Snickerdoodles

My Other Home...

2011-10-09T07:07:00.002-04:00

I am trying to keep a little more up to date here.

I am currently in desperate need of another brain operation. I'm just struggling with a few issues that are prohibiting me from having it done.

Any who... I hope you're well! Will talk to you soon!

Love and hugs...
kimmy

I'M ALIVE!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-14T23:51:00.003-04:00

I am still alive and kicking. There was a period of time I almost didn't make it, but that's another post for another day!

Thank you for the emails you've sent... and for those I didn't receive as I've been without a computer for waaaayyy too long.

Thank you for the cards/letters... again, for those I didn't receive as Jacob and I have moved. Another post for another day. :)

If you're still out there... I'm going to try my best to keep you up to date.

Love and hugs... kimmy

The 4-1-1

2008-04-24T14:14:00.003-04:00

I know it's been a long time. Another long, unplanned absence. I'm sorry!

I can't be on here long. I can only give snippets of information at this time. It just hurts too much to type, and I can't see very well.

I found out in December that I'm losing my peripheral vision. I had my annual field of vision test (my normal hour and a half visit of tests, dilation, more tests, more dilation...), and the doctor was alarmed with the amount of peripheral vision I have lost since last year.

Bummer!

I was sick most of the winter. Sick, sick. Cold, flu, bronchitis, sinus infection (and let me tell you a sinus infection on top the increased pressure in my head is NOT pretty!), walking pneumonia... that type of sick. It was a really bad winter, and I'm glad it's over!

My head aches have been worse. The pain is unbearable. The doctor has been trying different meds to help ease the pain. So far no luck!

My pseudotumor symptoms are getting BAD. I'm more confused. I'm misplacing items. I am having difficulty remembering things. I am having difficulty finding words or finishing thoughts. I am dizzy and have difficulty walking. I'm falling. I'm not sleeping. I'm going to bed and waking up with jeans and a sweater and shoes on. I'm getting dressed with my underclothes on the outside. My vision is blurry. I'm having trouble seeing. I'm having severe eye pressure and actual eye pain. I'm having spinal fluid leak from my ears. Etc...

I got in to see the doctor yesterday, and I'm having surgery tomorrow morning. I'm not thrilled with having to have brain surgery number 11 (out of 27 operations overall). But I am very eager to have this operation as I am VERY worried about my vision. As I've discussed before... vision loss is irreversible and can even lead to blindness.

I trust God has this all planned out, and I am safe in His arms! "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29: 11.

I am looking forward to sharing God's blessings with you! I'll try to update you soon.

love and hugs...
kimmy

I Am Blessed!

2007-11-30T07:47:00.000-05:00

Well, I wasn't going to post today. I was just going to sit back and chill like I have been all week. And by chill I mean take the pain medicine the doctor prescribes, sit back in my new over sized chair/ottoman my parents just bought me and watch tv.

I chill well. :)

Today's my (*cough* 32nd *cough*) birthday. And I want to share with you what a wonderful son I have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jacob got ready for school this morning in a flash. Usually he ddrrrrrrraaaaaaagggggggsss it out. But today he was right on it. I never thought a thing of it.

I did enjoy his good mood. Usually he wakes up grumpy. And that doesn't mix well with me. I've always been a morning person and never understood the problem with waking up thankful and cheerful. But over the years as my pain has increased... morning is VERY difficult for me. I hurt so bad that I just can't take anything other than what I'm dealing with.

I know it sounds terrible. Mornings are bad. And when Jacob's in a grumpy mood we usually don't speak much outside of a little small talk and 20 "I love you's".

But this morning Jacob was so up beat and positive. And that alone was a wonderful gift! But he wasn't finished yet...

He gave me this yummy new Vera Bradly purse (in Mod Floral Pink):
And this delicious sterling silver and mother of pearl cuff watch:

But my all time favorite... and gift enough for every birthday to follow!

("I could never thank you enough for all the things you've done for me...")

(I cut it off because he always writes his first AND last name. Which is a good thing. I don't wanna confuse him with that OTHER Jacob! :p)

My FAVORITE part... the part that had the tears rolling...

"We always have our ups and downs, but we always breakthrough.
I know how much you love me, but do you know how much I love you?
I love you more than anything else in the world.
I hope you know that even if I seem like I'm mad before school when I leave I think of all the fun things we've done in the past, and it always makes me laugh.
Sometimes I think of something funny at school, and I always chuckle or laugh loudly at school!
I love you very much!! =)"

*sob* *sob* *sob* *sob* *sob* *sob* *sob* *sob* *sob* *sob* *sob* *sob*

And in true Jacob and Kimmy fashion... one sentimental card and one funny card.

Inside he wrote: "Because I KNOW how much you love O.J. Simpson :)"
Too funny!

See! I am truly, TRULY blessed!!!!

And for you, my dearest Jacob...

I love you more my than our dvr! (Jacob and I always tell one another we love the other more than our favorite things. You know... like "Jacob, I love you more than a bean burrito plus sour cream from Taco Bell" :p)

And I know you love me more than football!

Every day I thank God for giving me YOU!!!!! You are, have been and always will be my greatest gift!

Dear (blogger) Abby,

2007-11-28T12:34:00.000-05:00

I have a heavy heart, and I need your advice. I usually think advice is for receiving permission for the feelings I'm having. Isn't that why we sometimes ask for advice, honestly? We wait to hear what we want... and the person that said it is the one that's "right". But this time I really do want your advice. I need you to tell me what to do. (You're welcome :P)

I have a "friend" that's getting married in a few short weeks. I say "friend" because I'm not really sure that's what we are anymore.

This "friend" was my world. We were friends for a decade. We'd known each other in high school (we went to different high schools), but we weren't friends. The summer we graduated high school she and I both worked at the same camp. And from that moment on we were best friends. After college we were inseparable. There was hardly a day that went by that we didn't see each other. And absolutely never a day without speaking. She was like an aunt to Jacob. They adored each other. He loved her so much.

About a year after I was placed on disability (around 2003) things changed between us. And it wasn't because I was sick. This girl took care of me surgery after surgery. I mean took.care. of me! She lived in my house, cooked, cleaned, helped take care of Jacob, waited on me, cleaned up after me, wiped up after I was violently ill, woke up in the wee hours of the morning to take care of my IV/ PICC line, prayed for/with me and just sat up with me when I couldn't sleep.

She was no stranger to my illness. She had been there from spinal surgeries to brain operations. From having to make sure I didn't get out of bed or lift my head/body more than 5 degrees to washing the dried blood from the incisions off of my shaved head. She was my rock!

Suddenly... and I mean suddenly! things felt different. She didn't come over as often. We didn't talk on the phone. We would see her once a week for an hour if we were lucky. Then nothing.

I haven't talked to her for almost four years. We have seen each other in Target a few times, but nothing other than that. I wrote her a letter once telling her how I felt. She replied with three sentences. Nothing more. Ever.

Until... once a few years ago she invited Jacob and me to go out to eat with her family for her birthday. (We didn't go... I was too sick and Jacob already had plans.) Then in August she knocked on my door.

She came in, and we chit chatted. It was a little uncomfortable... awkward. After about a half hour of small talk she told me she wanted to talk about something. Finally... I thought.

She met someone online and was getting married. She said she wanted to be the one to tell me and not have me hear it from someone else. Hmm... not at all what I expected.

Then I received my wedding invitation. So did my parents. And my second family. (My twin from another mother, Brandi, and her family!) Weird! We... NONE OF US... had heard from this friend in for.ever. They were cut off when I was cut off! My mom and I received a bridal shower invitation. We didn't go. I wasn't feeling well that weekend. And honestly, it was the day of the shower before I realized it.

Now the wedding's upon us, and I'm torn. I'm torn between the girl I used to know and the one that is today.

Are we friends? Because I no longer thought we were. And not that I didn't want or NEED her friendship. She chose it, not me!

And if we are friends... where was she when my daddy and Jacob's papaw (his "Buddy") was fighting a war in Afghanistan? Where was she when my mom and Jacob's mamaw was so ill that we thought we were going to lose her? Where was she when I... Jacob's mommy... had brain operation number 8, 9 and 10? Where? Because I never needed her more?!

I don't understand why that now she's getting married we're suddenly friends. And though I really don't want to believe it, but maybe she just wants the gift. I mean... the last time she contacted me was for her birthday. I want to believe she just wanted to share that time with us. But like I said... she's not the same girl I knew and loved.

I'm so confused. Truly hurt and confused. I want to go. I want to be there and witness her wedding day. I want to show her how much she means to me. But I also can't handle another broken heart! And I don't want that for Jacob, either.

Can you help me? What do I do? What do you think? Help me, friends! Please pray for this situation!

A Boy's Dream

2007-11-26T12:50:00.000-05:00

On Saturday my twin sister from another mother, Brandi, came down to visit. Even though I didn't feel like it, I talked myself into getting out of the house. (Where I've stayed for months... minus Jacob's birthday lunch.) We (Brandi, Jacob, his buddy Ethan and I) decided to join the rest of the crazy shoppers in an attempt to boost the nations economy. You know... take one for the team :P

Our first stop... TARGET! Our favorite getaway!!!!

Jacob and Ethan were standing in the pajama department as they waited for me to drag myself away from the clearance rack. (Target clearance = my obsession.)

Two 12 year old boys in the middle of robes, pajamas and nighties. Yeah. You guessed it!

Ethan held up a nightie

and said, "See! Now when I get married this is what my wife's gonna wear."

Jacob, not to be outdone, picked up a different nightie.

"Yeah, well my wife's gonna wear this. It's got ventage, AND it's see through!"
(Yeah. Ventage. As in tiny little holes in the material. My boy.)

Just when I was about to stuff a sock in their mouths Ethan grabbed another pair of pajamas...

and said, "Now, she won't be wearin' these. No girl should be wearing these."

I lost it. I laughed so hard.

Partly because those boys are just hilarious!

Partly because they're going to be SORELY disappointed!

And partly because I was thinking, "Man, those flannel pajamas look comfy!" :P I guess that says a lot about me and my life :D

8 Things (About Me) Meme

2007-11-22T04:50:00.000-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!! May we all be truly thankful this day and always!

Remember... You can be disappointed with your life and still be grateful!

Well... Emily from The Sassy Lime was the first to tag me. And I couldn't say, "Not it!" I've been sitting on base for almost a year now. It's my turn. Probably for the next 287 memes ;)

So... for the 8 things you didn't know about me meme...

1. I just received the first season of Hazel on DVD and CANNOT WAIT to watch it!!!!! I *heart* Hazel! "Mr. B!" (For those of you that don't know Hazel *gasp* "Mr. B" is NOT a bad word. :p)

2. I find it very difficult to watch a television without a DVR. I'm an addict. They tried to make me go to rehab I said, "No, no, no."

3. Jacob and I can't get enough Human Tetris! Have you watched them? Hilarious! I could watch all.day.long.

4. I l.o.v.e Pushing Daisies. It's the best. Watch it!

5. Fall is my favorite time of year. I'm still looking for that place where it's fall year 'round. Some say I wouldn't love it so much if I had it all the time. I say... try me!

6. I dress Snickers (our Fox Terrier) in a sweater and booties when it's cold outside. And a raincoat and booties when it's raining. She was Dorothy on Halloween! :)

And you can tell by the look on her face... She hates me. :p

7. I love watching videos on YouTube with Jacob. Just the two of us. I love that time with him! We sit at the computer and take turns picking videos to watch together. We try to outdo each other every time. A few days ago I made him watch Hangin' Tough. I was in love with New Kids on the Block!!! (Come on... I was in 7th grade :p) Jacob was embarrassed... for me :)

8. I love Sarah McLachlan. And I LOVE her video for World On Fire. Watch it... you'll love it, too!

Wow... this really turned out to be a video celebration ;)

A ~~NOT IT~~ thank you to Emily, who tagged me!
Start running people. I'm tagging...

* Go Forth &...
* Nothing Heavy
* Paisley Propaganda
* A Day in the Life of Veronika
* Flip-Flop Floozie
* Pink Chihuahua Princess
* a Kiss, a Hug, a Squeeze
* Fireflies and Frogs

When tagged, you must list the person who tagged you, post the rules and list 8 or so people at the end of the post.

It's Been a Long, Long Time

2007-11-14T13:18:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I've been here. Nine months. No baby, but a lot has changed!

I'm just going to give some highlights. If I give the details I'll never get this thing posted.

First, I want to thank you for your emails. They mean a lot to me!

Please forgive me for scaring you by my long absence and thank you for understanding. You're awesome!

*The biggest news... Jacob and I moved in with my mom and daddy. We moved in June 16. We're still adjusting, but we love it. (And I never thought I'd say that!)

*I'm no longer taking Lyrica. Thank you, Jesus! One huge reason I wasn't posting was because of my illness and severe side effects from this medicine. Swelling, difficulty breathing, petechiae, difficulty walking, difficulty talking, inability to write or use my right arm.

I suffered an increase in my Pseudotumor symptoms. My neurologist refused to believe the symptoms were due to Lyrica and was adamant the problem was literally in my head. But I demanded he wean me off. I was on such a high dose that it took me almost 7 months to get off the medicine. Within a matter of the first month of weaning I noticed a decrease in the symptoms. Hmm... who was right?!

*I handed my computer over to my mom's co-worker to fix some major computer problems and install a new hard drive. I was without my computer for months!!!! I hated it. My computer's still not completely fixed, but it's much better. And I still have the 75,000 pictures I was afraid I'd lost!

*Jacob turned 12 recently. That was tough. Not that I don't see him every single day. Not that I don't notice that his feet are bigger than mine or that the pants he wore last spring look like high waters. Or that I have to LOOK UP at him. I guess it's just because the number is so close to TEEN. :(

I have so much more to say. I'll get it in another time. I promise!

Thank you for your friendship!

SuperBowl 41, Baby!!!!!

2007-02-04T23:12:00.000-05:00

29-17...

Yay COLTS!!!!!!!

We're so EXCITED and VERY PROUD!!!!!!

