I have another EEG scheduled for next week. Evidently, the seizure activity is continuing in my brain, even though I'm not conscious of it. Until I'm seizure-free for 6 months, my restrictions are still in place.
In the meantime, we have a busy spring and early summer. The women's retreat is in 2weeks, and then about a month after that is Tyler's graduation, then we head into weddings and gradution parties, reunions, etc. And somewhere in all that, we have our first opportunity to actually vend our barbecue! Whew! Prayers for ALL of that appreciated! :)
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Quick Note
Just a quick note - heard from my neurologist today - I'd had an EEG Monday - evidently I'm still having seizure activity, which is not good news. I'll meet with her next week and we'll discuss the next step...
Friday, February 17, 2012
Not happy
So last night I went through the box of things belonging to my grandmother that was given to me at her funeral. I'd been through it once before, briefly. There are a lot of pictures in it - mostly of me. There's also her Bible - which I'm thrilled to have!
But there's also stuff I'm not so thrilled about. My aunt let me know that my mother (from whom I've been estranged for 20 years) picked out the items and packed the box. Really, now. So I went back through it with a more cynical eye. Yes, the pictures are okay, I guess. As I said, the bible is a treasure. The cards she picked out but never got to send to us are nice.
And then are are the OTHER things. Like the pin she obviously never wore - the cheap costume zebra pin (editorial comment, mother?) still in the plastic bag. (Like it came from a cereal box!) Or the card from someone I don't even know. Or the teddy bear pilgrims that I never saw displayed. Or the ten commandments decorative plate. Really? But my favorite is the picture of a truly adorable child that ended up in my box, but I have no idea who it is. I can only assume the picture came to me because the child is African-American. Come on.
It's like my mother looked at some random, leftover stuff and threw it in the box - hey, give it to Chris - she'll never know the difference!
My grandmother was afraid something like this would happen, I think. She did give me some things before she passed, and I am so glad she did, because otherwise I'd have nothing that SHE wanted me to have.
I have to wonder what the other grandkids received in their boxes. I'm not trying to be greedy, by any means - I'm not looking for treasure, or money, or jewelry. I just want something to remember her by. Something sentimental or meaningful, or significant. Something I can pass down to my boys. Certainly not plastic teddy bear pilgrims! Is that too much to ask or expect from someone who was such a huge factor in my life?
But there's also stuff I'm not so thrilled about. My aunt let me know that my mother (from whom I've been estranged for 20 years) picked out the items and packed the box. Really, now. So I went back through it with a more cynical eye. Yes, the pictures are okay, I guess. As I said, the bible is a treasure. The cards she picked out but never got to send to us are nice.
And then are are the OTHER things. Like the pin she obviously never wore - the cheap costume zebra pin (editorial comment, mother?) still in the plastic bag. (Like it came from a cereal box!) Or the card from someone I don't even know. Or the teddy bear pilgrims that I never saw displayed. Or the ten commandments decorative plate. Really? But my favorite is the picture of a truly adorable child that ended up in my box, but I have no idea who it is. I can only assume the picture came to me because the child is African-American. Come on.
It's like my mother looked at some random, leftover stuff and threw it in the box - hey, give it to Chris - she'll never know the difference!
My grandmother was afraid something like this would happen, I think. She did give me some things before she passed, and I am so glad she did, because otherwise I'd have nothing that SHE wanted me to have.
I have to wonder what the other grandkids received in their boxes. I'm not trying to be greedy, by any means - I'm not looking for treasure, or money, or jewelry. I just want something to remember her by. Something sentimental or meaningful, or significant. Something I can pass down to my boys. Certainly not plastic teddy bear pilgrims! Is that too much to ask or expect from someone who was such a huge factor in my life?
Monday, February 06, 2012
Paring down *edited*
And another one gone...
I've been cutting back on activities lately, in an effort to reduce my stress levels so as to keep my seizure level lowered. Evidently, a higher stress amount leads to a higher number of seizures. Which is bad. So. In addition to the numerous activities (or should I say inactivities - LOL!) that have been imposed upon me by the medical community, I've taken a hiatus from singing on the praise team, and I've asked the boss to lessen some of my responsibilities - if not remove them completely - at the ol' jobarooni. And yesterday, I let go of another one.
If you've read my blog in the past, and I highly doubt that there's many folks still out there who have, but if there are, you know that I've been involved in working with the women's ministry for a number of years. And that our big annual event - our retreat - happens in late winter/early spring. And as you may have deduced, I'm out. With a very heavy heart, I stepped down from leadership of the women's ministry. With less than two months before the retreat. Hated to do it, but there was really nowhere else to cut back.
I'm still going to help out and act as consultant, but we actually have a planning committee in place this year for the first time, and I've begged them to own this event and to run with it. As for the rest of the ministry, I know the other women in the body will step up. I KNOW they will! Hopefully, sometime, I'll be able to add more things back to my schedule, when I feel I can handle them, and my health will allow.
