1.  Gee whiz, it's great to have incredible friends in my life; I am truly blessed.  I want to thank everyone again for all your thoughts for me this past weekend.  One such incredible friend, Vickie, can always make me laugh.  She called me Saturday to see how I was doing.  I responded, "I'm hot and sweaty."  She asked, "Well, are you satisfied?"  Gee whiz, how do I respond to that?!  ;-)  I had just finished planting the rose bushes and was moving a chest of drawers into my basement and so I truly was, hot and sweaty... not from anything "satisfying."  Wait, I take that back, doing what I did was satisfying just not the gee whiz type of satisfying.  *snortle*

2.  This week in my Study of Family class, we watched The Squid and the Whale, which is an absolute stinker of a movie.  It's about a family of four (two parents, two sons) and how they all deal with a difficult divorce.  It is a movie that I saw in my Film & Literature class (same teacher as family class) and I swore I'd never see again.  Besides the horrible language and idiotic tantrums, there's scenes of a 13-year-old who has major hormone issues and does things that even grossed out the men in my class.  There were two in the class besides myself that were in the Film & Lit class together and we knew it was coming (literally) and warned those around us that they may not want to see.  The point in watching it?  To show how divorce can be a very bad thing for the kids.  Gee whiz, do yourself a favor, don't ever watch this movie.

3.  I had my Remicade treatment this week and my doc got on my case about getting my hips x-rayed... gee whiz, yadda, yadda, yadda.  I told him if the idiotic hospital radiation dept would schedule appointments, then I would have been in a while ago.  Now it's first come, first serve, unless it's an emergency then they get to be seen before all those who have waited hours to be seen.  As if I have the time to sit and wait for hours AND feel up to having the x-ray; sometimes the pain rules me.  The physical therapy is helping SO much that my hips don't hurt much any more.  YAY!  I'm still going 2/week and on Fridays, I stay an hour in the pool and exercise versus the half hour on a regular appointment.  I had a re-eval yesterday and the range of motion and strength are improving in my hips.  Tomorrow, my PT wants to add two exercises on machines.

4.   There are some really nice ladies in the pool at physical therapy.  They're not patients (most of them), they go in to exercise.  I met a lady that is also a photographer and she invited me to be part of a photo group in Salt Lake.  It sounds like so much fun and would be good to learn with them.  I told her I need to get school over with then I'm there.  Then she added, "Don't bother with the groups in Ogden, the average age is 85 and they hate digital."  I look forward to talking to her more because she's a kick and so is her mother.  Gee whiz, fun at physical therapy... who knew?

5.  There are three birthdays today: The Lovely D (Colin's wife), the Loverly Princess Roo, and Monica's son, Joshua.  Happy birthday to you all - and gee whiz, go out and have a great time.

6.  I'm happy it's Thursday - almost my weekend!  Actually, I am not sure why I'm excited for the weekend because I have to take a mid-term for Geology, work on my Family term paper, write another paper about that awful movie (see #2), and do my weekly reading.  Ohhh gee whiz... maybe I'll have a complete ME day on Sunday.  Gee whiz... what shall I do?!

UPDATE:  I could not resist editing this post when I read over at Raggedy's  place that she does not have MS or a brain tumor!!  Gee whiz, this is the best news I've heard in a long time.  I'm so happy for you, Raggedy!!!! 

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Have a wonderful birthday, Dawn! Love you!

Today marks the first year anniversary of my sweet cat, Ashley's death. Ashley was a huge part of my life for 13 years and as strange as it sounds, I loved her as my child - my furry faced child. She was my best friend and confidant and rarely left me alone when I was ill. She was always there to greet me when I came home and if I was late, she would have something to say about it. She and I had a special bond and relationship, one that I have never felt before and may not ever again.