Proud of all the players. Proud of their attitude and their projections. Proud of Peyton. He is a humble man and credits his team always!

And, of course, Tony Dungy. He deserves this. He has so much to offer... hopefully many will learn from his actions!

My favorite speech from Tony Dungy...

"I'm proud to be representing African-American coaches to be the first African-American to win this. That means an awful lot to our country, but again more than anything, I said it before, Lovey Smith and I not only the first two African-Americans, but Christian coaches showin' that you can win doin' it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that."

Amen coach!

Dolphin Stadium in Miami, FL

February 4, 2007
The Indianapolis Colts hold hands in prayer
after winning Super Bowl XLI 29-17 over the Chicago Bears.
Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty
(I received this in an email. It says it all!)

It's About Time... It's Our Time!!!!!!

2007-01-21T22:43:00.000-05:00

Way to go COLTS!!!

What a great team. What a great game. What a great WIN over the Patriots... 38-34... after being down 21-6 at half-time. Awesome, awesome game!

Personally, though I'm glad to see the entire COLTS team move on to Super Bowl 41, I am SO PROUD for Peyton Manning and Coach Dungy. These two men have worked so hard and deserve so much.

My heart goes out to Tony Dungy who just last year lost his oldest son to suicide. This has to feel so good for him emotionally. Then again I'm sure it rips his heart not being able to share this great moment with his beloved son, James.

Tony Dungy is a wonderful man, coach and Christian. I'm so proud he's humbly leading our COLTS to victory and our country through history as one of the first black coaches to make it to the Super Bowl. One of the first black coaches... because this year TWO black coaches leave their marks on football history! (I say "black" because my daddy doesn't like to be called "African American"...) Lovie Smith said it best, "I hope for a day when it is unnoticed... but that day isn't here."

Happy Birthday, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2007-01-15T00:43:00.000-05:00

(If video does not play try this.)

(Read Dr. Martin Luther King's entire "I Have a Dream" speech.)

"With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride, From every mountainside, let freedom ring! And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that:

Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

Free at last!

Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Help Build the Dream!

Baylie for Brains

2007-01-04T21:52:00.000-05:00

My heart is full of a little girl I've never met. A little girl that touched my heart in such a way I seem to be living and fighting for her. And in turn I'm fighting for myself.

Baylie is a little girl I "ran into" while surfing the web. I learned that she not only has two of the rare brain diseases I have, but she's only 7 years old.

Baylie decided that she wouldn't stand for brain tumor like symptoms, the constant and terrible headaches (and neck and back pain... pain all over at times) or any other yucky symptom that reared its ugly little head. She instead decided to raise money for research. Research that is to date NONEXISTENT. (And I've been diagnosed for over 17 years!!!)

She started coloring pictures and sold them at garage sales. Then quickly turned to making bracelets. Little beaded bracelets that have earned $100,000 toward research for Pseudotumor Cerebri and Arnold Chiari Malformation.

Baylie has touched my heart so. Though I know my diseases are too far along for a cure... Baylie's aren't. She can live a normal and pain-free life if a cure is found. And so can many others because of her efforts.

My tiny little post about Baylie is nothing wonderful. It was written in a rush and a flood of emotions. It jumps around and is far from well written, but it's from the heart. My post's about a little girl with so much hope, a little girl with big arms who embraces so many... a little girl who deserves to know peace.

(For updates and ordering info click here!)

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T00:27:00.000-05:00

May we all remember the reason for the season and be blessed by God's everlasting goodness!

Friday Funny... Christmas Style

2006-12-22T11:19:00.000-05:00

Christmas Carols for the Psychologically Challenged

1) Schizophrenia---- Do You Hear What I Hear, the Voices, the Voices?

2) Amnesia-- I Don't Remember If I'll be Home for Christmas

3) Narcissistic-- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

4) Manic-- Deck The Halls And Walls And House And Lawn And Streets And Stores And Office And Town And Cars And Buses And Trucks And Trees And Fire Hydrants And...........

5) Multiple Personality Disorder----We Three Queens Disoriented Are

6) Paranoid---Santa Claus Is Coming To Get Us

7) Borderline Personality Disorder--- You Better Watch Out, You Better not Shout, I'm Gonna Cry, and I'll not Tell You Why

8) Full Personality Disorder--- Thoughts of Roasting You On an Open Fire

9) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder---Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

10) Agoraphobia---I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day But Wouldn't Leave My House

11) Senile Dementia---Walking In a Winter Wonderland Miles from My House in My Slippers and Robe

12) Oppositional Defiant Disorder---I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus So I Burned Down the House

13) Social Anxiety Disorder---Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas While I Sit Here and Hyperventilate

14) Attention Deficit Disorder--We Wish You......Hey Look!! It's Snowing!!!

Friday Funny... Funny, funny!

2006-12-15T01:13:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago my twin (minus five years), Brandi Shea, took me out for a birthday lunch. After talking and laughing and eating I was surprised I was feeling so well. So we decided to go to T.J. Maxx.

We walked around, found some good buys, laughed at some of the crazy (and hideous) things for sale, and annoyed the other shoppers, I'm sure.

After spending way too much time picking out $3 bras, I told Brandi I'd meet her up front because I needed to pick up something for Jacob.

I turned the cart around in the narrow lingerie aisle and made my way toward the front of the store. I stopped by to look at some jewelry and picked up a yummy blanket for Jacob.

I made my way up to the front of the store and waited in line. The long line. With only two cashiers. Oh well. I had nothing else to do... and I really thought about opening the bag of Lindor Truffles. Mmmm!

Another cashier opened a register and two women that were behind me rushed up to her register. Ugh! Hate that! So rude! Anywho... I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned and expected to see Brandi, but instead found an older lady with a very serious look on her face. In a low voice she said,

"Um, there's something on the back of your sweater that will be a little embarrassing if you leave the store."

Great! You ladies KNOW the first thing that I thought of. My mind was racing, my heart pounding, and I was already embarrassed.

I turned and brought the back of my (long) sweater around to find the source of my embarrassment!!!!

Just then Brandi walked up. As I had to UNWEAVE the plastic panty hanger from my sweater. Yeah. Un.weave.

How in the.world did I get a pair of granny panties (not even a cute thong or boy short... granny panties!) WOVEN into my sweater... walk through a store... stand in line in front of people... and no-one notice? Well, I'm sure it's not that no-one noticed, but no-one stopped from laughing long enough to tell me.

No-one until my little angel. Whom I'm sure went home and shared the story with her family and laughed the rest of the night.

'Cause y'all know I did.

Friday Funny... Tickle Me Elmo Style

2006-12-01T00:48:00.000-05:00

There is a factory in Northern Minnesota which makes the Tickle Me Elmo toys. The toy laughs when you tickle it under the arms.

Lena is hired at The Tickle Me Elmo factory, and she reports for her first day promptly at 8:00 a.m.

The next day at 8:45 a.m. there is a knock at the Personnel Manager's door. The Foreman throws open the door and begins to rant about the new employee. He complains that she is incredibly slow and the whole line is backing up, putting the entire production line behind schedule.

The Personnel Manager decides he should see this for himself, so the 2 men march down to the factory floor. When they get there the line is so backed up that there are Tickle Me Elmo's all over the factory floor, and they're really beginning to pile up. At the end of the line stands Lena surrounded by mountains of Tickle Me Elmo's.

She has a roll of plush red fabric and a huge bag of small marbles.

The 2 men watch in amazement as she cuts a little piece of fabric, wraps it around two marbles and begins to carefully sew the little package between Elmo's legs.

The Personnel Manager bursts into laughter. After several minutes of hysterics he pulls himself together and approaches Lena . . . . "I'm sorry," he says to her, barely able to keep a straight face, "but I think you misunderstood the instructions I gave you yesterday..."

"... Your job is to give Elmo two test tickles."

(an email I received)

Thursday Thirteen #24

2006-11-30T09:16:00.000-05:00

Thirteen things about my birthday:

1. I was born at 11:30 p.m. on 11/30 (30 minutes before my due date).

2. My parents thought (hoped) I would be a boy.

3. I was going to be named Matthew Lynn.

4. They didn't have a girl's name picked out.

5. They weren't allowed to leave the hospital without naming me.

6. So from a name book came Kimberly Ann.

7. And that's how my creativity was stifled! ;)

8. I was sent home in a Christmas stocking.

9. I still have it and set it out each year... for Christmas not my birthday :p

10. I keep my birthday cards from year to year.

11. I don't read them over and over... just stuff them in a box. (I'm a hoarder in training!)

12. I've always liked my birthday cake to be strawberry (fresh, homemade strawberry cake)... until my best-friend got me hooked on rasperry truffle cake. Yummy! But just as my luck would have it... the bakery closed this summer!

13. Last year my parents ordered this cake for me. UPS didn't deliver it until 8:30 p.m. And it was terrible! I could hardly swollow the first bite. The worst part was my mom was so excited. She was on her third month with absolutely nothing to eat or drink and hooked up to TPN. I didn't know if I should choke down the cake and tell her it was great or tell her the truth.
(She heard from her hero that the pralines from Savannah Candy Kitchen are the best. She sat with their catalog thumbing through the pages for weeks. I'm sure she even drooled over some of the pages. Seriously... for the entire 7 months she couldn't eat she watched the FoodNetwork 24/7. Crazy lady!!!! So Sandy... have you ever tried their pralines?)

*So far I've sent in an order of 68 bracelets and 14 t-shirts... a total of $521 for Baylie for Brains!!!!! (click the link to read more about Baylie and her bracelets... and order some while you're there ;)
I continue to receive emails and orders for bracelets. And it never fails that a T13er inquires about or purchases bracelets after reading about Baylie.
Thank you... and let's keep it up! :)

Matching T13 banner courtesy of Nello!

Thurday 13 member since January 7, 2006
Visit Thursday Thirteen.com for the T13 code and all things T13 related!
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Thursday Thirteen #23 and a Friday Funny

2006-11-23T12:34:00.000-05:00

Thirteen things I am thankful for:

1. My family. I am nothing without them!

2. Freedom. To live how I want. To think what I want. To do or NOT DO what I want. To worship my God freely and openly and not be persecuted for it.

3. The troops that continue to sacrifice their lives and families for our freedom.

4. The vets (like my daddy, brother-in-law, uncles, grandfather and friends) who fought for our freedoms and sacrificed so much.

5. My daddy, brother-in-law, uncles, grandfathers and friends all returned home safe!

6. My sense of humor and seeing it in Jacob.

7. Our dog, Snickers. She's been a wonderful and therapeutic friend!

8. The food in the fridge and pantry.

9. My parents who make dinner for Jacob and me because I'm not able.

10. God who takes care of my finances continually!

11. Cable and Netflix. Hey! It takes my mind off of... my life ;)

12. Our house. It's not much, but it's warm and keeps us safe.

13. Last, but certainly not least... my Jacob. He is my heart completely. I thank God for trusting me with such a beautiful, tender little boy!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

(early) Friday Funny... Thanksgiving Style

One year my mom went to my sister's house for Thanksgiving. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided to play a trick. She told my sister that she needed something from the store.

When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, inserted it into the turkey, and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven.

When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird.

With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed, "Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!"

At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry. It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs!

(an email from my mom)

Happy Birthday, Jacob!!!!

2006-11-03T18:04:00.001-05:00

Eleven years ago. And I remember every moment. I remember the night before you were born I didn't get home from nursing school until after 10 o'clock at night. I'd been in school most of the day. And I was exhausted. But I stayed up to watch ER. Come on. George Clooney and Anthony Edwards. The explanation stops there.

I remember not going to bed until midnight or so, but you woke me up before 3 a.m. Soon after my water broke, I called Mamaw and Papaw, the contractions were less than two minutes apart and off to the hospital we went... for the longest day of my life.

The first few hours were okay. I walked the halls trying to get things going. But then the problems started. The cord wrapped around your neck several times. With every contraction we'd lose your heart beat. I was hooked up to so many tubes and IVs and monitors and wires I couldn't move. Your oxygen level kept decreasing and the oxygen mask I was wearing didn't seem to help you.

I tried to relax. I knew we were both in God's hands. And what a wonderful place to be. After 14+ lllllooooooonnnnnnnggggggggg hours of LA.BOR and 3 (useless) bags of pitocin and only one small shot of Nubain just an hour before...

I remember the nurse ran out to get the doctor. He was calmly but frantically trying to get a neurosurgeon to assist him due to my LP shunt. As he stood over my bedside trying to explain the need for an emergency c-section, but not knowing if he would be able to give me an epidural (because of the shunt) or... And right in the middle of his "or" I grabbed him by his expensive little tie, wrapped it around my fist while I pulled him down to my face and said (in a not so gentle voice), "You knock me out."

Two plus hours later I woke up in recovery. The doctor told me you were stuck in my pelvic bone, and he literally had to pull you out. I mean he had to get up on the table to pull you out. He said it was like a vacuum and after a loud POP he was able to pull you out. (I always think of the Lollipop song there... "POP a boom, boom boom" :p) You ripped and permanently wounded things that didn't belong to you, but I immediately forgave you!

A male nurse told me I had a beautiful and healthy baby boy, and he asked me what I was going to name you.
"Jacob Michael."
"Oooh! My name's Michael. Did you name him after me?"
"My brother, Michael." And then I fell asleep... and I'm sure some drooling was involved.

As soon as woke up and wiped the drool off they wheeled me from recovery to our room. When the door opened to the birthing center a crowd of people lined both sides of the hall. Suddenly I recognized all the faces. All of our family and friends stayed for hours to witness the moment I would first meet you.

That one small moment... a fraction of a second has given me the greatest and grandest memory of my life. I felt like I took all of you in instantly yet couldn't discover enough.

I've been in love with you from the moment I heard the words, "Kimmy, you're pregnant". I haven't been able to take my eyes off you. You are my heart. You are my life. And I love you more than anything in this world. And will continue to love you more each day, though it seems impossible to love you more.

How can anyone question the existence of God? He gave me the most wonderful gift. And that gift is too perfect to come from nothing. Too pure to come from a former used life. Too beautiful to be anything but God's gift.