I met with the sister who volunteered by default as leader of the planning group and kind of brought her up to speed with what was left to do, and what I did in the past. I offered to do some stuff, you know, keep track of this or that, do that, organize that, print those, whatever...and she, very helpfully, just kept saying, "no, thank you." This must be what empty-nest syndrome is like...*sigh*
I've been cutting back on activities lately, in an effort to reduce my stress levels so as to keep my seizure level lowered. Evidently, a higher stress amount leads to a higher number of seizures. Which is bad. So. In addition to the numerous activities (or should I say inactivities - LOL!) that have been imposed upon me by the medical community, I've taken a hiatus from singing on the praise team, and I've asked the boss to lessen some of my responsibilities - if not remove them completely - at the ol' jobarooni. And yesterday, I let go of another one.
If you've read my blog in the past, and I highly doubt that there's many folks still out there who have, but if there are, you know that I've been involved in working with the women's ministry for a number of years. And that our big annual event - our retreat - happens in late winter/early spring. And as you may have deduced, I'm out. With a very heavy heart, I stepped down from leadership of the women's ministry. With less than two months before the retreat. Hated to do it, but there was really nowhere else to cut back.
I'm still going to help out and act as consultant, but we actually have a planning committee in place this year for the first time, and I've begged them to own this event and to run with it. As for the rest of the ministry, I know the other women in the body will step up. I KNOW they will! Hopefully, sometime, I'll be able to add more things back to my schedule, when I feel I can handle them, and my health will allow.
I met with the sister who volunteered by default as leader of the planning group and kind of brought her up to speed with what was left to do, and what I did in the past. I offered to do some stuff, you know, keep track of this or that, do that, organize that, print those, whatever...and she, very helpfully, just kept saying, "no, thank you." This must be what empty-nest syndrome is like...*sigh*
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Patience
I was thinking yesterday how much I'd like to go see my grandmother. You know, just run over for the day, visit, take her out for lunch, let her chat with Allen and the boys, etc.
But she died in June. And it still hits me hard each time I realize that I won't see her in this life again. I know I can take comfort that I'll see her in the next, and yes, hearing about her last words definitely was inspiring and wonderful and amazing, but it still hurts here in this life.
It took a long time to let myself grieve - mainly because I knew I'd have to deal with my mother, after not having had any real contact with her for nearly 20 years - her choice. I didn't allow myself to even cry until September - my grandmother's birthday.
I'll see her again...patience...
But she died in June. And it still hits me hard each time I realize that I won't see her in this life again. I know I can take comfort that I'll see her in the next, and yes, hearing about her last words definitely was inspiring and wonderful and amazing, but it still hurts here in this life.
It took a long time to let myself grieve - mainly because I knew I'd have to deal with my mother, after not having had any real contact with her for nearly 20 years - her choice. I didn't allow myself to even cry until September - my grandmother's birthday.
I'll see her again...patience...
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Everything old is new again
You know, I've kind of enjoyed going back through old posts and reading things I've written in the past - issues with which I've struggled, joys I've shared, victories I've celebrated, darkness I've fought. Unfortunately, it seems like there were a lot more of the bad stuff than of the good, and perhaps even more disturbing - at least to me - a lot of this "bad stuff" is still around...
Monday, January 09, 2012
Monday
Sometimes...
Anyway...we've been challenged as a church body to imagine this year, and as a part of that, to trust him, to praise him and to pray. Sounds simple enough, but wow, bringing it to the forefront of thought really was a a true challenge today. ESPECIALLY today...
Anyway...we've been challenged as a church body to imagine this year, and as a part of that, to trust him, to praise him and to pray. Sounds simple enough, but wow, bringing it to the forefront of thought really was a a true challenge today. ESPECIALLY today...
Friday, January 06, 2012
Another post!
So I just finished watching my elder son and his girlfriend work out. I asked him this morning to help me get into some shape other than round and he was thrilled! I think I might be in trouble, although after watching them this afternoon, I'm kinda looking forward to it. I just don't want to interfere in their time...:-)
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Anybody out there?
Wow - I can't remember the last time I actually BLOGGED...! Well, I guess I could actually look at my last post and see the date...but what fun would THAT be!?
The changes around here...
We have a senior and a sophomore. Prayers appreciated. No, really. The senior and his girlfriend are closing in on 2 years together - and we adore her! He wants to be a firefighter and is working toward that goal by doing ride-alongs, etc. His plan is to attend a local junior college and work on his paramedics licensure/associate's degree while she finishes high school. After that, we'll see.
The sophomore is working on getting his driver's license. Can you say "tunnel vision"? Can you also say "Mom's useless right now"? I'll explain in a moment. We've had to work around big bro's and dad's work schedules recently but he's been pretty patient.
