I was pleasantly surprised I could find the 'new post' icon this morning and could actually begin to type this. But my mind is going a mile a minute and am not sure where to begin so this post may not make a lot of sense........ just random thoughts of what has been going on.
Made it to the podiatrist finally a couple weeks ago. I had correctly diagnosed myself. Plantar Fasciitis in both feet; 2 bone spurs in the left, and 1 bone spur in the right. No wonder it hurts to walk sometimes! He did x-rays and ultrasounds....... I had to laugh. The ultrasound consisted of putting the device in one area on the bottom of my feet so that he could show me what he was talking about. I can't believe what they charged for that. On both feet. Sigh. My insurance didn't pay.... I have a $5,000 deductible....... but they did make some adjustments, removing about $400 I think from the bill. Then I looked at the bottom line. Sigh. My cost is $336. Was it worth it? Debate-able. I have a definite diagnosis and know what is needed (need to wear shoes with arches and not go barefoot). Teach me to run on the treadmill barefoot! Still trying to figure out how to pay that plus a couple other medical bills that have trickled in. It's all good.
My current boss is having a meeting this morning and because another company is merging with ours, my former boss is here for the meeting because she works for the merging company! It was good to see her this morning and catch up a little bit. Can't wait to have some more time so I can brag about my grandchildren!
I started Weight Watchers about 3 weeks ago. As of this week I have lost 3.4 pounds. It doesn't seem like a lot in three weeks - and a lot of other people are losing a LOT more - like 5-10 pounds in a week's time - but I'm not discouraged. I'm about a hundred pounds less than they are - they will lose it faster than me. Slow and steady - and then it will stay off - right? I'm determined to stick it out this time and really like the fact they have a mobile app that I have downloaded and can keep track of my points that way. I know exactly where I'm at point-wise. I love it that fruits and vegetables are zero points (if you don't add anything to them). But my half of a breakfast sandwich from the meeting hit me for 9 points this morning! It was real sausage, not turkey sausage (a difference of 3-4 points!!) and on a bagel. Lunch will be interesting. REAL lasagna. But there will be salad with it and I will just have to bypass the dessert. Thus far I don't go over that often. And not by much.
I started reading a book last night - can't think exactly of the name of it now - but in the book he talks about a Python. Yeah, one of those big ugly snakes that eats people and animals.... It really gave me something to think about. A python will slowly squeeze the breath out of you - and when it is gone.... well, of course you are 'gone'. In the book, it shares that God put breath in man (Genesis) and a couple other places where wind or breath was involved (i.e. Holy Spirit).
A python is just like the devil. When we are aware of the attacks, we do our best to avoid them. But when the devil begins to encircle us (and I hear that it is usually before something big is going to happen)and we are 'attacked', it begins to squeeze the air out of us. As more things come against us, the tighter the grip becomes and the more our breath is taken from us. It could be tragedy, or illness, or financial issues, or loss of friendships - anything could open the door and allow the python to slither in. Eventually it causes you to withdraw, to back away from other people, to feel cut off from the world, alone.
As I read just a couple chapters of this book last night I was made aware of what has happened the last five years in my own life. It described me quite well. A pastor friend began to criticize me about how I prayed, how I looked, etc. The door opened, cause the wound was fresh. Then my closest friend and I had a falling out over what it really was about I'm not sure. But her sharp tongue ripped my heart out. And the squeeze tightened until I could hardly breathe. I met with our current pastor and wanted to get more involved, but left feeling rejected because I didn't want to teach what he wanted (I felt God had given me what He wanted; the pastor disagreed). I left not knowing what I was to do. I felt the tightening more of the python and there wasn't much life left in me. From being in church and involved in a lot of areas to going to church on Sunday morning was a big change for me. But that has been my life the last couple of years. Disappointment, hurt, pain squeezed all the tighter.
I realized as I read this book - mind you, only the first couple chapters - I saw myself. And I don't like it. I am NOT rejected by God. I AM loved. I asked God to breathe a fresh new breath into me, to open my eyes to see the enemy for what he is - a dream stealer, a breath taker. And God answered me. I don't know what I am to do, I don't know where I am to go. First of all, I want to finish reading this book! I feel encouraged, refreshed, and ready to face what the enemy has tried to take away from me. Ready to regain my joy in living.