Thank you God for trusting me with the most amazing boy I know... my Jacob Michael.

"i carry your heart"
by ee cummings

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)

i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

The Latest (UPDATE below)

2006-10-31T23:43:00.000-05:00

I had an appointment with my neurosurgeon today. Finally. I've had two appointments that I've had to cancel because I was too ill to go. I knew I couldn't cancel this one.

My Pseudotumor Cerebri and Arnold Chiari symptoms are getting way too bad. Not only has the pain and swelling increased, but I've also been suffering from severe... sometimes paralyzing back pain.

The pressure behind my eyes (and entire face) is worse and my vision is getting really bad. Things used to be blurry and fuzzy, but now there's a "film" over my eyes that prevents me from seeing.

I've been having breathing problems and wake up several times a night not able to breathe. Finally I realized it was positional. Apparently I'm arching my back/neck due to the pain and my head goes all the way back touching my back which causes my trachea to close... which results in my inability to breathe. Duh. (But the one thing I am actually pleased about... I CAN BEND MY NECK BACK ALL THE WAY BACK! I haven't been able to do that for years. Of course, I can't do that while I'm awake, buy Yay! It's possible ;)

I've had problems walking. My dear friend, Melinda, gave me a rolling walker (the kind with the seat). I'll say Jacob gets more use out of it than I do. Could be because he's using it when I need it!

I'm still swollen all over. My nose is just as big as it was when I was pregnant. (Speaking of which... Jacob's turning 11 in just a few days!!!!) I'm taking a very low dose of Bumex. The dose really needs to be adjusted, but what do I know? I'm no doctor. I've only lived with this disease for almost 18 years... why would I know my body and it's symptoms better than a doctor? Yes! I'm bitter today.

I'm going to have to have another VP shunt operation. I'm not sure if he's going to replace it or revise it. Either way it's brain surgery. Either way it's going to last for hours. Either way I'm going to wake up from the operation vomiting severely for the next 18 plus hours. Oh, I'm not looking forward to that. Vomiting with an incision in my head, neck and stomach... not fun.

But neither is going blind from the increased intracranial pressure. Once the vision goes from blurry and fuzzy and "filmy" to black... there's no going back. It's irreversible. And I can't be blind. Not on top of all I'm going through right now. I can't bear a lot of things going on in my life right now, but I know I couldn't go on without seeing my precious baby Jacob's face everyday. He's my light. And I thank God for giving him to me.

(UPDATE)
My surgery is scheduled for next Thursday, November 9. Arrival time is 7:30 a.m. and surgery time is 9:30 a.m. Now I'm off to ask a friend to shave my head. Darn it! I just got it to grow back. It's finally past my shoulders for the first time in years. Oh well. I did need a cut. At least I found out BEFORE I paid the big bucks for that ;)

Thanks for your support and prayers. You all have been wonderful friends!

Love and hugs...
kimmy

Friday Funny... Pets Dressed Halloween Style

2006-10-27T03:52:00.000-04:00

Some of these are just so wrong.

To the Point...

2006-10-17T03:22:00.000-04:00

Jacob's first EKG was normal. (Praise God!) He's to have at least one more... kind of like a stress test. He has a complete physical in a few weeks. Keep him in your prayers!

I'm not well. The swelling's back and this time not responding to the diuretics... not that it ever really has.

Had a terrible "episode" Friday evening with my back. Excruciating pain. Thank God Mom just stopped by to bring dinner. She and Daddy begged to take me to the ER, but I wouldn't let them. It's no use to go to our local hospital anyway... not only do I not trust them (and have plenty of experience with them to feel that way), but I've fired most of the neurologists and neurosurgeons in town.

I hurt all over. Every muscle in my body is aching. Even my armpits hurt. Although that could be because of the smell as I haven't been able to shower for days ;)

An MRI I had a week and a half ago was "Normal with (my) severe neck trauma". Does that make no sense at all or am I just crazy? Don't answer that!

Will try to keep you informed. Sorry for scaring so many of you. Thanks for your support as always!!!!!

Thursday Thirteen (#21)

2006-09-28T00:54:00.000-04:00

Thirteen things about my week:

1. My daddy had surgery last Friday. He's doing fine. No signs of cancer. And his prostitute's back to work. (Yeah. Now you just HAVE TO click the link :p)

2. I was able to go to the hospital and wait with my mom during Daddy's surgery. But I paid for it for several days. I was in so much pain I couldn't move... and I was of no help to my parents.

3. I had to pick up dog food and medicine from the vet's office Monday.

4. My grandma drove me. I'm still not completely over the embarrassment of having to rely on my parents or my 74 year old grandma because I'm not allowed to drive (due to health problems) these four plus years.

5. I didn't feel like leaving the house or even changing from my pajamas that afternoon. But I'm so glad I did... On my way back to the car I saw a friend sitting in the passenger seat of the car parked right in front of ours. It was a dear friend from church. She's my grandma's age, but we've been friends for a long time.

6. I hugged her at least a dozen times. We cried. We laughed. We couldn't stop touching and holding each other. Either my hands were rubbing her arms or her hands were rubbing mine.

7. She has breast cancer. She was diagnosed 5 years ago. She had a radical mastectomy with chemo and radiation. She was in remission for years and lived with "only" the side effects.

8. The cancer is back. It's spread to her bones. She's gone through more chemo. She was wearing her little turban. And sometimes when her tired blue eyes looked up at me she looked just like my grandma. (The grandma I took care of during her battle with cancer... cancer won.)

9. I didn't want to let go of her touch... I think it's the last time I'll ever see her again.

10. Yesterday afternoon my mom stopped by after work. She told me my Uncle Brian's wife, Margie, has breast cancer. They've known for a little while, but didn't want to tell me because of my health. The surgeon was able to remove all the cancer and told her it was stage one. What a blessing!

11. My uncle said he's prayed more over the past several days than he has in years. I'm glad... but I hate when people only seek Him or believe in Him when times are hard for them. God is good ALL the time! Never limit His goodness and grace!

12. Jacob (my ten year old son) has an appointment to see his pediatrician this afternoon.

13. He's going to be tested for Long QT Syndrome. And I'm ready to know the results of the EKG NOW!!!!

*This past week three people emailed me about Baylie. THANK YOU... and keep the orders coming! So far I've sent in an order of 61 bracelets and 14 t-shirts... a total of $486 for Baylie for Brains!!!!! (click the link to read more about Baylie and her bracelets... and order some while you're there ;) Let's do the same this week! :)

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Friday Funny

2006-09-22T01:25:00.000-04:00

Okay... the following funnies are courtesy of Jacob. He was on a roll last night... I love that boy ;)

[My daddy had knee surgery a few weeks ago. My mom (you all know she's not well herself after her massive surgery and recuperation due to Crohn's this past year...) has been running herself sick. Back and forth to the doctor for four people, caring for my dad, cooking, running errands, etc. I asked our church for help since I physically can't cook nor do I trust my brain to remember to shut off the gas stove.

Wonderful, lovely ladies answered the call and have been bringing home cooked meals for us. And since the very first dinner was delivered... what a huge difference in my mom! She actually has color... and energy... and has eaten herself sick (which you know says a lot since she was not able to have anything by mouth for 7 months!!!).]

So last night we were eating some chili. After adding salt, pepper, chili powder (and I don't like spice!), cheese, saltines... nothing was helping the flavor of this dish.

I finally looked over at Jacob and said, "Jacob, this tastes like school chili."

He looked at me funny.

I said, "Well, from what I remember."

"What you remember."

"Why? What does it taste like now?"

"Food poisoning!"

HAHAHAHA!

Later that night we walked over to Mom and Dad's. Mom and I needed to talk about Daddy's upcoming surgery. (Daddy's having surgery today on his prostate. Days after his knee surgery his prostate almost landed him in the emergency room... without getting into private matters Daddy probably wouldn't want me to discuss on this here blog :p) Mom and I were talking about surgery time and how long the doctor thinks surgery's going to last.

My mom said, "She thinks it will take about 2 hours to 'shave' him."

Jacob got a funny look on his face. After a few minutes he said, "Why would it take her 2 hours to shave?"

Then it hit him... we were talking about Papaw's surgery.

"Oh, it'll take 2 hours to shave his prostitute!"

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

OMG! We were all laughing so hard it was actually silent in the house. Then we all started gasping for air, snorting, smacking our legs, Hee Hee Hee-in', Ha Ha Ha in'... that kinda funny! Just too much!

Later... as we were walking home Jacob asked, "What's a prostitute?"

Ha!

Aw- Shucks...

2006-09-17T22:09:00.000-04:00

What a week! Not only was my blog featured this week on the Thursday Thirteen hub, but Wolfbernz had only nice things to say after I took a dump on his site.

He not only said nice things about my blog... he also linked to one of my posts. My post about Baylie Belewe. And I am thrilled!!! Because Baylie faces tremendous odds everyday and has decided to do something to change that. Because there are so many who suffer yet continue to face a world that doesn't understand. A world that refuses to reach out and research their rare brain disease(s)... and they deserve more. And for the first time I'll say it outloud... I deserve more!

We all deserve a chance to live in peace before we rest in it!!!

Friday Funny

2006-09-15T11:28:00.000-04:00

(Another e-mail from my sister.)
Subject: Little Mary

The 6th grade science teacher, Mrs. Parks, asked her class, "Which human body part increases to 10 times its size when stimulated?"

No one answered until little Mary stood up, angry and said, "You should not be asking 6th graders a question like that! I'm going to tell my parents, and they will go and tell the principal, who will then fire you!" With a sneer on her face, she then sat back down.

Mrs. Parks ignored her and asked the question again, "Which body part increases to 10 times its size when stimulated?"

Little Mary's mouth fell open; then she said to those around her, "Boy, is she gonna get in big trouble!"

The teacher continued to ignore her and said to the class, "Anybody?"

Finally, Billy stood up, looked around nervously, and said, "The body part that increases 10 times its size when stimulated is the pupil of the eye."

Mrs. Parks said, "Very good, Billy." Then she turned to Mary and continued, "As for you, young lady, I have three things to say:

1) you have a dirty mind,

2) you didn't read your homework, and

3) one day you are going to be very, very disappointed."

Thursday Thirteen #20

2006-09-14T00:12:00.000-04:00

(Thank you for playing the name game last week and helping us name our new puppy. She decided she liked Molly. We decided that the former name "Trouble" wasn't far from the truth ;)

Thirteen of my favorite pictures of our new puppy... Molly!
(click to enlarge)

1. How much is that doggie in the window?
"Ruff, ruff."

2. Before...

3. "I didn't do it."

4. "I know. I'm adorable."

5. Holdin' hands with my new buddy.

6. "Get off me!"

7. "You 'Go fetch'!"

8. Thank you. Thank you very much.

9. "That's just frozen water."

10. "Yes. I'm still adorable!"

11. "I can't see you."

12. Yes. That's my son cleaning up a pee accident...
wearing ONE of my snow boots. (Smart kid! :p)

13. "Will you please stop taking pictures of me?"

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I Will Never Forget

2006-09-11T08:46:00.000-04:00

God Bless the victims, the rescuers, the families, the friends, the children, the soldiers. God Bless America. God Bless us all!

(Or watch the video here.)

America Remembers/ Memorial List of Names/ September 11 Victims.com

The Name Game

2006-09-02T02:08:00.000-04:00

Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls today we're playing a little game here at Snickerdoodles. We found a puppy (5 1/2 months old), fell in love and she moved right in. (L-O-N-G story short... we found her locked up in a small cage in an abandoned shed next to our house. Called the number on her i.d. tag and found out she was just adopted from the owner. He didn't want his dog going back with those horrible people and said I could have her if I wanted her. He brought a big bag of puppy food over and spent a long time telling "Trouble" goodbye. Very cute! That's the story in a nutshell... Oh! There's so much more I could share that would make you even more furious than a poor little puppy locked up and abandoned. I don't get people like that!)

Now we have two doggies. You know about Snickers a.k.a. Snickerdoodles (the inspiration for our blog title!). She's a Fox Terrier and VERY territorial. She's been the rule of the roost for three years and is trying VERY hard to be a good girl and welcome our new friend. And I am sooooo impressed with her! (Let me just say she has small dog syndrome :p)

We've been trying to come up with a new name for our puppy. "Trouble" just doesn't work for me. Jacob and I started with candy names to go along with Snickers. "Baby Ruth" and "Skittles" (My grandma's convinced that's what Snickers' name is. Jacob said, "Well, at least she'd get one dog right." :p) I liked "Abby", but Jacob didn't care for it. We started a list of names, but can't find the right one.

We've been calling her "Molly". I picked it out... and it's the only name she's responded to. (Oh yeah. That and "Oreo") She looks like a Molly... and an Abby ;) We knew Snickers was a Snickers the moment we said it. You know what I mean. Just the right one.

Now it's your turn. I'm not selling name rights on eBay. Although, I could use the money ;) I'm just askin' for some ideas. I'm sure Jacob would appreciate some help. He's not so sure about "Snuggles" or "Cuddlebug"... I can't help it. That's what she is. She loves to cuddle and hug. She's a precious one! But Snickers is not yet convinced.

(Snickers enjoying the party a little TOO much!)

"Molly" tryin' to sleep it off. ;)

Friday Funny

2006-09-01T00:35:00.000-04:00

Morris and his wife Esther went to the State Fair every year, and every year Morris would say, "Esther, I'd like to ride in that helicopter."

Esther always replied, "I know Morris, but that helicopter ride is 50 dollars, and 50 dollars is 50 dollars."

One year Esther and Morris went to the fair, and Morris said, "Esther, I'm 85 years old. If I don't ride that helicopter, I might never get another chance."

Esther replied, "Morris that helicopter is 50 dollars, and 50 dollars is 50 dollars."

The pilot over heard the couple and said, "Folks, I'll make you a deal. I'll take the both of you for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and not say a word I won't charge you! If you say one word, it's 50 dollars."

Morris and Esther agreed and up they went. The pilot did all kinds of fancy maneuvers, but not a word was heard. He did his daredevil tricks over and over again, but still not a word. When they landed, the pilot turned to Morris and said, "By golly, I did everything I could to get you to yell out, but you didn't. I'm impressed!"