Allen celebrated 20 years on the department this past spring - hard to believe! He's truly an amazing man - and not just because of that!
Okay - on to my story...I've had some medical issues and have been diagnosed with epilepsy. Which means that I can't drive. Which means I can't take HIM driving. Hopefully, it's a temporary restriction, but we'll have to wait at least 6 months. There are other restrictions, but that's the biggie. They can't tell what's actually causing the seizures, necessarily. The neurologist found a small, but inconsequential lesion, and also said that there's some brain shrinkage but didn't seem overly concerned currently. Just something to keep an eye on.
Anyway, it's been a tough year, what with that, and my beloved grandmother's passing this summer, but we're holding on to His promises and praying for His glory to shine through our lives in 2012!
Many blessings and blugs!
The changes around here...
We have a senior and a sophomore. Prayers appreciated. No, really. The senior and his girlfriend are closing in on 2 years together - and we adore her! He wants to be a firefighter and is working toward that goal by doing ride-alongs, etc. His plan is to attend a local junior college and work on his paramedics licensure/associate's degree while she finishes high school. After that, we'll see.
The sophomore is working on getting his driver's license. Can you say "tunnel vision"? Can you also say "Mom's useless right now"? I'll explain in a moment. We've had to work around big bro's and dad's work schedules recently but he's been pretty patient.
Allen celebrated 20 years on the department this past spring - hard to believe! He's truly an amazing man - and not just because of that!
Okay - on to my story...I've had some medical issues and have been diagnosed with epilepsy. Which means that I can't drive. Which means I can't take HIM driving. Hopefully, it's a temporary restriction, but we'll have to wait at least 6 months. There are other restrictions, but that's the biggie. They can't tell what's actually causing the seizures, necessarily. The neurologist found a small, but inconsequential lesion, and also said that there's some brain shrinkage but didn't seem overly concerned currently. Just something to keep an eye on.
Anyway, it's been a tough year, what with that, and my beloved grandmother's passing this summer, but we're holding on to His promises and praying for His glory to shine through our lives in 2012!
Many blessings and blugs!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Just checking in...
Hello, blogosphere! I'm baaaaaack...! (Well, I guess I've said THAT before - so don't hold your breath!)
I don't think anyone even checks this anymore, except those trying to sell sports jerseys...lol!
Updates: Ty is doing well - participating in extra-curricular activities AND keeping his grades up while keeping his dinners down! Hallelujah! Ry is doing okay - having a few grade issues, but we're working on it. We're gearing up for a full-ish February what with the Valentine's Banquet and the ladies' retreat. Also planning our competition schedule for the year - wish us luck!
I don't think anyone even checks this anymore, except those trying to sell sports jerseys...lol!
Updates: Ty is doing well - participating in extra-curricular activities AND keeping his grades up while keeping his dinners down! Hallelujah! Ry is doing okay - having a few grade issues, but we're working on it. We're gearing up for a full-ish February what with the Valentine's Banquet and the ladies' retreat. Also planning our competition schedule for the year - wish us luck!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Well, NOW I'm in trouble...!
Allen has gotten me started on Facebook...oh my! Look for my pitiful page over there!
As far as the rest of life goes, well, so far so good!
The boys are getting ready for their first mission trip, and are very excited about it! Allen and I are going to enjoy being temporary empty-nesters, but we'll still miss 'em, I'm sure! Lol!
Looking forward to our next BBQ adventure with Lola.
Work's going great...
Evidently I need to get off the computer now - son's orders! (When did THAT happen?!?)
As far as the rest of life goes, well, so far so good!
The boys are getting ready for their first mission trip, and are very excited about it! Allen and I are going to enjoy being temporary empty-nesters, but we'll still miss 'em, I'm sure! Lol!
Looking forward to our next BBQ adventure with Lola.
Work's going great...
Evidently I need to get off the computer now - son's orders! (When did THAT happen?!?)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
...and it's over
The auction, that it. And "he" did not show up. So, I didn't have to make a true decision, I guess, on how to treat him. Everyone seemed to get through the day alright, with or without medication, so that was a plus.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
News
...no, not aobut Tyler...
This news is about the man who impregnated the woman who gave birth to what ended up being, well, me. He is forcing my aunts to have an auction of my grandfather's possessions - something my grandfather absolutely did not want - so he could get his "share" sooner. We've kind of resolved ourselves to this, and it's fast approaching. However, I found out today that he will evidently BE there. And I have to admit, I don't know that I'm ready to face him. I'm really torn about how to treat him. I know what I should do, but I don't know if I'm a big enough person to actually DO that.
Just puttin' it out there...
