Sick and tired

O.K., I've been in this house (with the exception of going to the doctor) since Saturday.  I had what started out as a cold and has ended up being a sinus infection which includes the loss of my voice.  (Some might think that's a good thing.)  I'm definitely sick of this "sick" thing.  No patience for it!

I read in the paper today about the two people who robbed the ATM in Urbana.  Dumb thing to do!  They will eventually get caught and have to pay for that.  Too many people know who they are for them to be able to go anywhere and be anyone but who they are.  Eventually, they will screw up and do something equally unintelligent and be caught.

I'm glad to see the sun finally show it's face to us and the temps to come up but I'm not out to enjoy it so I'm leaving the shutters closed.  No since torturing myself over that one!  I'm used to having my Granddaughter here with me too and that is postponed due to my sickness.  Time to get back on track!  At least I can type this without my eyes watering so much that I can't see what I'm reading or typing!  (Got to look for the positive!)

I really have an appreciation for people who are chronically ill and have to put up with being ill all the time.  My sympathies to all of you!  You must be much stronger than I am!  May God bless you!

Not all thoughts I write are the best, but are at least truthful.  Time for another nap and dreams of "normal" health!

More Life

Life continues to be busy.  The days and weeks fly by.  It is like a whirlwind right now.  With working full time, watching Rory and trying to do things at home, it's so busy!  We are totally enjoying her!  She keeps us hopping though since she is 17 months old.

I just had my 55th birthday and it seems I remember getting on here and writing when I turned 50.  Yikes!  As I just said, time flies.  If only we all could figure out how to get the work day to seem like it was that quick!  Am I wishing my life away?  It might seem that way but I think we all just want more free time to pursue things we like to do.  Or, do things we think we SHOULD do.

I don't have the answers to those problems.  I guess that is simply life and sometimes you feel like a hamster on a wheel that isn't ever gonna get off.  But... at least the wheel is turning...

Ice Bucket

So...the ice bucket challenge for ALS has arrived and gone viral.  I participated in this today.  I explained on my video that I knew that the different research organizations were now sharing important research information, which in turn may help each other in the search for cures.  My Mother had Parkinson's Disease. Two of my brothers have diabetes and one has Parkinson's Disease.  So, this stuff hits home for me. 

I will be walking in the Dayton ALS Walk on September 14th on the team called "Brook's Bunch".  Brook was our neighbor who died from ALS.  He was the 2nd friend we have lost to that awful disease.  All the research seems to be paying off, as they are getting closer to cures for these diseases.  I pray it is soon! 

Anyway, if you have never considered donating to a cause....please consider!

The Answer

I've been asked why I quit "writing".  I actually haven't intentionally set out to put a stop to writing here.  I've simply been to busy to do so.  The picture I'm posting explains a lot.  :)

This is my granddaughter.  She is now 15 months old.  Her parents are 2nd shifters and her Grandmother is a 1st shift person.  So...Grandma and Grandpa keep her in the evenings and put her to bed.  She stays up rather late because she is actually on her parent's schedule, understandably. 

I know that she will not be in this stage forever, so she has my total attention.  I love her dearly and don't want to see her watched by a babysitter that doesn't love her like I do. 

I admit, it can be a challenge to work a full day and entertain a toddler at night at this age but God gave each of us some kind of service to complete and perhaps this is mine.  Her Grandpa and I have lots of fun with her. 

More to come, as I figure out how to work it in! 

Justina / The Glenn Beck Program on the Blaze

There has been coverage about Justina Pelletier on the Glenn Beck program.  I totally agree with Glenn on this issue.  This girl is going to die if her parents aren't going to be allowed to take her to a different facility to be treated.  The state and the Boston's Children's hospital are basically holding her hostage and this girl is dying because of it!  I would be so irate if this were being done to me and my family. 

It is so frustrating to see all this happening in America!  We treat all the illegal aliens better than this family!  Don't get me wrong, I think other people should be able to come to this country but it needs to be a legal process. 

My prayers go up for this girl and her family that something transpires before it is too late!  For once, maybe Obama could do something good with his pen and his phone!  We'll watch and see if he does!