Morris replied, "Well, I was going to say something when Esther fell out, but 50 dollars is 50 dollars."

(an email from a friend)

2006-08-31T00:23:00.000-04:00

Last week Stacey tagged me with "5 weird things about me (or my pet)".
Since I have yet to post it and couldn't limit it to just five...

Thirteen weird things about Kimmy...
(consider yourself tagged!)

1. I LOVE the smell of zippo lighters. It's a good thing I don't smoke. I could seriously just sit around all.day.long opening and closing my zippo and huffing away.

2. Speaking of huffing... I love the smell of gas(oline). I'm not a huffer, nor have I ever considered it, but I do love to sniff it.

3. Now that I think about it... I could have very well been satisfied as a gas station attendant. Yeah. That's weird.

4. I like the smell of vinegar. I don't just sit around and sniff it, but I like bold/overpowering smell. It's natures bleach... non toxic and strong. (And I love to pour white vinegar and a little water in a sauce pan, add some shakes -or sticks- of cinnamon and simmer. Deodorizes any odor (duh!) and gives the impression of hours spent baking away in the kitchen.)

5. I have to have ice in my drink. Lots of ice!

6. I can't stand drinks from a soda fountain without ice... even though it's cold.

7. I can't add ice to a drink from a soda fountain... it just doesn't taste the same! I have to add the ice then fill it up. (My brother is a freak about asking for drinks with no ice... "You get more." Ugh! I'd rather have 60 cc's less and drink it OVER ice!)

8. I love ketchup and don't just limit it's use to burgers and fries.

9. When I was little I used to call peas "little green balls". I don't remember this. My step-mom told me. I dunno.

10. I HATE heat! I'd rather be too cold than too hot. I can always put on more clothes, but I can only take off so many... if ya know what I mean!

11. I like to go to bed cold. A/C down, fan on and snuggled under lots of blankets. That's weird!

12. I mix my corn and mashed potatoes. Not every time, but enough.

13. I wait for my raisin bran to get soggy before I eat it. I can't stand it crunchy.

*So far I've sent in an order of 61 bracelets and 14 t-shirts... a total of $486 for Brains for Baylie!!!!! (click the link to read more about Baylie and her bracelets... and order some while you're there ;) Last week another T13er purchased bracelets after reading about Baylie. Let's do the same this week! :)
Baylie's recuperating from another LP Shunt revision she had on Monday, August 28. Please continue to pray for her... and all of us who suffer from Pseudotumor Cerebri and Arnold Chiari.

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Oh, Waiter!

2006-08-28T00:04:00.000-04:00

I was getting ready to take the last bite of my Blackened Chicken Pasta. I was saving half for Jacob. (It's his favorite. He was busy cheering on his favorite high school football team during the first home town rival game of the season. He's attened EVERY SINGLE football game... home and away... since 1st grade, but that's another story for another time. I have bigger news to share :p) Where was I? Oh, yeah. I was getting ready to receive the "Mother of the Year" award for saving half my dinner for my son. (And yes. I was still hungry.) :)

I picked up two pieces of pasta with my fork. As I lifted the fork I noticed something black. I moved the pasta around and noticed it was not only BLACK, but CURLY!!!!!!!!!! I threw my fork down and covered my mouth with both hands. I almost lost it all right there in my pasta dish.

My friend tried to calm me by saying such things as, "OHIMIGOSH! THAT'S A PUBE!" and "(*gasp*) Somebody had there hands down their pants." I almost smacked her. I would have if I had three hands, but unfortunately both of mine were busy keeping my (already eaten) dinner down.

I tried to get our waitress' attention, but she was busy. Of all times! The entire night she'd been so attentive and had anticipated our needs without us having to ask. But I couldn't wait for her any longer with a plate 'o penne and pubes in front of me.

I grabbed the manager who happened to walk past. I whispered to him that I had a problem with my meal. I explained what I found, and his eyes almost popped out of his head. He quickly removed my plate and apologized profusely. He began stumbling over his words as he tried to justify it to himself. "They all wear hair nets." "We have strict policies." Then he said, "I don't know how this could have happened..." I put my hand up motioning for him to stop, and at the same time we both said, "I don't wanna know."

He asked me if I'd like anything else, but took the look on my face as, "Uh,no". Just then our waitress came over with a worried look on her face not knowing what happened and fearful I was upset. She asked if I still wanted the BBQ buffalo wings I ordered to take home. Yes. (Again... for Jacob. He loves them!)

Jennifer finished her meal as we both tried to come up with "logical reasons". Our waitress rushed back to the table and apologized. She looked horrified and disgusted. I felt so bad for her. She was mortified! So I told her what we'd been talking about, and she chimed in.

We all started laughing about it. I was feeling better. Especially when she told me the manager was taking care of everything. Everything! Jennifer's appetizer, both meals, drinks (coke and water... but still!), Jacob's wings and DESSERTS! The waitress leaned in, grabbed my arm and said, "They don't make them here." Okay! I'll take three! ;)

Was it worth it? No.Way! But it will sure be a story I'll remember. (Well, as long as somebody reminds me!)

Darn. It would be so much more funny if it had happened to somebody else ;)

Friday Funny... OK Go

2006-08-25T00:23:00.000-04:00

This video just cracks me up. I don't know how many times I've watched it. I don't know if it has anything to do with my brain problems or the hot pink. I'm just sayin'. ;) These guys hilarious! They remind me of my brother and his friends. Crazy boys.

(Click here if the video doesn't play for you.)

You can watch more videos from OK go! You can also catch them doing their Treadmill Dance live on MTV Video Music Awards Thursday, August 31.

Found this video at Jen's Horde. Thanks Jen!

2006-08-24T00:32:00.000-04:00

Thirteen things about Jacob's first week of school (5th grade):

1. He loves riding the bus to and from school.

2. He loves being able to sleep in until 7 a.m. and not leave the house until 7:45 a.m. (When he attended the before and after school program he'd get up at 6 a.m.)

3. He loves getting home before 3 p.m. (He used to get home around 4:30 p.m. from the after school program.)

4. Really likes getting off the bus in time to get some juice or fruit before school starts. (The school serves free breakfast... great idea!)

5. Getting hot and yucky sweaty playing football with his friends at recess.

6. He likes changing teachers for different subjects. (Not only does it prepare him for jr. high, but I'm sure it's more exciting and energizing to get up and move around during the day.)

7. The first day Jacob walked into his classroom and found his assigned seat he noticed he sat right next to his girlfriend, Morgan. (Jacob and Morgan met at before/after school program their first day of kindergarten. Jacob was very shy and nervous. Morgan helped calm him down and helped him relax, and they've been best buds ever since. It's pretty cute :p)

8. Reading AR books for points... not number of books per week. Jacob has a very high reading level. He's been reading at least 2 grade levels above his grade since 1st grade. Last year 4th graders read one AR book a week. Jacob was constantly reading. He had to read a book a week on his level... and a 6th+ grade reading level gave him books with 200-300 pages... worth 10 AR points. (And I give him MAD PROPS for not choosing "easy" books or books with less pages! The other kids were reading 3rd and 4th grade books worth 0.5-2 points!)
So this year if he reads two books and earns his points then he's "done" for the 9 weeks. (But he'll continue to read. He's way into WWII right now.)

9. Getting to play on the new playground. The brand new $1.5 million playground. Wait 'til I post pictures! Foamy playing surface, overhead covered benches, w/c accessible swings and basketball goals/courts, brand new basketball goals, 4 or 5 separate playing areas with slides and monkey bars, and a rock wall!!!!!!! Unbelievable! Are you sensing my jealousy? Where was this playground when I went to that school 20 years ago? ;)

10. Looking forward to basketball tryouts. He's never played on a team before, but plays with his buddies. He does a pretty good job and taught himself. What he's got going for him: his height. Just under 5'6". What he's got going against him: Osgood-Schlatter Disease.

11. Middle school algebra. He's really enjoying it. (I'm all over algebra, but calculus and trigonometry... not so much. Any takers?)

12. Individual study time (like study hall) to decrease homework. He still has homework, but not nearly as much as I remember bringing home. But it's only week one, right?)

13. His favorite brand new t-shirts:

(MmmHmm...)

(That one just cracks me up.)

(So true. So.true. That one is my favorite!)

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Just Too Good

2006-08-22T22:15:00.000-04:00

So I was lying down with a terrible headache. The news was on the tv. I was trying to talk myself into reaching for the remote, but the pain was too intense.

Then all of a sudden I heard something that made me sit up and take notice. (Well, after hearing Lindsay Lohan's mom believes she's "The White Oprah". I wouldn't want her help with any problem! But I'd take a car :p) Osama Bin Laden hearts Whitney Houston. Seriously. To think Whitney is Osama's "Greatest Love of All". I mean... He's a terrorist. A racist. Believes the western world is evil. But has a thing for wacked out Mrs. Bobby Brown. (And even wanted to whack out Bobby.) Now that's just too good.

I say he can have her. Take her. (But I'll keep my "Whitney Houston- The Greatest Hits" cd.) Better yet... let's just send her over there to him and lure him right out of his "cave". Whatta ya say? Let's bring our boys back home. I can think of a few more rail thin druggies we can send over for the hypocritical terrorists. ;)

Friday (not so) Funny

2006-08-18T01:44:00.000-04:00

So I took the Real Age Test a few weeks ago and got some bad news.

My ACTUAL age: 30.8 (*gasp*)
My REAL age: 40.10 (*thud*)

It was a pretty long test... for me anyway. I was doing well until I got to the part about my illnesses/diseases, pain, decreased activities/abilities and medication. That's when I fell over the edge. TEN YEARS OLDER!!!!! Ten years and two months. See... not so funny ;)

Jacob thought it was the best thing he'd ever heard. He laughed so hard he almost fell down. (Yeah. He's sympathetic. Typical male :p) So he decided to take the test for me. The only thing he changed was activity level, pain and medications. Would you believe it? 28.7!!!! Two years and one month YOUNGER!!! Again... not so funny.

Now it's your turn. Go on. Find out your REAL AGE then come back and tell me all about it. Honestly... it can't possibly be worse than mine. Plus, I'm hopin' it's funny! It IS a Friday FUNNY after all ;)

2006-08-17T12:18:00.000-04:00

Thirteen things about my week:

1. My baby started 5th grade yesterday. Unbelievable.

2. I watched him step up in the bus for the first time this morning... and felt my heart drive away.

3. I received a call yesterday afternoon from the after school program Jacob used to attend. "Kim, this is (what's her name) from (such and such). I'm calling to tell you Jacob did not show up after school. Please call us back as soon as you can." Jacob started giggling. He'd been home almost 30 minutes. I was confused (surprise!), but pleased they called checking on him. But now I'm worried they're going to charge me. :)

4. Jacob attended the before and after school program from his very first day in Kindergarten. A branch of a local day care has this program in all local elementary schools. We loved it! There were four women. A woman and her three daughters. Barb, the mom, worked at the school as a custodian when I was a student there. I loved her. I was so glad to have her caring for my Jacob.

5. These four women became a huge part of our lives. They nurtured Jacob through 9 of my brain operations, two of his Papaw's deployments overseas, and his mamaw's surgery and recuperation last year. They are strong, loving christian women. We love them like family.

6. The last day of school last year was their last day for the before and after school... it was our last day as well. That's why Jacob's in the 5th grade and riding the school bus for the first time.

7. He enjoys the bus, but he misses Barb and her daughters!

8. Snickers, our Fox Terrier, is really sick. She's been itchy/scratchy for months.

9. We've tried everything... anti-histamines, prednisone (which has damaged her liver, skin, vision), strict prescription diet, etc. (I think that's why she was dumped at the pound where we adopted her.)

10. She had a skin test which showed severe allergies. Let me just start by saying the girl's not right... She's allergic to cats, feathers, cows, horses, wool, insect dander, all weeds, all trees, a lot of flowers, DRY DOG FOOD (the mites that live in dry dog food)!!!!!!! What?

11. I'm giving her an anti-histamine trial... 8 different anti-histamin packs... one pack per week for 8 weeks. I have to monitor and document her every move. I have to fill out a form every.day. Ugh! Like I feel well enough to do that! How selfish ;)

12. Since she's ALLERGIC TO HER OWN FOOD I have to give her prescription canned dog food. 1.5 cans a day. A case (24 cans) costs $48.97. 46.5 cans (31 days worth) equals $63.25 a month. Ugh! Thank God she's a "small" dog! PLUS approximately $500 every month or so for antibody injections... that she'll need for the rest of her life. I might just make it a short one. Joke. Just a joke. She's my little princess. Dumb dog.

13. So far I've sent in an order of 44 bracelets and 11 t-shirts... a total of $372 for Brains for Baylie!!!!! (click the link to read more about Baylie and her bracelets... and order some while you're there ;)

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A Birthday Wish!

2006-08-16T01:01:00.000-04:00

Happy 26th Birthday to my baby sister! I love you!

Baylie update

2006-08-14T16:37:00.000-04:00

I apologize to those of you who have been eager to hear an update on Baylie after her surgery. I haven't been feeling well. My fingers are having difficulty typing, and my brain is having difficulty getting the correct words and spelling out. It's taken more than five minutes just to write this much.

Here are the last two entries in Baylie's journal:

Sunday, August 13, 2006 11:35 AM CDT

"Baylie is out of the hospital. The CT scan showed that her leg pain is coming from her tubing in her spine hitting a nerve. He gave her pain medicine and we are hoping that it will move on its own. He thinks that her abnomen pain may be caused from inflammation from the tubing. If it does not get better then he will have to replace the tubing.

She woke up this morning with terrible leg pain and a headache. We gave her all of her medicine. She seems to be doing a little bit better now.

Hopefully we will get to head home tomorrow if she does well today.

Thanks for checking up on her."