She had such a fun personality, she and I used to play hide-and-seek and she loved to hear me scream. She was posessive of my lap and did not appreciate textbooks taking over "her" spot on my lap. She was bossy, when it was time to go to bed, she let me know it and would rarely let me stay up late. She was the best nap buddy I could ask for and she always had a special touch when I was upset. But most of all, she was a sweetheart and I'll love her forever.

Last year, shortly after she died, I planted a rose bush in her honor and here is one of the first blooms this year. With each bud, my love for her is renewed and my heart is more at peace with losing her. I feel as if each rose blooms by her love.


As I was thinking of something special I could do today, just for her, I exhausted all the possibilities except more roses. I mentioned what I wanted to do to Dawn and she demanded to pay for the rose. I replied, "OK, I'll buy two then." Not meaning that SHE would buy me two but that I would buy one and she would buy the other; we had a good laugh over that.

The thought of white rose with pink edges entered my mind and didn't leave - I was set on finding such a rose. After looking a few places then calling even more, I found a nursery that had a big selection of roses, with my hopes high and a sense of "it's there," I drove to the nursery.

I was greeted by a nice lady and I proceeded to go out the back where I saw the roses. There were well over a hundred to choose from and a bright purple called to me - well, because I do love purple and so did Ashley ;-). Then I went right to the white "ONE," it had five blooms on it (that have since dropped off in the dreadful heat) and it was beautiful. I reached down and looked at the tag, and it said, "Peace." As tears rolled down my cheeks, I thought, "Peace. Ashley is at peace."

Note: this was taken last June (about two weeks before Ashley died) and is the Peace Rose from Mom's front garden.

1.  An ex-coworker was in the office to see some of her friends here and I said hello to her as I was passing in the hallway.  She said she heard that congratulations are in order.  *Clueless look on my face* followed by a "huh?!"  She replied, "I hear you are getting married and I'm thrilled for you."  *Busting out laughing*  "Uh, no, I'm not, not even close.  Don't I need a man in order to get married?!"  I wonder if the rumor included that I was pregnant; now that would be funny!  I asked her who she heard it from and she said she couldn't remember.  Hmmm... gee whiz... where do they come up with this stuff?!  I'm still giggling about it.

2. I went out with my Girls last week; we had a lot of laughs and Olive Garden is always happy to see us... leave.  Linda told us about a book that is supposed to be really good; about a woman who falls in love with a vampire.  Sandi said, "Oh, there are advantages to being involved with a vampire," then made a sucky face.  We all busted out laughing and apparently, I turned redder than a beet and I got hot all over... gee whiz, from the embarrassment (get your mind out of the gutter)... she totally caught me off guard. 

3.  I chose a topic for my Study of the Family term paper and Tuesday, I brought home some library books on the subject.  I didn't think much of it and set the books on the counter while I got some ice and water from the fridge.  Mom was standing there and looked at the books out of curiosity.  Then I heard a gasp,

"What on earth are you reading books on teenage sexuality?" 

I replied, "Oh, this would be a good time to tell you that I'm writing my paper on teenage pregnancy and the correlation of sex education or the lack of." 

She was shocked that I would want to write about such things!  Gee whiz, I guess I can forget about her reviewing this paper before I submit it!  ;-) 

4.   I went on another field trip yesterday on a "long lunch break" but this week was different - it was a success!!  I was on the hunt for sedimentary rocks and I found a formation and knew right where it was.  YAY me!  But then again, most everyone from this area knows what and where it is.  It's called Devil's Slide and I found myself saying, "gee whiz, I didn't know that," as I was researching the history.  It's over 100 million of years of sedimentary rocks (pebbles, sand, etc.) piled upon each other. What is remaining is weather resistant limestone and it was formed when the shaly limestone eroded away and left this formation.  They're not sure why it's the way it is but they know how it sticks out.  Do I sound like a geek or what?  Hey - I'm learning!  I am almost done with my report on it and it's 5 pages and 22MB so I'll have to put it in PDF format and we'll see if I can get it to my teacher without bringing email servers to their knees.  He said he wanted photos... so he's getting them!