Retirement

Wow!  Where to start with that!  The hubby will be leaving his workplace after 33 years.  Yikes!  The changes that are coming to us!  To begin with, we haven't worked the same shift for YEARS!  That is all going to change in a day.  He will be working after that doing the kind of work he has always wanted to do. 

I know it doesn't seem real to him but he will soon feel that too!  We will have huge changes financially and the full impact of all that remains to be seen.  The decisions one has to make at this point are overwhelming.  Suddenly, you look back and say "How did I even get this old?"  LOL

So there's that and the fact that our youngest son will be getting married in May.  There is certainly a lot going on right now.  Now that I've said that I'm thinking "When has there NOT been a lot going on? "  Such is life.....

Is America Waking Up?

Is America "waking up"?  I really think so.  I for one, never had much interest in politics and was always thankful we could have representatives that could do that for us.  However, they haven't done such a good job have they?  A lot of us out here that have never been interested much before are really paying attention.  We are watching programs like Glen Beck on the Blaze Network.  I watch it because I don't feel like I'm being lied to there.  I'm sick of what I've seen happening in our country.  I must say that the Affordable Care Act is one big reason for people "waking up".  I work every day where I'm in contact with the public and I've yet to hear anyone who I've come in contact with tell me that this "Act" has been good for them.  That's just the truth.  The fact that I am now paying more attention tells me that many others are also.  (This is because I've always hated politics.)  I never even knew who Glenn Beck was until recently.  Now, I'm watching his show and others on the Blaze when I can. 

I realize that maybe no one even reads this stuff but that's not really the reason for my being here.  I'm here for me, as selfish as that may sound.  I'm not hurting anyone else by voicing my opinions here and I figure anyone who doesn't like it does not have to read it.  I'm fine with that. 

It's nice though, that I have the right to be here.  HHmmm.  Wonder how long that will remain true?

Things I'm Thinkin'

O.K., I've had this cold since New Years Eve when I started to get a little cough.  It proceeded to get worse.  I missed 2 days of work, which doesn't break my heart but wasn't in my plan by any means.  I went back to work Sat., which was only until noon, thank God.  I still don't feel well and it is Sunday.  My Christmas tree is still up because I have not felt up to taking it down.  I'm now considering leaving it up until next year.  Ha!  I miss seeing my Granddaughter because I don't want to expose her to this nasty crap. 

I've been watching the forecast, which never ends up being very correct for the area in which I live.  We were told we might get up to a foot of snow, which sent the town of Urbana to Walmart to get all kinds of necessities.  I stopped for a few things on my way home from work on Sat., as I often do and the place was lined up like Christmas at the registers.  With the way I was feeling, I considered just leavin' it all and walking out.  But, I stayed like a good little shopper.  Spent the time in line people watching and waving at people I knew on their way by me. 

So, are we going to get the snow or not?  Stay tuned.  I'll know for sure after we get it.

The Love of Grandma

I always knew my Grandma loved me.  She told me so every time I ever remember seeing her.  I didn't realize; however, how deeply she felt what she was saying.  I realize it now, since I have a Granddaughter.  It's hard to describe to someone what it feels like to have your heart bursting with love and joy because of a Grandchild.  I love her so much!  She can totally turn a bad day into a great day in an instant.  Such a gift from God!  Such a precious gift! 

During my contemplation of it all, I am thinking that it must be how God feels about his children. Why he could go to such lengths to save them.  It all fits.  What an amazing sacrifice he gave!  And..such a gift to us all!

Can you find blessings when you are sick?

The last couple of days I've been feeling miserable with a cold.  Here I am, this close to Thanksgiving and I still have loads to accomplish before then.  Of course, when you feel miserable, it's pretty easy to feel sorry for yourself because let's face it, feeling lousy isn't fun. 

While I've been sick though, I've been in contact with some other family members.  I'm finding that they are struggling as well with some health issues and it makes me feel ashamed that I could not see the blessing in the fact that I merely have a cold that is temporary.  I should feel blessed that it's just a cold!  Others have permanent conditions that are not going to improve with time.  Yes, my eyes are watering, I'm coughing and feeling tired.  (I don't seem to have any patience for it all.)  My prayer is that I can stop and think the next time and put it into perspective. 