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 10:10 PM CDT

"We are home!!!! We got home yesterday just in time to go to "meet the teacher" at school. Both Abbey and Baylie got to meet their new teachers. Baylie really likes her teacher. Today was the first day of school, I only sent her for 2-1/2 hours since she is still having alot of headaches and her leg is really hurting her alot. We will do the same amount of time for the rest of this week and then see how she is doing for next week. The school is being wonderful and very understanding to the situation which is one less thing for me to worry about. It was hard leaving her today at school because I know when she is hurting she will not tell anyone because she does not want to be different from the other kids.

She fell right asleep tonight, she was exhausted.

Thanks for checking up on her."

And from me... thank you for your support and a HUGE thank you for posting about and/or inquiring about Baylie's bracelets!

Friday Funny

2006-08-11T00:54:00.000-04:00

Cinderella is now 95 years old.

After a fulfilling life with the now dead prince, she happily sits upon her rocking chair, watching the world go by from her front porch, with a cat named Bob for companionship.

One sunny afternoon out of nowhere, appeared the fairy godmother.

Cinderella said, "Fairy Godmother, what are you doing here after all these years"?

The fairy godmother replied, "Cinderella, you have lived an exemplary life since I last saw you. Is there anything for which your heart still yearns?"

Cinderella was taken aback, overjoyed, and after some thoughtful consideration, she uttered her first wish:

"The prince was wonderful, but not much of an investor. I'm living hand to mouth on my disability checks, and I wish I were wealthy beyond comprehension.

Instantly her rocking chair turned into solid gold.

Cinderella said, "Ooh, thank you, Fairy Godmother"

The fairy godmother replied, "It is the least that I can do. What do you want for your second wish?"

Cinderella looked down at her frail body, and said, "I wish I were young and full of the beauty and youth I once had."

At once, her wish became reality, and her beautiful young visage returned. Cinderella felt stirrings inside of her that had been dormant for years.

And then the fairy godmother spoke once more: "You have one more wish; what shall it be?"

Cinderella looks over to the frightened cat in the corner and says, "I wish for you to transform Bob, my old cat, into a kind and handsome young man."

Magically, Bob suddenly underwent so fundamental a change in his biological make-up that, when he stood before her he was a man so beautiful the likes of him neither she nor the world had ever seen.

The fairy godmother said, "Congratulations, Cinderella, enjoy your new life."

With a blazing shock of bright blue electricity, the fairy godmother was gone as suddenly as she appeared.

For a few eerie moments, Bob and Cinderella looked into each other's eyes.

Cinderella sat, breathless, gazing at the most beautiful, stunningly perfect man she had ever seen.

Then Bob walked over to Cinderella, who sat transfixed in her rocking chair, & held her close in his young muscular arms.

He leaned in close, blowing her golden hair with his warm breath as he whispered...

"Bet you're sorry you neutered me."

(Yup! Just my luck :p)

Baylie Belewe

2006-08-07T00:38:00.000-04:00

I learned about Baylie completely by accident a few months ago... before my last operation. I don't know why it has taken me so long to post about her, but I truly believe in God's timing!

You know my story. You've heard the diagnoses, the symptoms and the surgeries. You know about the increase in pain and symptoms and the "end of the road" for me in terms of a cure or even a way to help ease it all. (Some background if you don't know about my diagnoses, symptoms, old surgeries, recent surgery or current yucky situation.)

Baylie is a six year old little girl diagnosed with two of the rare brain diseases I have... Arnold Chiari Malformation and Pseudotumor Cerebri. She has an LP shunt and has had two brain operations so far for her Chiari.

Today (8.7.06) Baylie is having another operation. The doctor is going to replace her LP shunt. Please pray for Baylie and her family as they endure yet another bump in the road to recovery. Please pray that Baylie will grow to live a life free from pain and the horrible symptoms that go along with these terrible diseases.

Baylie has already done such wonderful things with her young life. Baylie decided to make and sell beaded bracelets. Then she donates the money she makes to research. Research for Pseudotumor Cerebri and Arnold Chiari Malformation. Both diseases are known as "orphan diseases" meaning no-one knows how they start and not many want to put the money (or effort) into researching it. To date Baylie has collected over $98,027.00 from her bracelet sales/donations and has given the money to Dr. Frim of the University of Chicago.

Let's help Baylie give much more. I'm taking orders for her bracelets and her t-shirts... *front* "I've really had brain surgery. What's your excuse?" *back* "www.baylieforbrains.com". Bracelets are made with either glass or plastic beads. Some are made with both. Each bracelet contains at least one blue bead as her middle name is Belewe.

Bracelets are a donation of at least $5 each. The t-shirts are $11 for kids (sizes S and M) and $14 for adults (sizes S, M, L, XL). The front of the t-shirt says, "I've really had brain surgery. What's your excuse?" and the back says, "www.baylieforbrains.com". You can also purchase car ribbons. View them here.

I'm already collecting orders from some friends and family. I'm trying to do my part by giving Baylie money for her bracelets... not the shipping. So when the orders are received I will mail them to you to save her the shipping cost. Please remember Baylie is having surgery today so orders will most likely be postponed for a short time period.

I know for some time you guys have asked/wished for something to do to help me. I would love for you guys to help out in this way. Thank you, thank You, THANK YOU!!!!

This video shows Baylie painting and making her bracelets, and her mom describing Baylie's journey. (Scroll down to "Hoosier Hero- Baylie Owen.) And you can watch this video about Baylie and her friend, Kara, who suffers from both diseases as well. You can visit Kara and her art work... also featured in the video.

Place your order online or contact Baylie's mom or e-mail me with your orders .
You can also purchase special Baylie candles and soaps.

(Visit Baylie's website and leave her a message in her guestbook!
Read more about Baylie here and here.)

UPDATE: (9.18.06) Baylie remains in the hospital after this initial operation. She suffered from low pressure headaches (which are far worse than high pressure... excruciating!!!). She's had to lie flat on her back without getting up for weeks. She has gone through two or three blood patches already. So far no luck.
Not only does Baylie continue to need your prayers, but her sister does, too. Her younger sister is undergoing tests to determine the cause of her pain. Thank God Arnold Chiari has already been ruled out! Please pray for and support Baylie and her family and her many friends... young and old.

UPDATE: Baylie has been out of the hospital for more than a month. She's going to school, playing with her sisters and friends, and attends fund raisers as much as she can. She's not completely pain free, but her pain is waaaaayyyy better. She still needs and asks for your prayers for not only herself, but for her friends with PTC and AC.

Thank you for those of you that continue to ask about Baylie and request bracelets. It means so much to me!!!! God bless!

2006-08-03T00:14:00.000-04:00

I was too ill to post on Father's Day. And yesterday was Daddy's birthday. It was either post or go out to dinner. I chose dinner ;) So in honor of him...

Thirteen things about Daddy, Papaw, Pop...

1. Daddy is my "step-dad", but the only TRUE father I've had. He married my mom in 1979. I was 3 years old.

2. I love him for CHOOSING to be my daddy. He has never made me feel like I was a burden or that he regreted making that choice. And I love him just as much for that!

3. My biological father called my mom one evening and yelled at her for "making" me call Bryant "Daddy". After the phone call my mom talked to me and told me I could call him anything I wanted to. I said, "Can I call him 'Superman'?" I was three. And he's still MY SUPERMAN to this day!

4. Daddy was involved in everything I did. He not only showed up to my swim meets (in 100+ degrees in the summer and -20 degrees in the winter), but he volunteered for any position they needed him. I only remember him missing a few meets, but they were due to military training.

5. Daddy was (is) involved in our church. VBS, camp, youth group, outings, Bible study, missions trips, sleep overs, movie nights, etc.

6. He baptized my son, Jacob. I remember the day Jacob asked him if he would baptize him and tears welled up in Daddy's eyes. The moment after he lifted Jacob up from the water they both embraced for the longest time. My eyes still fill up with tears. (I have that picture framed and sitting right beside my computer monitor.)

7. Daddy was my birthing coach. He went to lamaze classes with me and everything. I figured this big, strong guy would help me just fine... plus he'd already delivered two babies (once when he was on Rescue 20 and once as a police officer) so I thought that would be an advantage. Huh. He was more nervous than I was. We were in the elevator heading up to the birthing center, and I look over at the buttons and watched Daddy press the braille number 2... not the actual button. He kept pushing it, looking up at the floors and wondering why it wouldn't move. Finally, I pushed the right button and off we went.

8. Daddy went with my brother on a missions trip to Mexico when Jacob was just nine months old. They returned home late in the evening so I took Jacob over to see him before I had to take him to daycare on my way to nursing school early the next morning. The instant Jacob saw his Papaw he started kicking his feet and reaching for him. When Daddy picked him up Jacob was smiling so big and had tears in his eyes. That still amazes me to this day. What love he has for Papaw... his buddy. (That's what they call each other. "Hey, Buddy". Precious!)

9. Daddy has been there for me during my ENTIRE illness. He's massaged my shoulders, temples, jaws and back (once upon a time when I could handle that... now it makes the pain much worse). He's held cold cloths on my head and emesis basins up to my mouth. He's given me his hand to squeeze when the pain's unbearable and a hand to hold when it's all just too much. He's driven me hundreds of miles from home to see my neurosurgeon at the best hospital for my diseases. He's taken flights from the other side of the country to make it to my bedside for surgery. He's missed only two operations out of over 20... and both were while he was on a tour of duty in Bosnia. My biological father... who lives only an hour away... managed to find time for only two operations. Both were in a hospital just minutes away from his house. Both times he stayed for less than an hour. Once was after surgery (1989) and he brought my sisters. The second time he arrived while I was in the recovery room (1993) and brought one sister with him. I was so ill that they only allowed three people back for a brief moment... my daddy gave up his time to go to the recovery room to allow my biological father see me. What a man! He continues to support me financially, physically, mentally and spiritually every single day!

10. One day when Daddy was on the police department he was asked to protect/guard the KKK... Daddy's black. He stood there with his head held high and protected the very men that hated him and wished him harm. He's amazing!

11. He's been married to my mom for 27 years. He stuck right by her side with the many years of her suffering with Crohn's Disease. When she had her surgery last September with a 30 day hospital stay and 6+ months with open wounds that needed cleaned and changed multiple times a day and TPN that was fed to her through her PICC line... he did it ALL!

12. During that entire time he slept on the living room floor just to be right by her as she slept in a chair because she couldn't sleep in their bed!

13. He slept on the floor... this was just two months after he returned home from war in Afghanistan (and sleeping on a cot... if he was lucky).

14. He served our country for almost 35 years and retired January 2006. He's now working as a civilian on a military base. Thank God they can't deploy him anymore!

15. He's MY Daddy!
Jacob and I thank you for every single thing you have done for us! We KNOW our lives wouldn't be the same without you in it! We Love and Adore You, Your Baby Girl and Your Buddy.

Friday Funny

2006-07-28T00:32:00.000-04:00

A guy shopping in a supermarket noticed a little old lady following him around. If he stopped, she stopped.

Furthermore she kept staring at him. She finally overtook him at the checkout, and she turned to him and said,

"I hope I haven't made you feel ill at ease; it's just that you look so much like my late son."

He answered, "That's okay."

"I know it's silly, but if you'd call out 'Goodbye, Mom' as I leave the store it would make me feel so happy."

She then went through the checkout, and as she was on her way out of the store, the man called out, "Goodbye, Mother."

The little old lady waved and smiled back at him.Pleased that he had brought a little sunshine into someone's day, he went to pay for his groceries.

"That comes to $121.85," said the clerk.

"How come so much ... I only bought 5 items."

The clerk replied, "Yeah, but your mother said you'd pay for her things, too."

(I love little old ladies! ;)

2006-07-25T19:04:00.000-04:00

We got back from the doctor a few hours ago. He did listen. I didn't have to throw a punch. He sat down and listened to everything I had to say. He suggested the nerve stimulator (since this last surgery didn't help... and made things worse). He suggested a spinal tap to measure my fluid and drain some off. He suggested a shunt revision. Then he listened some more when I told him I didn't want anymore surgeries that were going to make my problems worse (i.e. the chiari decompression and the last operation... greater occipital neurectomy). I told him two other doctors no longer felt comfortable doing spinal taps or even taps in the shunt in my brain because the fluid is "thick" and "sludgy" which means leaving me open and drainging for an hour and a half increasing the risk of great infection.

Then he asked me what I wanted him to do. I told him, "Nothing." There's nothing he can do to make it better. He quietly nodded and agreed and said the suggestions he made were just that. He didn't recommend any of it. There's nothing he has that can or will fix me. But he did have a full box of Kleenex to kindly share... and he handed them over with a regretful smile.

He wants to see me every six months to a year.

So that's that. There's nothing left to do. This is the second neurosurgeon to say (admit) what I've known for years. And this one sure didn't like admitting defeat. But there comes a time when even modern medicine can't cure. Another shunt will fail because my ventricles are too tiny. It's like putting a straw under a tire and expecting it to drain water.

The only thing left is to have my skull removed. I just can't have that operation. The three small sections I have right now without skull make me paranoid. I've been to the emergency room twice after being hit in one of those spots. I'm not ready to live with a helmet for the rest of my life. And if were only that simple. If wearing a helmet was going to take the pain and nasty symptoms away I'd do it in a heart beat. But there's more involved than putting on my son's old football helmet and living life up.

So I'll continue to be my wacky little self. I'll continue to experience the symptoms just as if I had an actual brain tumor. I'll continue to live with severe pain daily, at times excruciating. I'll continue to hold my own head up because my neck's too weak to do it. And with humiliated and humbled expressions I'll continue to ask my baby boy why the sheets are covering the couch or why the milk is under the sink. And he'll continue to hurriedly run back to my bathroom to ask if I'm okay when I'm falling in the shower. We'll continue to clean up water because my hand can't hold the glass. (And I'll switch from glass to plastic so I no longer break 8 glasses a day.) And I'll continue to depend on my parents for most things and sit in the house 24/7 and go to the grocery once a month because that's all I can physically manage.