This news is about the man who impregnated the woman who gave birth to what ended up being, well, me. He is forcing my aunts to have an auction of my grandfather's possessions - something my grandfather absolutely did not want - so he could get his "share" sooner. We've kind of resolved ourselves to this, and it's fast approaching. However, I found out today that he will evidently BE there. And I have to admit, I don't know that I'm ready to face him. I'm really torn about how to treat him. I know what I should do, but I don't know if I'm a big enough person to actually DO that.
Just puttin' it out there...
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy St Patrick's Day
Hi there!
Well, things have begun to calm down a bit around here!
Allen is feeling better, although he'll remain off work for another few weeks. Tyler is still having pain/nausea/etc. but we can't find anything physically wrong with him - but he DID make it through an entire week of school last week! Not doing so well THIS week, but we'll keep trying. He's having a CAT scan this week, as well as meeting with a counselor. Ryan simply doesn't like the bubble wrap suit I insist he wear before leaving the house - we've had enough stuff happen to family members! And finally, the dog is fine...lol!
Well, things have begun to calm down a bit around here!
Allen is feeling better, although he'll remain off work for another few weeks. Tyler is still having pain/nausea/etc. but we can't find anything physically wrong with him - but he DID make it through an entire week of school last week! Not doing so well THIS week, but we'll keep trying. He's having a CAT scan this week, as well as meeting with a counselor. Ryan simply doesn't like the bubble wrap suit I insist he wear before leaving the house - we've had enough stuff happen to family members! And finally, the dog is fine...lol!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Back to the hospital
...but THIS time, Allen called me and said he was in the ER and was having a problem with what turned out to be his gall bladder!
Soooooo...he had, as the doctor put it, "urgent" surgery on an infected, inflamed, and stone-filled gall bladder. And then he had some minor complications, so had to stay an extra day...
He's home now, thankfully!
Soooooo...he had, as the doctor put it, "urgent" surgery on an infected, inflamed, and stone-filled gall bladder. And then he had some minor complications, so had to stay an extra day...
He's home now, thankfully!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Feb. 22
Thank you for your prayers regarding Tyler. He's doing better. We had an overnight hospital stay in order to get some testing done, but he's home and doing better. He's started gaining a little weight - which is terrific! - but he still has a bit of a worrisome thing that we're still having a few tests run for.
Just got back from our annual women's retreat today. WOW! It was so great! We had rookies and vets and if they're like me, they were able to take plenty away from the weekend! We had a new location this year, but I think it's now our new home - everyone LOVED it, and it was much nicer than what we thought was our "ideal" place. I'll confess I was worried. The only real disadvantage was that we couldn't all stay in the same building, but we'll work through that. The Wild Women of Wongo had a cabin and the Pluck and Dye Crew had another one. We made it work! Ha!
The speakers were wonderful - thank you sisters! The worship was great - thanks Jeanna! The food was terrific - thanks Bridget and Gail! The fellowship was meaningful - thanks everyone! The revelations were, well, interesting to say the least!
Have a great week - I need sleep!!
Just got back from our annual women's retreat today. WOW! It was so great! We had rookies and vets and if they're like me, they were able to take plenty away from the weekend! We had a new location this year, but I think it's now our new home - everyone LOVED it, and it was much nicer than what we thought was our "ideal" place. I'll confess I was worried. The only real disadvantage was that we couldn't all stay in the same building, but we'll work through that. The Wild Women of Wongo had a cabin and the Pluck and Dye Crew had another one. We made it work! Ha!
The speakers were wonderful - thank you sisters! The worship was great - thanks Jeanna! The food was terrific - thanks Bridget and Gail! The fellowship was meaningful - thanks everyone! The revelations were, well, interesting to say the least!
Have a great week - I need sleep!!
Saturday, February 07, 2009
A Possible Break
Well, we went back to see the GI doc yesterday, and he had some ideas as to a diagnosis - hallelujah! Fortunately, everything inside the guts was fine. He doesn't know about the abdominal cavity yet, but we won't be checking that for a little while. Based on what the boy told him yesterday and our adventures over the past week, the doctor is leaning toward post-viral syndrome - a vague name for a vague set of symptoms. He also thinks DS1 has something called POTS (postural orthotic tachycardia syndrome or something like that) as well as some possible costochrondritis (I think that's what it's called.)
Soooo...basically, we'll keep doing what we're doing, with the exception of eliminating one of the meds the ER doc prescribed, and will keep trying to get the boy to eat.
But at least we have SOMETHING to go on...
Soooo...basically, we'll keep doing what we're doing, with the exception of eliminating one of the meds the ER doc prescribed, and will keep trying to get the boy to eat.
But at least we have SOMETHING to go on...
Monday, February 02, 2009
Spoke too soon
So, yeah. He wakes us up about midnight with nausea, rapid heartbeat, and uncontrollable shaking. He and I spent about five hours or so in the ER this morning, and now he has two more meds to take...
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