A funny thing happened when I was taking photos.  Picture me, in a nice dress, pulled off the road on a nature wonder scenic pull-out, out of my car, wind blowing, long hair going everywhere, walking and shooting different angles and zooms.  (OK, so that wasn't the real funny part)  A male truck driver and his wife/significant other/partner were stopped as well, taking one photo and stretching their legs.  I felt them looking at me and saw the puzzled look on their faces.  I turn towards them and smile and say hello - being neighborly.  They return the hello and smiles then the man asked me, "So, are you going to a wedding, or what?"  I giggled and explained that I was on a lunch break and taking photos.  He replied, "Well, I must be in Utah because I never saw a lady taking photos out here in a canyon in a fancy dress like that."  The woman hit him in the arm and I just laughed and explained it was for school and that was the only time I could get out there. 

Gee whiz, what is it with people and weddings these days?  I know it's June, but come on... ;-) 

Have a great day!! 

Happy anniversary to my dear friends, Colin and the Lovely D.  They love each other more today than when they were first married years ago and they've spent their lifetimes making one another happy.  Cheers to both of you and may this be one of the happiest anniversaries yet.  Love to both of you!  Please go over and wish them congratulations.

It's also Nikki-Ann's birthday today!  Nikki is a sweetheart and she and I were instant friends when she discovered my blog three or four years ago.  She lives in Whales and she graciously invited me to stay with her when I make my trip to England next year (hopefully!).  She is an incredible photographer, loves cats, loves music and movies; which are what we have in common.  Happy Birthday, Nikki!  Lots of love & hugs to you!!  Please go over and wish her a very happy birthday!

Tomorrow is Pam's (Southern Blog) birthday, so surprise her and wish her a happy early birthday.  Pam is a great lady and she, too was an instant friend of mine.  She lives in Alabama and was a fellow student up until last year when she earned her degree (and she has sympathy for me now LOL).  She also loves photography, cats, (and dogs), and has a beautiful garden.  She's a lot of fun and we've chatted a few times via the phone and text messaging.  She always brightens my day when she sends me a text.  Happy Birthday, Pam!  Lots of love & hugs to you! 

 

Happy 7th Anniversary to my dear friend Dawn and her husband Roy.  Some of you may remember Dawn - she was 4everDawn and Love,Hope, and Courage.

Love you, Dawn! May there be many more wonderful anniversaries.

I hope everyone had a good weekend and survived the heat - if it's hot where you are.  I managed to get all my homework done despite the set-back with my geology field trip.  I spoke with a geologist (from the State of Utah) and he told me of a place up Ogden Canyon, around Pine View Reservoir that had some igneous rocks called Norwood Tuff, which is solidified volcanic ash.  I was so excited to find it, however, where he told me to look - was wrong.  I didn't find out until I got home and looked up the name of the rock (which I should have done before I drove up there!) and there was a report on it.  The location is actually over the mountain from Pine View in Morgan.  I didn't have time to go back up there so I ended up doing another assignment, learning to read a topographical map.  However, the trip was worth it because I got some good shots of the Ogden River waterfall and of Pine View and the pine trees on the mountain.





I managed to get outside for a few minutes Friday night to try out my new camera and I must say, I'm very pleased with it! Here are a couple of photos I took of Mom's garden.




I got some rest yesterday but not a lot since it was Father's Day and I needed to help out with dinner and had a few things I needed to get done. I watched a baseball game (YAY Texas Rangers!!) and got caught up on some TV shows. I could use another day... do I really have to go to work today?! *sigh*

Have a great day!

Vickie is a rainbow,
Each color and layer filled to the brim
With beauty and goodness.

Red is the love she possesses,
And her heart that she shares
With anyone she meets.

Orange is the flame
Of her courage and strength
To battle Missy and take each day as it comes.

Green is her warmth,
Drawing others in to warm their hearts
And make them feel loved.