And I accept that. I don't like it. Any part of it. I don't like that it not only affects my life, but my Jacob's. That I can't do things with him or take him places or have his friends come over. I don't like that I can't even stand long enough to make him dinner or fix him breakfast. I don't like that my parents have to cook for us. Or take us places because I'm not able to drive (for the past four years). I don't like that I can't visit my sisters just an hour away and play with my niece and nephew. I don't like that I don't get to visit with my friends because I don't feel well enough to talk and laugh. I don't like a lotta things about these horrible symptoms or the diseases that cause them. But I do accept what God has given me. And I try my best to honor Him and witness for Him and use my life as a testamant of His love and grace. I am drinking from my saucer because my cup has overflowed!

2006-07-24T14:50:00.000-04:00

The swelling is down. The pain and numbness is improving in my hands and feet. I can feel your prayers and feel comforted by your many loving thoughts.

I'm still experiencing confusion. I'm finding items in wrong... and weird places. Today I opened the drawer to get a spoon and found grocery bags. The other day I asked Jacob why sheets were covering the couch. He looked at me like I was crazy. (We covered the couch after Snicker's bath... new couch!)

Jacob hasn't been here since Friday afternoon. He's been with my parents and today he is at a friend's house. I miss him. I hate being alone most of the time, but especially when things are wacky... when I'm wacky. My mind goes to places I don't want it to go. And I can't bear to think about leaving Jacob. Or him caring the cross of loss the rest of his life.

Tomorrow I see my neurosurgeon. If he doesn't sit down and listen to me do you think I could get away with punching him? Could "brain problems" get me off without charges? Hmm. Bet not since I just typed that. I do believe that's what they call premeditation. Is there such a thing as being charged with premeditated punching? ;)

The Answer Is No

2006-07-22T00:25:00.000-04:00

I've posted more this week than I have in an entire month. I've visited blogs and even participated in Thursday 13. It felt wonderful! I've missed it so much. I've missed leaving silly comments (and receiving them :p). I've missed my friends. Being back in the blog world has been so nice. But it's come to an end once again.

Many of you've commented on my three (in a row) posts. Naturally you assumed I was feeling better. And I was. But not anymore. And this is one problem Blogger can't be blamed for!

I've been having a lot of increased back and shoulder pain over the past few weeks. Sunday I started experiencing more pain in my back. I couldn't stand. I couldn't sit. I couldn't walk it out. I've had a herniated disk for years (since '99). I also have pieces of an old deteriorated LP shunt floating in my spinal column (the one that was in for almost 9 years... and when the surgeon tried to remove it pieces of it shot up in the spinal fluid.) So who knows what's to blame. I've also been sitting for 4 years straight.

The big problem started a few days ago. My feet and hands started swelling again. But not like before. The right side is worse. The symptoms change throughout the day, but for the most part of the day it's bad.

I have no feeling in the last four toes or on the top of my right foot. I can't bend my toes or even my feet. My hands are the same way. Two nights ago I couldn't sleep. It was 2 in the morning. All of a sudden I couldn't feel my feet and it felt like I was walking with tree trunks. I tried to grab for the nearest chair, but I couldn't get it. My depth perception was off. I was dizzy and my gait was unsteady. I grabbed a pen and paper to write down the symptoms, but I couldn't grip the pen to use it. What I was able to write I had to move my entire arm to write with and not my hand.

The symptoms were better the next morning, but still present. They gradually worsened throughout the day. I dropped things or couldn't even grasp them to begin with. I dropped a glass of water. It's like it slipped right through my fingers. When I walked to the other side of the coffee table I wacked my right foot really hard on the table leg (three inches+ of thick wood). I didn't even feel it, but could see the indentation in the swelling of my foot.

Later that day I started noticing problems with my vision. I was having black areas (not spots) in my vision. My eyes weren't adjusting to light/dark as quickly as normal... and I'm talking 20 minute intervals here! The swelling continued in my hands and feet and with the same symptoms as the night before. But I started having problems with my right arm. It was numb and felt weightless yet I could feel deep within my arm. It was strange! I also started having more and more difficulty concentrating. I just felt blank or empty. The dizziness was worse, but the depth perception was better.

I see my neurosurgeon Tuesday. The egotistical one that "knows" more about what I'm feeling going through than I do. Oh gosh. How I wish I were going to see Dr. Luciano. I trust him and believe him. And he believes me. I hate this other doctor and don't feel comfortable with him. But there's no way I could handle the drive to go to Dr. Luciano. And there's no way I could handle the "pressure" of flying. My head feels like it's about to explode as it is... added pressure wouldn't be my friend!

I know I'm leaving you with more questions than answers. I can't write any more right now. I will let you know how I'm doing so you don't worry. I can't guarantee more than a single word depending on my symptoms, but I know after this you'll worry. If you don't hear from me don't panic. I'll have my friend Brandi post about the doctor's visit if I'm unable to.

Let's pray it's just that stupid medicine and not my pseudotumor cerebri or arnold chiari malformation or complications following the greater occipital neurectomy I just had. Let's pray! THANK YOU!

I leave you with this video of the father/son triathlon team, Dick and Rick Hoyt, to the song "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. (Visit them at Team Hoyt)

Friday Funny

2006-07-21T00:24:00.000-04:00

(This is an email my sister, Nickey, sent me.)

An 80 year old woman was arrested for shop lifting. When she went before the judge he asked her, "What did you steal?"
She replied, "A can of peaches."

The judge asked her why she had stolen them and she replied that she was hungry.

The judge then asked her how many peaches were in the can. She replied,"6."

The judge then said, "I will give you 6 days in jail."

Before the judge could actually pronounce the punishment the woman's husband spoke up and asked the judge if he could say something.
He said, "What is it?"

The husband said "She also stole a can of peas."

(Ha!)

.... .... .... .... ....
And just for the (Friday) fun of it...
Our new nicknames are:

Git yer own racin' nickname on RickyBobby.com :p

2006-07-20T00:30:00.000-04:00

My second post this week... whatcha think about that? ;)

Thirteen movies watched this week... either with Jacob or by myself.
(click link for movie info/trailer)

1. Nanny McPhee (YOU HAVE TO SEE IT!!!!! We've watched it more than half a dozen times within the past two weeks. "Did he say without supper?" HA!)

2. Fantastic Four (I enjoyed it far more than I ever thought I would. Let's just say I was looking more forward to scrubbing the kitchen floor!)

3. Cheaper By The Dozen 2 (Can't top the first one... not the original one... the first one )

4. The New World (could it be any slower?)

5. Superman (the old one)

6. Secondhand Lions (for the umpteenth time. still love it.)

7. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (still hilarious! "Do not seek the treasure!")

8. My Fair Lady (again... never grow tired of this movie!)

9. National Treasure (it's great. And Encore's been playing it several times a day.)

10. Surviving Christmas (trying to cool things down here!)

11. Bad News Bears (the new one. HI.LAR.I.OUS! Can watch it back to back.)

12. Garden State (Great Movie!)

13. Junebug (Awesome!)

Get the auto-link thingy here! And DONATE! Show him the love.

2006-07-19T01:09:00.000-04:00

Are you one of the hundreds of millions registered to jump tomorrow on World Jump Day? Jacob suggests I drop something heavy since I'm physically not able to jump. Any suggestions? Be nice! ;)

Mad Physics shares ...uh... the physics to debunk the idea of jumping our way to a better orbit. Ah. If jumping was the only thing to do to fight global warming!

(But it is pretty cool to see the seismograph of the simultaneous jumping at the 2002 World Cup Final.)

Friday Funny?

2006-07-14T11:36:00.000-04:00

What would you do if you found this in your living room????? Oh me oh my! And I thought I had problems ;)

I'm Alive with a Friday Funny!

2006-06-30T12:09:00.000-04:00

I'm still here. Thank you for your emails and comments and concerns and well wishes. We've been having a lot of rain and storms which make the headaches worse. Any change in the barometric pressure and my head feels it. The increased pressure in my head feels like my brain is going to burst out of my head. It's like the worst sinus headache you've ever had multiplied by 20.

My eyes are bulging a little and CSF has been leaking out of my ears in larger amounts. I'm puffy all over. My hands and fingers swell so much they ache/hurt and I can't use them. My feet and legs swell so much it's hard to walk sometimes. But today... not so bad.

I'm still taking the nerve medication for the nerve pain. The pain is a little better. The burning is gone, but I'm still having a lot of pain when I rub my head or wash or dry or comb my hair. Things like that. I have one numb spot on the back of my head. Still hoping for that to spread out.

The medication makes me even more dizzy and forgetful/confused. That's one reason I haven't been posting much. The post I wrote about Whitney Cerak and Laura VanRyn took me 3 hours. I had such difficulty typing and remembering words/spelling and such. I don't feel good enough to spend 3 hours on the computer so I haven't been posting. Forgive me for not visiting you. Hopefully I'll get around to you all soon.

Jacob's been playing a lot of make up baseball games. A total of 7 rain out games. Two weeks ago he played five games a week. That was pretty hard on me, but I wouldn't miss him play. His team did well... 3rd place at the end of the season. Not bad considering 5 games were played with 8 boys. One game only 7 boys showed up... so a players little brother sub'd. He was 6!!! But that was one of the best games. The cute thing was seeing him stand next to Jacob. The little guy didn't even come up to Jacob's waist!

I'll leave you with a Friday Funny...

During one of Jacob's baseball games our team had the bases loaded. (Jacob was on second base.) Out of the clear blue sky one of our players decided to steal second... with BASES LOADED and no chance to steal!

The boy started waving his arms and yelling at Jacob to run. "Run! Go! Go! Go!" But Jacob's motioning for him to get back on base and showing him the other runner stuck on third base.

The first baseman yells at the pitcher just as the pitcher was turning around to see who was yelling "Run!". The pitcher throws the ball to first to get our player out.

The player huffs to the dugout blaming Jacob for his out.

Duh!

I turn to my mom and say, "That kid's a few fries short of a hamburger!"
Brain problems! :)

Friday Funny

2006-06-09T10:28:00.000-04:00

Prison vs. Work (email)

Just in case you ever get these two environments mixed up, this should make
things a little bit more clear.....

IN PRISON..........you spend the majority of your time in an 10X10 cell.
AT WORK............you spend the majority of your time in an 8X8 cubicle.

IN PRISON.........you get three meals a day.
AT WORK...........you get a break for one meal and you have to pay for it.

IN PRISON..........you get time off for good behavior.
AT WORK............you get more work for good behavior.

IN PRISON..........the guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you.
AT WORK............you must often carry a security card and open all the doors for yourself.

IN PRISON..........you can watch TV and play games.
AT WORK...........you could get fired for watching TV and playing games.

IN PR ISON........you get your own toilet.
AT WORK..........you have to share the toilet with some people who pee on the seat.

IN PRISON..........they allow your family and friends to visit.
AT WORK............you aren't even supposed to speak to your family.

IN PRISON.........all expenses are paid by the taxpayers with no work required.
AT WORK............you get to pay all your expenses to go to work, and they deduct taxes
from your salary to pay for prisoners.

IN PRISON..........you spend most of your life inside bars wanting to get out.
AT WORK ...........you spend most of your time wanting to get out and go inside bars.

IN PRISON .........you must deal with sadistic wardens.
AT WORK...........they are called managers

Yeah. I do love not working! ;) And I do enjoy these yummy prisoners. Well. Minus the two scary guys in the back!

Tragic Mix Up

2006-06-01T10:58:00.000-04:00

Whitney Cerak

Laura VanRyn

By now I'm sure you've heard of the tragic mix-up of two Taylor University students Whitney Cerak (18) and Laura VanRyn (22). On April 26th a van carrying Taylor University students was hit by a semi. Four Taylor University students and one employee were pronounced dead at the scene. Whitney Cerak was pronounced dead and the family buried her in their home town. Laura VanRyn was taken to the hospital in critical condition for weeks. Her family has been by her bedside for five weeks. As "Laura" began to speak a little and become a little more coherent the family noticed some things that didn't make sense. They alerted the medical staff where they compared dental records. To everyone's amazement Laura was not Laura, but Whitney.

For five weeks Laura's family has faithfully remained by what they thought was their daughter's bedside. Comforting her, praying for her and loving her like any family would. For five weeks Whitney's family has mourned their daughter's death... enduring memorial services and burial of what they thought was their daughter. For five weeks both families have endured so much pain. Both have felt fear, shock, denial, pain... but neither family lost their hope or faith.

Many criticize the coroner and medical staff for this terrible mistake. People say the coroner should have done more to identify the girls body. I do agree more should have been done to save both families from such horrible, unimaginable pain. But a part of me also believes the coroner was trying to shield the family from the pain of identifying the body. Those students were involved in a terrible crash with a semi. Bones were broken and shattered. Bodies were mangled and covered in blood. I'm sure the coroner was trying to save the family great pain and the terrible, unspeakable memory of the last image of "their" daughter.

The two girls were both blonde. The same height. Similar facial features. One was pronounced dead at the scene. One was rushed to the hospital where the family sat for five weeks believing that was their daughter. If Mom and Dad couldn't tell five weeks later that the girl lying in that hospital bed was not their daughter... who could? (And by no means do I question or belittle the VanRyn's. I can't even begin to imagine what they've endured!)

Dental records... a "simple" test. Hopefully a lesson learned. Dental records and DNA testing... Do you have a way for your family to identify you?

Whitney and Laura

Superimposed image of the two girls.
Their similarities are uncanny!

Laura's older sister, Lisa, started a blog about Laura's recuperation. It is so hard to read her words of Laura's recuperation and achievements now knowing the truth. But it is so powerful to hear her share their story. Their testimony is inspiring!

"The Cerak family came down from Gaylord and we had the privelege of meeting with them this morning. While we discussed some of the action steps that will need to take place over the next couple of days, we were also able to share with them some of the great things we have seen Whitney accomplish over the past month. It is a sorrow and a joy for us to learn of this turn of events. For us, we will mourn Laura's going home and will greatly miss her compassionate heart and sweetness while knowing that she is safe and with her King forever. We rejoice with the Ceraks, that they will have more time on this earth with their daughter, sister, and loved one."

My thoughts and prayers go out to both families. May they both be comforted by each other and the love and relationship they have in Jesus Christ.

