hold out as long as I could. He has had to deal with my hot flashes for the past three or four years. Praise God, those are over with!!! The least I could do was let him enjoy the heat for awhile. I put the fan outside the bathroom door so I could have some air while getting dressed. I still was miserable. It was my intention to talk to him as soon as I got home. All I wanted to do this morning was get in a nice cold air conditioned car.

We had a great Praise and Worship service. They just keep getting better and better. A lot of people had come up to the front of the church to worship and this young lady was sitting all alone. I had never seen her before. She broke down and started crying. One of members of our Praise Team walked off the platform and went to her. She ended up giving her life to the Lord. Now, that's what it's all about. I'm so glad I'm in a church where you can actually see God at work in the people during the services. I've been to so many churches where Praise and Worship is just for show. Nobody ever gets ministered to. There's such a performance attitude that an unsaved person would never approach the altar for prayer. That is such a shame.

Tabitha had Hope in the church during Praise & Worship. I could tell she wasn't feeling very well, cause she was so quiet. When I went to sit by her, she wanted in my lap and said she was tired. She layed her head on my shoulder for a few minutes, then started talking. She kept getting louder and louder. I took her out of the sanctuary to see if I could get her to go in the nursery. Nope, she wasn't having any part of it. So, I sat with her in the lobby during the whole service. After church was over, I took her back to Tabitha. Trent was out at the beach with Tabitha's sister. I missed the little fella.

I've got to tell you what Hope said to me. I washed my hair this morning, but didn't have the time to dry and straighten it. While we were sitting in the lobby, she kept brushing my hair away from my face. She held my face in her little hands and said, "Nonna, you need to brush your hair. It's a mess. I have a brush you can use." Out of the mouth of babes. I said "You don't like my hair curly, do you?" She said, "No, it's a mess." I couldn't help but to laugh and say "You know what, Baby, I don't like it either." She said exactly what I feel - that it's a mess when I let it go curly.

Kim didn't come to church. Loren said she was sick and so was Lyric. I called her on my way home. She was having a fit with her allergies. I'm sure that rose bush probably had something to do with her problem. If I'd known it was going to affect her that way, I never would have bought it. I'm so sorry for adding to her problems.

I got a salad from Sonic, came home and ate and layed down on the couch for a short nap. Vance had the A/C on when I got home. God bless him! He could see how miserable I was this morning. He finished the floor in the bedroom. Now, I've got to get busy and get it painted. It will be the end of the month before I have any time to devote to it. Next weekend, we'll be in Tallahassee and the following Saturday is the Ladies Tea. I'll be busy all day with that. Maybe the following week, I can get started moving everything out and tearing down the wallpaper. The next Saturday, I've promised to help Debb move. Yep, my room will just have to wait a little while.

It's really time for me to get to bed. I've been up late the past three or four nights and I only got a short nap today, so I'm really tired. Plus, I haven't taken my Vemma in about four days. I can really see a difference when I don't take it. I tend to get tired a lot easier.

Hope you all have a blessed week.
Goodnight and God bless.............

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Happy Birthday Kim!!!



St. Marks Lighthouse
Today is Kim's birthday and I got up early to get ready for our road trip to St. Marks lighthouse. I didn't get to bed last night until around midnight and I got up this morning (Saturday) at 3:45. Not much sleep, but I never do sleep when going on a trip. Left the house at about 5:45. Kim was outside waiting on me. We transferred my cameras into her car and headed out. We decided to take the coastal highway through St. Joe, Apalachicola, Carybelle, East Point, etc. It was a long drive, but very scenic. We stopped at a boiled peanut stand and got peanuts for breakfast and asked the old gentlemen if he knew where the lighthouse was. He directed us to continue on the way we were going, past two blinking caution lights and turn right. We drove and drove and never saw the first caution light, so we stopped at a gas station and asked directions (neither one of us thought to bring the map we had printed out). The man told Kim that the peanut man was correct except we would pass the 2nd caution light, going over the St. Marks River and we'd see the sign on the right. It was about 11 more miles. He was exactly right. Found it with no problem.


We got there a little after 9:00 and I started taking pictures. I was real pleased with the way they turned out. The sky was a beautiful blue. I did not touch up a single photo. We walked along the beach and were attacked by black flies and yellow flies. Ow! They hurt when they bite. I guess we were there a little over an hour, then we headed back to Apalachicola to eat lunch. Ate at the Apalachicola Grill. It was very good. We had fried shrimp and fish and french fries. It was more than either one of us could eat. Had we known how much food they would give us, we would have split a plate. We stopped along side the road and bought some plants. I bought a white rose bush. It smells so good. I sure hope I can grow it. I may just buy a large pot and make it into a container rose bush instead of planting it in my sandy yard.