Blue is her calmness,
Making others feel at home,
Whether it is on the Porch or at the Crossroads.

Purple is her passion,
The base for all the other colors
And is an attraction for us all.

Vickie is a rainbow like no other,
For she doesn’t just appear after the storm
But is there during the rain and when there are no clouds.

Vickie makes me believe
That I can be a rainbow
And I can catch the rainbow too.

All my love,
Karen


KJR June 2006

Happy birthday, my special friend, may your life be filled with love and happiness... and plenty of gee whizes and warm underwear. (I'm not going to explain the warm underwear thing, I'll just let them wonder *snortle*)

1. Gee whiz, it's Thursday again already, which isn't a bad thing since it means time is flying by. It's been a busy week with 1.5 days of training at work for a new system which means new opportunities *grin* School is taking the other chunk of my time; I was wrong to think the online geology class wouldn't be too much work. Ha. I have to find a place to go on a "field trip" to find igneous rocks and explain the history. Sure, there's igneous rocks all over but they're not marked with history signs. If I cannot find a place in Ogden, I may have to go to south Salt Lake to the Little Cottonwood canyon granite mine trail. That wouldn't be too bad but travel time would be about three hours total.

2. My niece Sara texted me yesterday to tell me she and Travis found an apartment. They almost got a house but it fell through so they'll have to live in an apartment for a while. I'd like to find some time to help them settle in this weekend. I can't help them move but I can unpack boxes and organize; if they need help there.

3. The funniest thing happened with my dad over the weekend. You'll notice the little tear in his eye in the photo; it's not from crying, it's from laughing. Dad went into the kitchen for a little snack and as he left, Mom noticed a round brown spot on his jeans. She said, "J.R., what do you have on your pants?!!!" (thinking it was poo!) He said, "I don't know dear, what do I have on my pants?" She looked to see what it really was and she started laughing; it was a tootsie roll. He thought for a minute then remembered what he did, he was eating a small tootsie roll (the size bigger than the midgey) and it was a little hard so he put it under his leg to warm and soften it but then forgot about it so it stuck on his pants. He was laughing so hard, he could barely tell me what happened. No poo here, just a tootsie roll!

4. Referring back to last week's Gee Whiz Thursday post, I sent my online geology teacher an email regarding a missing section of the lecture. Pulling a Karen, basically, but really not intending said email to sound dirty. My teacher wrote me back finally, and I can't say I knew quite how to take his response - you know, with my mind and how sensitive I was to the email I wrote. Here is his response:

Sorry--that lecture not quite completed--just a "stub" there.

How do I respond - "Oh dear, sorry about your luck?" or what I chose to do - not respond at all.

5. Your's truly made the Spring 2007 Dean's List (W00T)! Gee whiz, this is #8 of 8 times possible for the Dean's List. *patting myself on the back, doing the cha, cha, cha dance, and chewing gum at the same time*

6. The biggest GEE WHIZ this week is my new camera! It arrived Tuesday night. WOOOOOHOOOOO! Isn't it puuurdy!?


I haven't had time to play with it yet since it takes a weird battery pack and it came with a rechargeable battery and a charger and the battery took over five hours to charge. Drats. I turned it on yesterday morning before work to make sure it worked and it's clear I'll need to read the instructions to operate it. Instructions, gee whiz, what a novel idea.

My heart dropped when I saw an "Amazon Order Update" in my inbox regarding my lovely new camera I ordered back in April.  They said then it would ship on July 10 so I knew there was a wait - BUT - the email brought good news!  It shipped yesterday evening!  I am so excited, I can hardly decide which to yell, so perhaps I'll yell SQUEE, WOOHOO, and W00T!!!!  It will be delivered on TUESDAY evening! 

 Come to mamma, you beautiful new camera, you! 