***update***
Read Whitney Cerak's blog

A Day of Remembrance

2006-05-29T01:10:00.000-04:00

Most of you have noticed my absence, and I thank you for the well wishes and emails. Y'all know it's bad if I don't post a Friday Funny ;) But there is something greater than my pain, and I can surely sacrifice a few moments on the computer...

As the daughter of a recently retired war vet (who lost four brave men in his platoon while deployed in Afghanistan one year ago) and granddaughter and niece and cousin and sister-in-law and friend of every branch of service in the U.S, it behooves me to memorialize the fallen this Memorial Day. No matter your opinion of the war or your political stance... millions of young (and old) brave men and women volunteered for a job I could never do. Millions volunteered to fight for MY freedoms. Millions said good-bye to their family and friends never to return home again. Millions will forever be remembered on this day and always for their courage and strength and honor and beliefs in freedom for one and all.

I have been blessed to have every soldier in my life return home. Though their bodies have returned, a part of them is gone forever. The memories... the images... the lives taken... those painful memories cannot be taken away or comforted. The memories of war will haunt them forever. The memories of saluting a fallen soldier's boots, rifle and helmet will never leave their thoughts. The feelings of guilt when they hug their loved ones knowing some families will never have that chance again. May they forever know our gratitude and feel pride and honor for all they have endured.

They shall grow not old
As we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them . .
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun,
And in the morning,
We will remember them!
-- Lawrence Binyon

I pray that our Heavenly Father
may assuage the anguish of your bereavement,
and leave you only the cherished memory of the
loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours,
to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom.
-- Abraham Lincoln, November 1864

War drew us from our homeland
In the sunlit springtime of our youth.
Those who did not come back alive remain
in perpetual springtime -- forever young --
And a part of them is with us always.
-- Author Unknown

Do not stand by my grave and weep ... I am not there;
I do not sleep.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds
circling in flight.
Do not stand by my grave and cry ...
I am not there. I did not die.
-- Royster

Faces of the Fallen

Friday Funny!

2006-05-19T04:05:00.000-04:00

(Two emails that crack me up!)

Never question a drunk...

A woman was shopping at her local supermarket where she selected:

a half-gallon of 2% milk,
a carton of eggs,
a quart of orange juice,
a head of romaine lettuce,
a 2 lb. can of coffee and
a 1 lb. package of bacon.

As she was unloading her items on the conveyor belt to
check out, a drunk standing behind her watched as she
placed the items in front of the cashier. While the
cashier was ringing up her purchases, the drunk calmly
stated, "You must be single."

The woman was a bit startled by this proclamation, but
she was intrigued by the derelict's intuition, since
she was indeed single. She looked at her six items on
the belt and saw nothing particularly unusual about
her selections that could have tipped off the drunk to
her marital status.

Curiosity getting the better of her, she said "Well,
you know what, you're absolutely correct. But how on
earth did you know that?"

The drunk replied, " 'Cause you're ugly."

******

Gotta love drunk people...

A man, and his wife are awakened at 3 o'clock in the morning by a
loudpounding on the door. The man gets up and goes to the door where a
drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push.

"Not a chance," says the husband, "it is 3 o'clock in the morning!" He

slams the door and returns to bed.

"Who was that?" asked his wife.

"Just some drunk guy asking for a push," he answers.

"Did you help him?" she asks.

"No, I did not! It's 3 o'clock in the morning and it is pouring out there!"

"Well, you have a short memory," says his wife. "Can't you remember about three months ago when we broke down and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him, and you should be ashamed of yourself!"

The man does as he is told, gets dressed, and goes out into the pounding rain. He calls out into the dark, "Hello, are you still there?"

"Yes," comes back the answer.

"Do you still need a push?" calls out the husband.

"Yes, Please!" comes the reply from the dark.

"Where are you?" asks the husband.

"Over here on the swing!" replies the drunk.

HA!

2006-05-18T00:42:00.000-04:00

Thirteen things that made me cry this week (in no particular order)...

1. Opening my Mother's Day gifts from my Jacob. All handmade and from the heart... and totally precious!

2. Listening to Taylor Hicks sing, "You Are So Beautiful". And Katharine McPhee sing, "Over The Rainbow". Okay. So it was an emotional evening.

3. Watching "Doc" being put to sleep on Dr. McDreamy and Crew.

4. Telling Daddy about a no kill shelter in New York. When a dog has to be put to sleep for medical reasons a lady takes the dog for a car ride to McDonalds for a chicken nuggets kids meal. Bluh. I'm bawling now!

5. Snickers' sad/sick eyes. I'm so afraid she's going to leave us. My heart can't take it. (Our dog)

6. Anon's comment on Vi's gossip site... but the comment wasn't about gossip. It was personal. Very hateful and hurtful. I can't stand people with self-esteem problems. Take that and put it in your low self-esteem pipe and smoke it!

7. An email power-point presentation about babies leaving heaven to live on earth and their angel will be called "Mommy".

8. Watching my baby grow up right in front of my eyes. He's less than a week away from being a 5th grader!

9. My insured package and the post office drama. It's been a month already. Yeah. I'm so close to going postal!

10. My baby brother calling me from work for Mother's Day! (He's single and the baby of the family... what's that tell ya?)

11. The $825 anesthesia bill I received on Saturday after insurance paid... adjusted to $36.70.

12. The $7,314.68 hospital bill I received on Tuesday after insurance paid... adjusted to $318.37.

13. The $2,618.29 neurosurgery bill I received on Wednesday afer insurance paid... adjusted to $686.48.
Total surgery cost (so far): $10, 757.97 Total due (so far): $1,041.55 I'll take it!

Mother's Day Cards

2006-05-15T00:59:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day was wonderful. Not because I felt well, but because I spent it with my family. My baby sister surprised me and came down for a few hours. (She's the sister that stayed with me after my surgery.) We chatted back and forth a little, but mainly just sat beside each other. Isn't that great? When it doesn't matter what you do or even say that makes a visit so wonderful? I love that. Don't get me wrong... I'd rather be talking. Anyone who knows me knows that. And I think you all know that by now ;)

My parents came over for dinner. They brought the food and everything. Again... isn't that the best! ;) My mom is looking so much better. She still wears out easily and can only eat small amounts, but she is looking so much better. Her hair is starting to fill out (where she lost a lot from malnutrition) as is her face. Her color is back to normal. Can't say she's gaining weight, but at least she's not losing it! She's looking great (have I mentioned that?). She is as beautiful as ever. Like I've always said... I can't wait to look like my mom!

Jacob was anxious to give me his Mother's Day gifts. They were awesome! I have to take pictures of them to share with you. All gifts were handmade. I'll share the rest of the story when I share the pictures. I'll say this now and repeat it later... Jacob is THE BEST son in the world! He has the biggest, most caring heart. It's so large his chest cannot contain it! And I am so blessed to have him in my life!!!!!!

The first card is obviously from Jacob. You should know he gets his art skills from me ;) Add the fact that he's a male and a lefty. The odds are stacked against him!

The drawing cracks me up!
I seriously thought it was a picture of me and the hairs on my chinny chin chin ;)

This card played, "What A Wonderful World," by Louis Armstrong.
He knows how much I love my Louis!
And let me just tell you... the boy picks out his own cards.
It's his thing. He's done it forever.
Before he could read he'd choose a card for the pictures and how they related to the person.
No joke. The boy's awesome!
I'm training him to become a wonderful, thoughtful husband. (You're welcome Chana!)

Obviously from my parents.
The inside is beautiful, but I wanted to share the outside.
I am so throwing that in my mom's face when she gives me that look of disappointment ;)

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. What would we be if it weren't for our kids? I won't allow myself the thought.

Happy Mother's Day

2006-05-13T00:19:00.000-04:00

Before I was a Mom
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Spit on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

********

BlogMad is celebrating Mother's Day by giving away credits to mom's who post their picture with their children. So here we are (the only two photos I have on the computer. and I'm way too lazy to upload more :p)... I'm a BlogMadMom

Kimmy and Jacob
Mother and Son
Mommy/Mom/Mama and Jacob Wacob
My baby and me...

********

To all my mom friends... this is for you. I wish you a Happy Mother's Day!

Friday Funny... Mother's Day Style!

2006-05-12T14:13:00.000-04:00

Things I Learned From My Mother:

1. My mother taught me to APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me about RELIGION.

"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me about LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me about FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

6. My mother taught me about IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

7. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

8. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks like a tornado went through it."

9. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

10. My mother taught me about the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

11. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"

12. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

13. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."

14. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

15. My mother taught me about MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."

16. My mother taught me about ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you'll be cold?"

17. My mother taught me about HUMOR.
"When that lawnmower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

18. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

19. My mother taught me about GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

20. My mother taught me about WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand.

21. My mother taught me about SHARING.
" I’m going to give you a piece of my mind!"

22. My mother taught me about FEAR.
"One day you'll have a child who'll do the same things to you."

(updated: from an email)

Happy Mother's Day, friends!

2006-05-10T00:19:00.000-04:00

I've been absent for so long I don't know where to begin. I guess I'll start with ME... my favorite subject ;)

As you know the surgery has yet to be successful. (I'm still hopeful!) My head continues to feel like boiling water. The burning and sharp pain comes and goes in my left ear. I have shooting pains throughout my head several times a day.

The doctor put me on Lyrica last Friday. Finally! 25 days after surgery (at the time) and calls to the doctor reporting increasing symptoms. Ugh! I hate arrogant neurosurgeons!!!!

So I've been taking Lyrica three times a day now for five days. A few days ago I noticed a slight difference, but the past few days it's been rainy. Rain (or just the "threat" of rain) causes so much pain that I haven't been able to notice any change with the other symptoms. I'm still hopeful this medicine will take care of the pain. Let us pray.

I leave you with
this! :)

Friday Funny... Nurse Appreciation Style!

2006-05-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

(I haven't been feeling well. The pain's still pretty intense with no signs of relief. I'll try to post and visit you later. To my fellow nurses... Happy (early) Nurses Day!)

Three old ornery grandmas were sitting on a bench outside a nursing home.

An old grandpa walked by, and one of the old grandmas yelled out saying, "We bet we can tell how old you are."

The old man said, "There ain't no way you can guess it."

One of the ornery grandmas said, "Sure we can! Just drop your under shorts and we can tell your exact age."

So embarrassed just a little, he dropped his drawers. The grandmas stared at him for a while, asked him to turn around a couple of times, asked him to jump up and down for a little while and then they all piped up and said, "You're 84 years old!"

The old man was stunned. "Amazing! How in the world did you guess that?"

The ornery old grandmas, laughed. Slapping their knees and grinning from ear to ear, all three happily yelled in unison,

"Because you told us yesterday"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A male patient is lying in bed in hospital, wearing an oxygen mask over his mouth and nose, still heavily sedated from a difficult, four hour, surgical procedure.

A young student nurse arrives, to give him a partial sponge bath.

"Nurse", he mumbles, from behind the mask. "Are my testicles black?"

Embarrassed, the young nurse replies, "I don't know sir, I'm only here to wash your upper body and feet."

He struggles to ask again, "Nurse, are my testicles black?"

Concerned that he may elevate his vitals from worry about his testicles, she overcomes her embarrassment and sheepishly pulls back the covers.
She raises his gown, holds his penis in one hand and his testicles in the other, lifting and moving them around.
Then, she takes a close look and says,"There's nothing wrong with them sir."

The man pulls off his oxygen mask, smiles at her and says very slowly, "Thank you very much. That was wonderful, but listen very, very closely...
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
A r e - m y - t e s t - r e s u l t s - b a c k?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A big shot attorney had to spend a couple of days in the hospital. He was a royal pain to the nurses because he bossed them around just like he did his staff. None of the hospital staff wanted to have anything to do with him. The head nurse was the only one who could stand up to him.

She came into his room and announced, "I have to take your temperature."

After complaining for several minutes, he finally settled down, crossed his arms and opened his mouth. "No, I'm sorry," the nurse stated, "but for this reading, I can't use
an oral thermometer."

This started another round of complaining, but eventually he rolled over and bared his behind.

After feeling the nurse insert the thermometer, he heard her announce, "I have to get something. Now you stay JUST LIKE THAT until I get back!"

She leaves the door to his room open on her way out! He curses under his breath as he hears people walking past his door laughing.

After a half hour, the man's doctor comes into the room. "What's going on here?" asked the doctor.

Angrily, the man answers, "What's the matter, Doc? Haven't you ever seen someone having
their temperature taken?"

After a pause, the doctor confesses, "Not with a carnation".

(Note: Never Tick Off a Nurse!)

Friday Funny

2006-04-28T13:13:00.000-04:00

2006-04-27T00:24:00.000-04:00

No T13 again today. I am slowly trying to get back to blogging. I've been giving myself a few hours to read/comment/post. And I am enjoying it. But I need more time to just take it easy. Tonight I over did it and took advantage of the weather. I went for a walk that was a little too long. I visited with my parents for a little too long. I washed dishes (they always last WAY TOO LONG).
My head still hurts. The nerves are really fighting back. I have my usual "8" headache. On top of that my head continues to feel raw like someone has poured boiling water on it. The left side of my head stings constantly and feels a little worse than the right side. The top, sides and crown of my head pulls and stings everytime I open or close my eyes more than a simple blink. The sides and back of my head pulls and stings when I open my mouth. And it's all over if I bend or turn my head. I still can't put pressure on my head at all... EXCEPT for the small spot that's NUMB around my right incision. It's looking like that's the only spot that's obeying and surrendering to the cut nerve. But at least it's something.
My incisions are healing. The glue is starting to fall off. Last night I was pulling a piece out that was stuck to my hair. Then I felt the trickle down my neck. Yeah. I pulled the glue off part of the incision that wasn't healed and opened it. I had to call my daddy to come over because I couldn't see the incision. And it was obvious I couldn't feel anything there. Yeah. I'm a good nurse :)

My friend Mia's brother has designed a new card game called Parlay. It is receiving great reviews. It's either Hasbro or Mattel that's looking to sign the game. Which I think's pretty cool no matter which one it is. So go check it out. Oh. And there's a little "Buy Parlay" button at the bottom ;)
(Hi Mia! Love ya!)