I discussed this with my hubby last night and shared my thoughts. He is in semi-agreement, I think.... he just doesn't know what I'll decide I need to do. And neither do I. My first step? Get back involved again. The winter months are difficult because of us speaking elsewhere most Sundays (3 Sundays in March I'm speaking somewhere!!). One thing for sure, I want to breathe deep again.
What about you? The enemy been pulling you down? Has the python been tightening his grip on you and squeezing the breath out of you? Declare WHO you belong to and tell that python to find another victim - that you are NOT going to be squeezed any longer! Ask God to fill you once again with His breath of life, and He will, giving you all that you need.
Blessings!
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Good Grief! This is crazy!
I have spent quite a bit of time this morning trying to figure out what in the world did google do with my blog. Well, I found my blog, but I just couldn't figure out how to get to it to create a new day note. I tried - and started a new blog - which I have no idea where it went to.
And worse than that - I forget what I was going to write this morning and you know it was something good. Sigh.
So with that - I'm now drawing a blank.
I'm sure I had something important to tell you.
Perhaps another day.
If I can find my way back here.
Have a good day.
Blessings!
And worse than that - I forget what I was going to write this morning and you know it was something good. Sigh.
So with that - I'm now drawing a blank.
I'm sure I had something important to tell you.
Perhaps another day.
If I can find my way back here.
Have a good day.
Blessings!
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Changes! Changes! I'm sure they are good, but.....
I was caught unawares this morning. I haven't posted anything since February 1 and being as busy as I usually am, I have not read any information about any changes on the BlogSpot. But low and behold! This morning when I started to write something - I couldn't find the 'new post' button! I had to "sign up" to be a blogger or something. I don't know - I did the minimal I had to do, said I was a follower of Ralphd00d and found a new post button so that I could put something on here.
And here I am.
It's been a busy month already. I did finally make it to the podiatrist to see why I have such pain in the bottom of my heel - and it was as I suspected. I have plantar fasciitis in both feet. So after $$ I have an insert with an arch for my tennis shoes (I can switch out, but they don't fit my flats) and I even splurged and ordered a pair of flip flops that has an arch. I have found a big difference already. In the week I have been wearing them - at first it felt uncomfortable, yet comfortable - and now because I put my tennis shoes on when I change my shoes after word (and not go barefoot or slip my houseshoes on) that I am able to pretty much walk around without a lot of pain. That is very good. The pain would sometimes be so intense all I could do was shuffle my feet. And I will still have the problem most days I'm sure.
I was surprised my heels were not a problem - in fact, my heels do not affect it at all. It's going without arch support by going barefoot or in houseshoes. I'm even back to walking 4-6 miles a day without pain. And it feels good.
I have been in Fitbit challenges with my daughter and sister - and this week I had been coming out on top - when I went to bed last night I has nearly 6 miles in total and was in the lead. In spite of my daughter going for a long walk last night. She was close - but we both were ahead of my sister. At 4:45AM this morning I checked my Fitbit to see where everyone was - and my sister had jumped ahead by 4000 steps!! Now what was she doing up in the middle of the night walking - whether on the treadmill or otherwise??!! That is just so wrong!! Don't you agree?
Today is a new day - and although I don't expect to be in the lead anymore - after all, SOME of us have to work - it's fun pushing myself to get my steps in. My goal is 10,000 steps a day - rounding up to 5 miles - and burning 2000 calories. With that, I end up close to 6 - 6 1/2 miles, if I push to burn all the calories. Usually if I get my 10,000 steps in I'm happy. It's all good, and we are all getting healthy.
What about you? God tells us to take care of our bodies and keep them healthy. I've changed my eating habits. Of course I still have chocolate. But I now limit myself. And I limit myself on other foods. I need to lose weight, yes, but I am more wanting to keep my body healthy so that I can enjoy my grandchildren and great grandchildren even more as they start to arrive. I have to admit it - I do not want to be like my mother. Is that a shock? I can't remember her ever playing with the grandchildren or great grandchildren. She was so heavy and out of shape she could do nothing more than hold them. And that is good, but it isn't living. I want to live.