It was a very fun day. I hope Kim enjoyed her birthday. I came home and took a nap, then started working with the photos. Made two calendars - one with vertical photos and one with horizontal photos. I'll let Kim choose which one she wants and I'll keep the other one.


It's about four minutes till midnight, so I think I better go to bed. I'm really tired and sleepy.


Good night and God bless................

Saturday, May 05, 2007

Is It Friday Already?


St. Marks Lighthouse
This week has flown by. I guess because I had so much to do and so many places to go. It's timesheet day, so you know I've been super busy.


At lunch, I went and got the carton of flooring that Vance asked me to pick up. After picking it up, I went to Plum Delightful, an antique store on Jenks Avenue. They've got some great stuff, but the things I really liked were a little too expensive for me. And Vance (and Michelle and Tabitha and Kim, should I go on?) are trying to get me to pair down the stuff I already have. I don't need to go buying anything else. I saw some beautiful bookcases with glass doors. Would love to have one of those. But, I walked away with nothing in my hands. That's a good thing.


Ran by Tally-Ho Drive-IN and got a turkey club sandwich and fries. Haven't had one of those in ages. Tried to buy another t-shirt (they advertise t-shirts for $10.95) but they didn't have any. The owner only brings them in when someone orders them. That's a poor way of doing business. There are a lot of tourists who come through town that would buy one if they had them in stock. It took me over two months to get mine. I wanted to buy one for Vance. I didn't even bother to place an order. When I want something like that, I want to take it home with me, not have to wait a couple of months for them to finally get around to calling me. I love my shirt and I'd love to get one for my whole family cause Tally-Ho is a classic. There aren't many old drive-ins around anymore.


After I got back to work, my right shoulder started tightening up on me. I went down to Kim's office and asked to borrow her hammer. I started hitting myself trying to break up the tension. I use a rubber mallet at home, but she didn't have one. She made me sit down and she massaged my back. She couldn't believe how bad it was. She kept telling me I should go to a doctor, chiropractor or masseause. It's not normal to have a knot that big. I get them about every 2-3 years and usually go see a chiropractor for three months and let them work it out. Mac came in and said he had one of those electrode machines at home that I could borrow. He was so sweet; he went home and got it for me and told me to use it over the weekend and see if that helped.


After I got home, I went to Wal-Mart and picked up some snacks and water for our trip tomorrow to St. Marks. Kim and I are really looking forward to this road trip. We both need to get away and relax. My cameras are ready to go.


I probably won't sleep at all tonight. I never do when I'm going someplace. I'm like a little kid on Christmas Eve. I just get so excited about the things I'm going to see. I've always been this way.


Well, guess I better go put everything in one spot so I won't have to scrounge around in the morning looking for stuff. Will share pictures on my next entry.


Goodnight and God bless.................

Friday, May 04, 2007

Thursday Morning Meltdown


Last night, Vance cooked spaghetti while I was at church. I ate around 9:30 and went to bed around 11:00. Woke up in the middle of the night with indigestion, so I moved to the couch. But, I was sooooo tired that I forgot to set the timer on the stove to wake me up. Vance got up, kissed me goodbye and I fell back asleep. Woke up at 6:45. I was rushing to get ready and get to work. I hate mornings like this.


Yesterday, I went to the doctor to see how my bloodwork turned out. Everything was back to normal, but my blood pressure was 164/100. Not good, but she said it was okay since my last visit was 116/60. She asked if I had a headache, did my chest hurt, etc..... Nope, none of the above. Just rushing to get there on time. I don't leave until the very last minute, because I don't want to burn up my sick leave or vacation anymore than I have to. Plus, she asked if I was still taking care of my dad. I told her that now I was also taking care of my mom. She said "No wonder your blood pressure is high. One good thing - I've lost 6 lbs.


I went back to work and worked through lunch because I had to take Daddy to meet Rose and Dave at the attorney's office. They are trying to get Betty to get the show on the road and get the house sold and let them have stuff out of the house. They want to know exactly what she is doing with all the other stuff. Found out that by Florida law, she has to inventory everything in the house. If she sells anything, she has to divide the money with the other four. It was an interesting meeting. Took Daddy back home and went home for a few minutes before church.


Church was awesome! Praise & Worship was fantastic. So many people getting ministered to at the altar during the song service. That's what it's all about. Pastor Sammy preached on the 12 Assassins of Marriage. Really great sermon. Tabitha, Carrianne and I stood around talking in the parking lot after church. We've got to make the chocolate-covered strawberries for the Ladies Tea. They were talking about going to the Strawberry Patch and picking the strawberries and us getting together at Kim and Carrianne's to work together the night before the Tea. Sounds like fun to me.