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2006-04-26T11:43:00.000-04:00

Snickers had surgery Monday. We were finally able to pick her up last night. Jacob and I missed her so much. (I missed her just a tad more. Well, just because she's with me 24/7.) I was so sad for her being locked up in a cage all night not knowing what's going on... Not knowing why she's by herself, why she's got a lampshade around her neck, why her butt hurts, why she can't keep her eyes open, why that Rotweiler's wearin' a tutu. You know. Things like that made me sad for her.

The surgery... she had to have her anal glands removed. Yeah. Apparently they can live without 'em. (That's a question I have when I get to heaven... if we can live without an organ why do we have them? Like men and their brains or in other cases their heart. AND... why can't I just have something wrong with an organ THAT CAN BE REMOVED? I think God will see the humor. Don't you? :p)

So her anal glands weren't emptying like they were supposed to. Instead they kept filling up to the point she couldn't poo for weeks at a time. And the pain was so bad she had to scoot around on her butt. It was awful! She'd scoot and cry and move her head from side to side biting the air. Awful! But mildly entertaining for a girl who never leaves her house ;) She had to have the anal sacks expressed every few weeks. Yeah. She USED to LOVE the vet. Now she just likes to poop in the front yard. Take that lubed glove man!

My daddy drove us over to the vet's office to pick her up. All three of us were on the edge of our seats waiting to see Snick. Amazing how one little animal can touch a heart and change a life! The vet called us back and explained everything (even the $222 shoulder x-rays they had to do because she's walking funny on her front right leg). He told us what a wonderful dog we have and how they all enjoyed having her (Yeah I know. Give 'er back! And can you knock a few $500 off the bill?). Then he hollers for the girl to "Bring me the anal glands we saved for Snickers' mom!" Yeah. He saved them. And showed them to me like I was interested. Turns out...I was.

We looked at the glands for more time than I care to mention. Those suckers were huge! Grossly huge. Then we walked out to pay. The bill was grossly huge as well. $909.64!!!!!! Yeah. I would get the dog with poop problems (Crohns and IBS run in the family) and brain problems (we believe her right leg is nerve related. Could be related to her seizure disorder.) This dog fits right in. I wonder if I could get her covered under my Medicare disability insurance plan. Hmm..

Anyway... She's fine. She's wearing the Elizabethan collar. And crashing into everything because she's not smart enough to remember she has a lampshade on her head. I'm so glad she's home ;)

(Yeah. I hate my kitchen wallpaper.)

(Her food gets pushed back behind the lampshade, and she can't get it. Yeah.
We've had a lot of laughs over this. Poor doggie!)

(I think she's telling me off!)

I don't know why I feel the need to show you after surgery pictures. But here's her naked monkey butt. ON.MY.NEW.COUCH!

2006-04-24T18:35:00.000-04:00

Draw a house and discover what your drawing says about you. Add your house to my street...there's plenty of room. Come back and visit the houses on Laugh Loud Street.

Here's what my house says about me...

Your house tells the world that you ought to be a leader.
You are a freedom lover and a strong person. You are shy and reserved. (huh?)

If you've drawn a cross on each of windows (and I did), you always want to live alone (so true! want a husband, but he'll have to live in his own home. I am sole owner of the remote and will not let go of that control!) .
You are very tidy person. There's nothing wrong with that because you're pretty popular among friends.
Your life is always full of changes.
Once you have a problem, you need a friend with you. Your life is always full of changes.
You will avoid being alone and seek the company of others whenever possible.
You love excitement and create it wherever you go.
You see the world as it is, not as you believe it should be.

You added a flower into your drawing. The flower signifies that you long for love.
It also safe to say that others don't see you as a flirt.
You are self-confident and happy with your life. :D

**Thought I'd give you something to do while I sit back and watch. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers and words of encouragement. The pain is still intense. This weekend wasn't fun. The nerve and its branches are still fighting back. Constant pain/burning/stinging in my head. Still can't touch my hair or put any pressure on the back of my head/neck. I CAN feel some numbness around the top part of my right incision. So... I'm leaving you with that bit of good news. Enjoy ;)

2006-04-20T00:57:00.000-04:00

I really wanted to do Thursday 13 this week. I had one all ready. But I am really hurting. The pain is getting worse and spreading down my neck. I trust that it will get better. And I have to take care of myself. As much as I want to get back in the blogosphere (I do. I really miss you guys!) I need to rest and not bring on any more pain. I'm at my limit.
Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. And thank you for your concern for Jacob! I am so blessed to have him!!!!! Remind me of that when the time arises ;)

(Visit T13 participants and Thursday Thirteen.com)

From Me!

2006-04-18T13:56:00.000-04:00

I'm still waiting for the nurse to call me back. I called yesterday morning to tell the doctor about my new symptoms. He was in surgery all day. The nurse said she'd get back with me today. Still nothing. She did leave me with, "Boiling water. That can't be a good feeling. Didn't he prescribe pain pills?" Uh, yeah. A fourth of what I normally take on a daily basis. And yesterday I took way more than usual... nothing. How can pain pills put out boiling water? And you're right. It's not a good feeling. Duh!

One blessing. God has always put me to sleep. Not for good. But when the pain is so intolerable he's always allowed me to sleep. Even for short periods of time. I can feel the pain in my sleep even before I open my eyes, but I'm always thankful for those few minutes of sleep. I know some of you might think it's the drugs. But no. Way before the pain pills. He's always put me to sleep.

Yesterday was my first day on the computer. Well, Friday I made a post, but it was mostly all ready to publish. I just added a few sentences. Last night I finally emailed my family/friends for the first time since surgery. I felt bad about the week they spent without a word. But. I was too busy thinking about myself. And I don't allow that to happen often. I get too emotional.

So... I spent some time visiting you all. You didn't see me. I was lurking about.
I realized just how long 7+ days can be. Whew. Many of you have been playing tag. I love reading those. A few bloggers have called it quits. That makes me sad. But I was glad to catch up on most of you.

I was able to catch up on all the celebs over at Vi's. I believe Katie Holmes is WAY worse off than I! I need to slip that girl some of my pills. ;)

I love the new design Kelly made for FrogLegs. It reminds me of mine... and I just love it! ;)

Emily the peanut made me smile so big last night. You have to read this! Really! :p

I'd love to give a big shout out to all of you for your wonderful comments and many well wishes. You don't know how much your kindness means to me. Honestly! I can't thank you enough! I love that several of you went to Brandi's blog begging for updates. You're just precious!

Thank you Brandi for posting updates for me. I know you had a lot on your plate after being sick and missing work and the nasty tornadoes. Thank you for your help... and I'm so glad you're okay!

Oh! I sent Brandi and email last night thanking her for the kind words she said about me in her last update. I told her she forgot "beautiful and loud". She said, "Well, i was going to put on there since we are sisters, I can say these nice things, but decided to leave that off....HA!" Ha! If you only knew how true that was!

Here's a picture of my head/neck. There are two incisions. The one in the middle is a scar from my Chiari Decompression. The two incisions are 3.5-4+" long vertically. They are an inch thick. They look yucky because the wounds are glued shut. And with the glue lies dried blood and betadine so don't be freaked out by the looks of it. There are no signs of infection. Thank God! I'm going to try to get a better picture. Really so I can see what it looks like. The one on the right goes up more into my hairline, but I couldn't raise my arms any higher to hold back my hair. The good thing is that my hair does come down and cover the incisions. So that's good. Jacob doesn't have to look them. (And he is doing well. He is such a wonderful boy! He's absolutely amazing!) So here it is.

I've got to stop. I've been on here way too long and my body's not happy. I just have so much I want to share. I'll have to do it another time. Thanks for everything!

**update**
The nurse just called back. The surgeon said this is exactly what I should expect. (Of course, he told my sister that the first few days would be rough, but by the end of the week we'd be out shopping. HA!) So, I guess I was right. (Why does that surprise me :p) The nerve (and the branches) are dying off. They must not be happy. I can't touch my head. My hair hurts. Just walking hurts. I have to talk myself into scratching my head it hurts so bad. And that's no fun with two healing wounds. Blech! Hopefully I'll have better news soon. At least what I'm experiencing is "a good thing". (Bet he wouldn't be saying that if it was his head!)

UPDATE!

2006-04-17T17:45:00.000-04:00

So I talked to Kimmy today...I don't live in the same state as her so I have to get information through the grapevine but today's news comes straight from the source.

She's not doing so great. She says her scalp & hair feels like someone is pouring boiling hot water on it. I'm hoping this is a sign that the nerves are dying and that this will be her last pain in this area but for now, it's not good. She is having trouble sleeping as usual also but is in good spirits regardless! She's amazingly in good spirits.

I must tell you that Kimmy is one of the strongest, most thoughtful, dependable, optimistic, honest, funny and just plain wonderful people I know. She's a survivor and I have full faith that she will endure & recover with grace.

So thanks as always for your prayers & thoughts...I know it means a lot to have so much support from people she doesn't even "know"!
Keep them coming and pray for God's healing very soon!

Brandi

Friday Funny... Recuperating Style

2006-04-14T06:02:00.000-04:00

(I had this ready before surgery. Still not feeling well, but wanted to say thanks to all of you!!!!! You guys are awesome! Brandi... a great big hug and thanks! Hope I'm back to blogging soon... but until then Brandi will (hopefully) keep you updated.)

This is for all my blogging buddies!

Update time...

2006-04-13T16:03:00.000-04:00

My small update for now is that Bryant (Kimmy's wonderful Daddy) reported that Kimmy told him she was feeling better today than yesterday and was laughing about Snickers when he picked up Jacob for school this morning.

Thankfully, Kimmy's sister Krissy is staying with her this week to help out and she's been getting Kimmy to go outside some to be in this beautiful weather we've been having if she's up to it.

Hopefully Kimmy will be back soon to update you herself! Jacob & the rest of her family are doing well also!

Keep those prayers coming!
Thanks!

Brandi

More Kimmy Updates!

2006-04-12T16:45:00.000-04:00

This just in:
Bev (Kim's momma) said Kimmy slept 4 hours straight last night which is a record!!!! She feels better today than yesterday but is still hurting.

Thanks for your prayers & well-wishes!

Brandi

Kimmy Update Wednesday

2006-04-12T13:06:00.000-04:00

Hello friends of Snickerdoodles! I wanted to update something on here for the MANY people concerned with Kimmy's status after surgery on Monday. I don't have much information yet today, but do know that the surgery went well and Kimmy was able to come home Monday night. I know she had a rough night Monday and that's all I've heard. Sorry, not much.

I will post a real update:) as soon as I get the information!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support! Keep sending your well wishes!

Brandi

2006-04-10T06:15:00.000-04:00

The past few Monday Memories have been leading up to this. I've talked about numerous operations I've had due to my diseases/illnesses and my symptoms.

Today I am having Bilateral Greater Occipital Neurectomy. Basically the surgeon is going to cut both sides of the nerve that runs from the spinal column to the brain in hopes of relieving some of the pain I endure on a daily basis. There is a 70% chance this operation will work, but if it is not successful I can then have stimulators put on the nerve. (The reason I didn't opt for the stimulators first is because it requires additional operations to change the batteries. And. I'm so over having surgery. after. surgery.)

I ask for your prayers. That this operation will help me, and my quality of life will improve. I just want to play pitch and catch with Jacob. Or toss around a football in the backyard. I want to spend all day playing with him. Whatever he wants. Even if it's just a simple game of Rummy. I want to go to his baseball games and not hurt for days afterward. I want to live. Without pain.

Pray for my family and my Jacob. Pray for the surgeon and the nurses. Pray that the anesthesiologist is able to mix the right medications so I don't get sick. And don't forget to thank God for His goodness and mercy.

A friend is going to update you on my condition. She's been sick... but hopefully she will be feeling better and can keep you informed. And I'm hoping I'll be feeling well enough to do so on my own! Until then...

God's Wonderful Grace

Just as sure as the stars in Heaven
Shine forth in the darkness of night,
We can rely on the love of God
To carry us through our plight.

Just as sure as the sun each morning
Gives of its light through the day
We can know that we have God's presence
No matter what comes our way.

We may not have all the answers
To the many trials we face,
But on one thing we can always rely-
We are kept by God's wonderful grace.

Olive B. Elvin

Friday Funny

2006-04-07T02:19:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged much this week. Because of that I wanted to blog a true Friday Funny ;)

The other day out of the blue Jacob asked me a very serious question.

"Mom, when guys fight is it called a 'dog fight'?"

Ha! A very serious question indeed ;)

Last night I was sitting on Jacob's bed talking to him before he went to sleep. I told him he did a great job cleaning out his bookcase getting rid of his "little kid books" to make room for more grown up books. (Note... I have a large Rubbermaid container full of books I used to read to him or he used to read to me. I am keeping them. Yeah. I'm a packrat! But they're memories!)

I look around his room and noticed a pair of glasses in front of his tv. "Jacob, are those your old glasses?"

"Yeah. I put them on and they made me dizzy."

"Why don't you throw them away?"

"I'm gonna save them for my kids (He gets it honest!) so I can save some money."

I busted out laughing. "So I can save some money. Jacob, that's hilarious!"

"You never thought of that?"

Ha! I love that kid!

2006-04-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Thirteen pictures I received in an email.
Yeah. Taking it easy this time around.
Enjoy a read free T13 ;)

Two extra. Because they are egg-straordinary ;)

Not feeling well... will try to get around to read yours later.

Matching T13 banner courtesy Nello Design!

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2006-04-05T12:48:00.000-04:00

The Indie Virus is a social experiment Personified started. To bring attention to lesser known blogs (blogs not in Technorati's top 100).

To infect others with The Indie Virus read the rules.

Simply choose the blog(s) you wish to infect. Link them to "The Indie Virus". Like this: when writing the HTML code type the blogs URL you are infecting then >The Indie Virus<.

It's that simple. So start infecting blogs with The Indie Virus and let's see how far the infection can spread.

Today I am infecting Brandi with The Indie Virus!