I've set a goal for myself. In 4 years I want to walk the mini-marathon again in Indiana. I will be 70 years old. I'm preparing now by keeping my walking up and eating healthy. I've done it twice now - and I want to beat my time in completing the mini-marathon. The first year it was 3 hours and 56 minutes, I think. The second time was 3 hours and 58 minutes. I want to do it in a lot less this next time - and be 8 years older. Can I do it? I don't know - but I'm going to give it my best shot.
It would be awesome if all three of my children would get in shape and do the mini with me. I am pretty sure two of my children still read this on occasion. So I will challenge you. You have 4 years. Plan to do the mini marathon in Indiana with me the first Saturday in May, 2020. (My birthday is in August and I want to BE 70 - so that makes it 2020). Join me - you have 4 years to prepare.
I thank God every day that I am still able to work, still enjoy my work, and am still able to do things and be active. I have a lot of conflicts in being able to complete some things - but at least it isn't my health preventing it.
What is preventing you? Let's do this!!
Blessings!
And here I am.
It's been a busy month already. I did finally make it to the podiatrist to see why I have such pain in the bottom of my heel - and it was as I suspected. I have plantar fasciitis in both feet. So after $$ I have an insert with an arch for my tennis shoes (I can switch out, but they don't fit my flats) and I even splurged and ordered a pair of flip flops that has an arch. I have found a big difference already. In the week I have been wearing them - at first it felt uncomfortable, yet comfortable - and now because I put my tennis shoes on when I change my shoes after word (and not go barefoot or slip my houseshoes on) that I am able to pretty much walk around without a lot of pain. That is very good. The pain would sometimes be so intense all I could do was shuffle my feet. And I will still have the problem most days I'm sure.
I was surprised my heels were not a problem - in fact, my heels do not affect it at all. It's going without arch support by going barefoot or in houseshoes. I'm even back to walking 4-6 miles a day without pain. And it feels good.
I have been in Fitbit challenges with my daughter and sister - and this week I had been coming out on top - when I went to bed last night I has nearly 6 miles in total and was in the lead. In spite of my daughter going for a long walk last night. She was close - but we both were ahead of my sister. At 4:45AM this morning I checked my Fitbit to see where everyone was - and my sister had jumped ahead by 4000 steps!! Now what was she doing up in the middle of the night walking - whether on the treadmill or otherwise??!! That is just so wrong!! Don't you agree?
Today is a new day - and although I don't expect to be in the lead anymore - after all, SOME of us have to work - it's fun pushing myself to get my steps in. My goal is 10,000 steps a day - rounding up to 5 miles - and burning 2000 calories. With that, I end up close to 6 - 6 1/2 miles, if I push to burn all the calories. Usually if I get my 10,000 steps in I'm happy. It's all good, and we are all getting healthy.
What about you? God tells us to take care of our bodies and keep them healthy. I've changed my eating habits. Of course I still have chocolate. But I now limit myself. And I limit myself on other foods. I need to lose weight, yes, but I am more wanting to keep my body healthy so that I can enjoy my grandchildren and great grandchildren even more as they start to arrive. I have to admit it - I do not want to be like my mother. Is that a shock? I can't remember her ever playing with the grandchildren or great grandchildren. She was so heavy and out of shape she could do nothing more than hold them. And that is good, but it isn't living. I want to live.
I've set a goal for myself. In 4 years I want to walk the mini-marathon again in Indiana. I will be 70 years old. I'm preparing now by keeping my walking up and eating healthy. I've done it twice now - and I want to beat my time in completing the mini-marathon. The first year it was 3 hours and 56 minutes, I think. The second time was 3 hours and 58 minutes. I want to do it in a lot less this next time - and be 8 years older. Can I do it? I don't know - but I'm going to give it my best shot.
It would be awesome if all three of my children would get in shape and do the mini with me. I am pretty sure two of my children still read this on occasion. So I will challenge you. You have 4 years. Plan to do the mini marathon in Indiana with me the first Saturday in May, 2020. (My birthday is in August and I want to BE 70 - so that makes it 2020). Join me - you have 4 years to prepare.
I thank God every day that I am still able to work, still enjoy my work, and am still able to do things and be active. I have a lot of conflicts in being able to complete some things - but at least it isn't my health preventing it.
What is preventing you? Let's do this!!
Blessings!
Monday, February 1, 2016
Monday ramblings and a new month..........