Today, I had to take Mama to the doctor to find out the results of her newest bloodwork. It all turned out fine. He changed some of her medicine and she has to go back in three weeks. Maybe she will let Tabitha or Margurete take her next time. I need to save some vacation for later in the year if either her or Daddy get sick.


I stopped by Chick-Fil-A after the doctor's visit and got us a salad. Dropped Mama off at home and went back to work. Ate my salad around 1:00. After work, I got Vance's truck and went to the used furniture store and picked up the Duncan Fife dining room table I bought back in February. We put it in the computer room. The sides fold down, so it doesn't take up much room. It's a pretty table. Maybe one day, I'll have a dining room again and I can use it in there. Vance is almost finished with the bedroom floor. He would have finished tonight, but he ran out of flooring. I have to go at lunch tomorrow and pick up some more.


I'm really looking forward to Saturday. Kim and I decided on the route we want to take to get to St. Marks. We're going the coastal route, through Port St. Joe and Apalachicola. It's going to be fun. We can always stop in Carybelle and eat some seafood since Posey's was destroyed by the hurricane.


When I got the table set up, I started scanning some old pictures that I found when I was moving things around. The pictures of Penny and me were taken in 1987. Boy, we sure were skinny! Those were the good ole days. The picture at the top of this post was one Penny took of me.


Time to get busy scanning more pictures. Good night and God bless.....................

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Week Almost Half Over

In a few minutes, it will be Wednesday again. Boy, time sure flies when you're having fun!

Yesterday was a busy day. Had to take Daddy to the doctor. He's got to have a kidney xray, since he hasn't ever had one. That's set up for next Thursday, then he has to go back to see the doctor two weeks after that. Gee, just when I thought we were slowing down on the doctor's appointments..... They are gaining on me again.

I worried all day yesterday about Jakye's pictures. I finally emailed her mom, but didn't hear back from her before I had to take Daddy to the doctor. Found emails and a voice message from her this morning and she told me to call her. We finally connected after lunch. She told me she loved the pictures. I told her I didn't think Jakye liked them at all and she said that's just Jakye - she's too critical of herself. I know how that is, cause I never see a picture of me that I really like. Faith in my ability has been restored! Why do I agonize over every single picture I take? I'm way too critical of myself.

Had to go at lunch and pick up Daddy's medicine and take it to him. We have to go to see the lawyer tomorrow afternoon. We're trying to get Grandmama's estate settled. My aunt is just not doing anything. We're being told we owe her attorney $300, but we haven't seen a bill from him and we didn't hire him in the first place. I think she's just trying to wait until the expenses of the house uses up all the money they would get from selling it. I really don't know what she is trying to do, but my other aunt decided to get an attorney and get the show on the road, so to speak. I'll be glad when it's all over with.

Kim and I decided to go to St. Marks this Saturday for her birthday. I'll be able to get some more lighthouse pictures. She's never been there, so it will be fun for her. We're hoping to find a good seafood restaurant nearby. Posey's used to be good, but I think it got destroyed in one of the hurricanes a couple of years ago. That's a shame. That was a cool place. The floors were so uneven only drunks could walk without stumbling. You looked like you were drunk when you walked across the floor.

Debb called today. She got the apartment she put in for. She is so excited. I told her I would help her move. I sure hope she can find some men to help, cause I can't lift heavy things like I used to. I'm not as young as I used to be or as strong. She used to call me Wonder Woman cause I did so much and was so strong. I told her Wonder Woman had hung up her suit.

I went to see Marsha and got my hair colored this afternoon. It looks so good. I've decided to indulge myself every six weeks and get my hair colored and trimmed.

I've got a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning to see if this new medicine is working. It has curtailed my appetite (that's the side effect). I've lost 7 lbs. already since April 5th. I think that's pretty good.

We had a fun time at Praise and Worship practice tonight. Got a lot accomplished, laughed a lot and had some serious prayer before going home. It was a good night. I came home and made graduation announcements for Mrs. Ruth's son, Joseph. She saw the invitations I made for the Ladies Tea and asked if I could do the same for his graduation announcements. I said I'd sure give it a try. Had the hardest time finding a picture of a dolphin, but finally found one jumping out of the water. I solarized it and turned it to the green and orange colors of Mosley. I thought it turned out pretty good. I sure hope they like it.

Well, better get my beauty rest. Got a busy day ahead tomorrow - safety meeting, my doctor's appointment, the meeting with the lawyer and trying to fit work in between all the appointments. Whew! I'm tired already.

Goodnight and God bless..................
Without Him, I never could do all that I have to do.
He is my strength, my peace and my salvation. I give Him all the praise!!!!!