This is just what this stress monkey needed to hear.  I've worked so hard the last two days to get everything done.  I did my geology rock experiment last night and stayed up until midnight writing my report on the four rocks.  Mainly they were rocks that contained quartz but I did find one I think is granite.  I couldn't bust that thing with the finest chisel or the heaviest hammer.  I'll see later, if I'm right.  Then this morning, I spent 3.5 hours on my weekly quiz and with three attempts (unlimited attempts allowed until closing date), I got 100%.  I'm so anal...  92% wasn't good enough LOL  I've just finished with my Study of Family reading for the week and writing my notes for the quiz on Monday.  Next - reading for geology.  The Texas Ranger's game is on right now... hmmm... I think I need a break from the reading... yes, I do...  ;-)

1.  I've been busy, unmotivated, and uninspired to write my weekly Gee-Whizes on my "short school break," which didn't seem like much of a break at all since I was busy doing things I don't have time to do while I'm in school... but gee whiz, not all I wanted or needed to do.  I've almost forgotten what the gee whiz joke is all about, anyway... but I digress. *snortle*

2. A little creature named the Stress Monkey, is me.  Little things have been buzzing through my mind, driving me a bit nuts (aka obsessing), such as, my bedroom is a mess.  I did the minimal cleaning last weekend because I was in so much pain and now I'm paying for it.  I have so much to do this weekend, between appointments, school, and wanting to do something fun tomorrow.  I have an appt in Salt Lake (it better be quick!) then I want go to a car show (photo ops!!) that is at a picnic on the Air Force base where I work.  The cars and (hopefully some motorcycles) are owned by civilians, retired, and active duty, which I think is cool and makes them more appealing. 

When I got home Monday night from school, my eyes barely open, I saw a baby shower invitation for my nephew Tyler's wife Sara, (I have two nieces named Sara) who is about to have their baby... I think... I haven't seen either one since last year.  Anyway, this person who is giving the shower gave us a whole four days notice; the shower is Friday night in a town that is probably 30 minutes away (Tyler and Sara live 10 minutes away) .  My gas expenses are enough, thank you very much!!  Oh, but wait, the invitation stated dinner will be served.  BFD.  I'm ornery, can you tell?!  Of course, this adds one more thing to do: buy a gift.  Not that I don't want to give them something, I just hadn't planned on going shopping this weekend.  Oh, by the way, I also hate showers and buy gauging the invitation, this is going to be a painful shower to sit through - I'm guessing at least four party games,  one of which is probably pin the diaper on the baby's butt (that was supposed to be funny).  I am SO not in the mood. It's one of those events that one is obligated to attend. 

Gee whiz - brilliant plot just entered my head!  See if my SIL Patti is going, send Mom with her, then I will offer to stay home and keep an eye on Dad.  Pray for me, that it works.

Next on my agenda, is of course, homework.  Mostly reading this weekend but a lot; six chapters plus six or seven readings from three of said chapters.  Gee whiz...what else... I'm sure there's more since I have a quiz per week in each class. I am excited about my geology Assignment #1, I get to go find a couple of rocks, take photos of where I found them, then I get to go home and use tools to break them apart to figure out which minerals each rock has.  That will be one great stress reliever right there!  I've also decided to go for a drive up the canyon tonight to find some - another stress reliever!

3.  Is it a bad thing to sit at work, see the high winds outside, and pray for a power outage so I can go home?  Didn't think so.

4. My Study of Family class is going to be fun; Monday night, we broke into "families" (groups) and discussed what the definition of a family is.  My family's answer included animals as part of families which was accepted by the other families and thought it was good.  When class was over, the teacher, B, said, "OK, go away now."  Then asked, "Who sleeps with their dogs?"  A few said, "no way" while others said, "yes."  Well, one guy, who was quiet all night spoke up and asked B, "Do you mean sleep with your dog or SLEEP with your dog?  I need clarification on that, because I'd say no to SLEEPING with my dog!"  We all cracked up and B stood there stunned.  Gee whiz, I guess he thought all of us were brain-dead by 10pm. 