It's so easy to think that we have it so bad isn't it?  Is that human nature?  Our sinful nature?  I think that my goal will be to do better!  Do better and pray for those who need it more than me! 

Anxiety Central

If you have ever had an anxiety attack, you will relate to some of this.  I think it is probably a little different for everyone.  For a few years now, I have experienced these attacks and can't seem to overcome them.  They have become an example in my life of "It is what it is".  These exist for me and I must deal with them. 

So, do you keep on trying to overcome the situations that give you anxiety or do you continue to get beaten down by them?  I guess the answer for that one can be different for everyone, depending on the circumstances.  Perhaps one would feel trapped with no alternative.  Is it an avenue to perseverance and the building of character?  I guess that would make them easier to tolerate, thinking that somehow they would benefit you down the road.

If you are like me and you deal with this, you get frustrated and angry at yourself that you can't seem to beat it.  Is that like trying to be something you are not?  How many people are suffering with this and are misunderstood by those around them because they can't relate?  I guess that comes back to the concept that we shouldn't judge others because we never know what they are going through on the inside. 

Food for thought....

The Little Princess

This is my little princess, my 1st grandchild.  She is adorable and so sweet and fun!  She fills the heart with so much love!  She is "Grandma's girl" and she knows it.  I knew I would love my grandchildren but this is awesome!  I play with her a lot and she giggles.  Just thought I would share her picture of her "fairy princess" costume.

So Much Going on!

I've never been a big follower of political topics...my bad.  But, I have to say that I, as well as many others are paying lots of attention now.

The health care debate that's going on is atrocious.  I find myself tuning in everyday to see what else has transpired.  I'm not the only one you know.  I think that they will find in the next election, there will be more people than EVER showing genuine interest.  In the past, we have trusted those inclined politically to handle these things for us and we are now finding out we cannot trust those in offices.
The American people are fed up!  Sick of it!  These people get paid BIG bucks to do their job and they are not doing it!  Is it any wonder that many are saying "fire them all!"? 

I've never been a Bill Clinton fan but totally agree with him when he stated that the President should honor his promise to the American people.  There is much unrest going on and if they don't pay attention to this, well I think we are all in trouble. 

I for one want to be able to make my own choices about health care. I don't want the government making them for me.  I'll say it again, I DON'T WANT THE GOVERNMENT MAKING MY HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR ME.

The health care website is a whole catastrophe all it's own.  Much has been said, discovered and debated about it.  What is the answer? 

Everyone deserves some health care.  The question is HOW are we as a country going to see that it happens without the government being in complete control?

A bad day..the gift that keeps on giving.

Today was a bad work day.  I usually figure that once I get home the day will improve.  WRONG!  I came home and decided to grab some lunch while watching television. 

A few days ago, I had noticed that a the pencil crock that I keep by my chair had a pen in it that leaked.  I took out what I thought was the offender and didn't see any mess to deal with so all was well.  As I was sitting there, I picked up a pen that was laying on the table and was just messing with it, rubbing it against my face while deep in thought.  I then decided I'd check out was happening in the world of Facebook.  I picked up my phone and caught a glimpse of my reflection in it.  Yikes!  I had black ink all over my face from that pen!  How fitting that the day would continue in "bad" mode! 
I cleaned myself up and decided to sit in my chair and stay out of trouble for the remainder of the afternoon. 

My granddaughter later came for me to babysit and my day improved instantly!  Blessed once again!  Now I will work on my sanity again.  (sigh)

Too Much!

I hate working on Saturdays.  Getting a partial day off two days a week plus Sunday doesn't seem like enough!  I get frustrated and upset about not getting things done at home because I'm too tired to do them!  The weeks all run together with such a schedule.  How do you say "something has to go" when you don't see what that could possibly be?  If you don't feel you have a choice?  There are some things in life that are worth far more to me than others and I refuse to let those things go by the wayside. 

I love spending time with my Granddaughter and refuse to give up any of that time.  What do you do when there is too much on your plate but can't see making a change?  One day at a time I guess.  Things are constantly changing, that's for sure.