5.  My grand-nephew had a problem with his penis; apparently, the circumcision wasn't a complete success.  The little guy is 9-months old and will still be fixed without any issues.  However, my niece took him down to Primary Children's hospital (probably referred to a specialist there), this week and my brother went with her.  Although his penis problem isn't funny, but how my brother explained it to my parents is a hoot! 

I was on my way to work Tuesday morning (I slept in!) and Bob was visiting a bit with my parents.  He told them, "Apparently it's not crooked at all, there's just some extra skin that needs to be removed."  Mom asked, "On what?"  (apparently this was the first they'd heard about it too) and Bob replied, "On his potty."  I had to bite my lip to hold back the snicker.  Ummmm... is it impossible to say "penis" in my family?!  Gee whiz!!  It's a body part for crying out loud... but I have to admit, it is entertaining to hear the words they come up with.

Kind of along these lines, when Mom had her eye surgery back in April, we discussed how we were going to shower Dad (Mom usually showers him).  Dad mumbled something we couldn't hear and he was not happy.  When I asked him what was wrong, he said, "I don't want you seeing my tally-whacker!!!"  I replied, "I hate to break it to you, but I don't want to see it either!"  He laughed at that.  Luckily, Mom was able to shower him and still look down... OMG, that sounds bad!  lalalalalala...not going there.

6.   Have you ever sent an email before you could re-read it for possible... ummm... different ways of taking it?  I pulled a Karen when sending an email to my online instructor about some missing text under a header at the end of the lecture notes.  I didn't know if there was more to the lecture or if the it ended after the previous header.  Here is what I wrote:

I was just reading the lecture for week 1 and it ends with the header: Cleavage and fracture, with nothing after it.  Is something missing or did the lecture end after the hardness test?

Thanks,
Karen

It's about rocks and minerals, I swear!!!  *snortle* 

I told a friend what I did and let him read the email.  His eyebrow raised and said, "Wait, the cleavage should really come before the hardness test and then the hardness will most likely increase with more cleavage."  I told him, after I quit laughing, that was definitely bloggable.  It's not a wonder he and I are friends...

I have not yet received a response from my instructor but when I do, I'll update.  I wonder if he's trying to be professional before he answers it.  

Have a wonderful day and a fantastic weekend! 

Earlier today, I posted a yellow rose for Wordless Wednesday but there was more to it than that - and Monica caught on. You see, the yellow rose is special to her because her dear cousin, who died suddenly, had a love for the flower. I wanted Monica to know I was thinking about her and her family. Her family has had two losses this week; one, her son's friend and second, Shirley, her former mother-in-law. The funerals are tomorrow (Thursday), so please think of all who knew Jeremy's friend and Shirley.

Here's another rose for you, my friend.


Also tomorrow, is Vickie's mother-in-law's funeral and tonight is the viewing. Please keep them in your thoughts too.


When a loved one has lived a long and happy life, the funeral usually turns into a celebration of their life, even after a long battle and I hope that Momma B's and Shirley's funerals are, just that, a celebration of their lives and the love they gave. Funerals are a lot tougher when someone young dies, so many unanswered questions and nothing making sense; I hope that Jeremy's friend's loved ones remember him for the young man he was and for all he brought into their lives.

Death is hard, no matter what circumstances, and all I can figure out is those who die are needed for a greater purpose. Although this doesn't make the loss difficult, it gives some comfort knowing they are now angels, free from pain, who look out for their loved ones.

I love you, Monica and Vickie. I will pray for the comfort of you and your families and that Momma B, Shirley, and Jeremy's friend rest in peace.

Vickie's sweet mother-in-law, Momma B passed away this afternoon. 

Rest in peace, Momma B, and may your family be comforted. 

I love you, Vickie, and please know that you are all in my prayers.

There are times that I get wrapped up in my own health issues and life stresses; this past week was a perfect example.  I have been in tremendous pain due to my Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).  One thing about pain, is it wears a person out, not only physically but also mentally.  I was at my wit's end and exhausted. Wednesday, was my monthly Remicade treatment and I planned on asking my doctor for stronger pain medication; which I haven't done in the seven years that I've had RA.  My doctor wasn't in; he'd just left for two weeks and another doctor was filling in for the exam portion of the treatment.  I explained to her what was going on then asked for the stronger pain meds.  I do not want to get addicted so I am careful about taking them - even the darvocet (which compared to some pain medications is like Tylenol).  She wouldn't give me any; not even a two day supply of percocet (I didn't want anything stronger) until the Remicade kicked in and I got some relief.  She said I needed to be evaluated by a physical therapist.  OK, fine.  When I saw what was written on her orders, then looked it up on the internet, I wondered what on earth this woman was thinking.  She wanted an eval for a muscular problem that athletes get.  Hmmm, yes, this sounds like me! So, I humored her.  I found a therapist close to home and made an appt for 7:30 this morning, however, I decided I would do what I needed to to get out of pain; if the PT could do anything.   

 I'm getting ahead of myself though; I didn't intend this post to be a whine-fest.  Wednesday afternoon when I was feeling rotten, tears kept filling my eyes, I got a phone call from my dear friend, Vickie.  I was so relieved to hear her voice; she always calls me when I'm having a pity party.  I filled her in a little about me but I knew something was wrong but I hadn't read her blog yet.  Her sweet mother-in-law was hospitalized for the second time in May and immediately put in ICU.  She was supposed to have surgery yesterday but the doctors cancelled it at the last minute.  My heart sank; as I listened to all her MIL was going through - as well as what Vickie was dealing with, I wondered why on earth I was whining about my pain when there are so many others fighting for their lives.  I needed the wake-up call.  

I apologized to Vickie for going on about my problems but she wouldn't hear of it.  What she did say was, "Let's have our pity parties together; they're more fun that way."  Although we were both exhausted and heart broken, we managed to have some laughs about life. 

I realize that what we go through as individuals shouldn't be minimized as not important but should be put in perspective.  I see my dad fight every day to get back some normalcy and to do some of what he used to do but will most likely never be able to do again.  He makes jokes about taking off for a joy ride in the car since he can't drive any more.

There are so many amazing people who deal with cancer that don't know how much longer they will have on earth and they battle the side effects of the medications.  Monica's ex-MIL is in stage 4 of cancer now and there are several friends in the blogging community that fight with all they have.   I admire them for their strength and incredible attitude. 

Consider me put back in my place.  I do have a lot to deal with, however, I know how blessed I am to do as well as I am doing.  Please keep these fine people in your thoughts and/or prayers.  They need all the good energy and comfort they can get.

Back to this morning, the PT appt went well; I liked the therapist, C, right away.  She was thorough in her examination and explanations.  She actually listened, actually better than the doctor who referred me.  I don't have the sports injury... but are you ready for this?  I have RA!  I giggled when C told me... "Imagine that!"  Another part of the diagnosis is that my hip muscle is retracting/shrinking.  I've been in so much pain, I haven't been able to do my stretching exercises.  She gave me some heat therapy along with ultrasonic pulses and some ultrasound therapy.  I asked if I could have the machines in a portable form.  I definitely felt a difference.  She also showed me some better stretching exercises to do that I managed to do OK.  I will need to go a couple of times a week for a while.  I get to have aquatic therapy and some other things she wants to try. 

I almost found myself thinking, how on earth am I going to fit two more things in a week with my schedule?  Then I remembered, at least I have hope of easing some of my pain while others do not.  Two hours a week - I'm worth it.

On a side note, my lovely three week break from school is over already; classes start again on Monday and this weekend my textbook reading will start.  OK, I just had another thought... quit whining - at least you are able to go to school.  It appears I have my very own mother installed in my head ;-)

 Have a great weekend, everyone!