It is going to be a productive day today. I've already decided that. Especially since I have so very much to do. PLUS, we have been given instructions to delete a lot of saved information - our folders are full and there isn't much space to be had... so guess I will be working on that this morning. And it will be hard - afterall, I AM a packrat so will need to determine if I save it or delete it. I could print it if I need to - will see.....
It's a new month. I keep thinking that before we know it, next week will be July. And I look back at the months past and see that I haven't gotten much done, as usual. There is so much I want to do - and yet, have not done it. I need to make up my mind to 'just do it' and stop allowing circumstances and things to interfere with what I want to accomplish. I just find that it is very difficult to clean out closets or rooms when someone else is around. I like being emeshed in my thoughts as I sort through things. With enough interruptions, I quietly put everything back and walk away from it. I often laugh and say if I could be alone for one month in my house, I would have every closet cleaned out and every room de-cluttered. :-) That comment will go over like a lead balloon, I'm sure.....
Last week was, in fact, an eventful week. Last Thursday morning on my way to work my van got rear-ended. And it really wasn't the other driver's fault - nor mine. I was stopping in time when I saw the car about 5 car lengths in front of me (I leave early for work so I don't have to be in a hurry to get there) put their brake lights on. I was slowly slowing down, when about 3 car lengths to go - and a pickup truck jumped in front of me - and had to slam on his brakes. That caused me to have to really push on mine for I was only a very short distance from him. Unfortunately, because I had to immediately stop to keep from hitting the stupid pick-up and the driver, the car behind me didn't have time to come to a complete stop. He stopped in time - then the brakes 'released' and grabbed again. That 'release' caused him to hit my bumper.
We were able to pull of the side of the road (of course it was the center lane on the freeway). This young man comes to my van to see if I was ok - and I was - just shaken up. I called 911 and they sent DPS out, who had us pull off the next exit and into a parking lot. I got out and looked at my van, not knowing what to expect. It was only the bumper that was cracked. But the young man's car - a Nissan sentra, I believe, the older model - was a mess. The hood was pushed up, the grill broke, the bumper... I felt really bad for him - oh - and his passenger bag had deployed. He only carried liability insurance - for which I am grateful, but doesn't do much for his vehicle.
As I drove off, intending to drive on to work, I discovered I couldn't get the van up over 40 miles an hour - and there was a loud rushing noise - like wind. I turned around and drove home. After making the necessary calls to insurance companies, we took my van over to get fixed - and discovered that the tail pipe was bent in like a tight u-shape. I figure the other car, being lower, went under my van just enough to hit the tailpipe and bend it, and break the bumper. They gave a $1500 estimate - but from what they sent us - it looks like less than $1000 to repair. I should have it back by the end of the week. His insurance did provide me a 2015 Chevy Cruze to drive as I needed transportation to work. It's a "cute" little car, and I'm sure very efficient, but I think I would like one a little bigger. I'm used to the suburban, and now the van. Don't need one as big as the van, but not quite as small as the Cruze.
But I thank God that He did protect me and keep me safe - and my van wasn't damaged that bad.
I found it interesting how my children responded. Two wanted me to go to the ER, and the middle child was just glad I was ok. Personalities. Very interesting. But, I was fine - and am fine - so did NOT go to the ER. There was no need to. I get a massage in a couple weeks and I will have them just focus more on my neck and back to make sure there aren't any kinks that I don't feel yet.
Today is February 1 and my dear adopted Aunt Sue will be moving into an assisted living facility. I'm happy for her - it is a very nice place. I just feel she is being pushed to move NOW. Which can be good - and yet - she will be going from a fairly good size two bedroom "house" to a one bedroom, living room, small kitchen room. I saw her Saturday and she is taking about every stitch of clothing she has. Now mind you, she does have a small walk-in closet, BUT - her clothes at the house filled an area the size of 3 closets AND she had a rack of clothes out in the garage. I tried to help her condense down - that she did not need them - but she could not comprehend NOT needing to take all her clothes. She boxed up all her pots and pans - I tried to explain that with the facility serving her a nice lunch in a nice dining room, she only needed one or two saucepans, and only one skillet, and her small crockpot. She agreed, but.... She is moving this morning - the movers were to be there at 7:30AM - which is about now. She will be exhausted tonight, I'm sure, but hopefully I can go over one evening this week to check on her. Her 'real' niece who inherits everything has given me three rude-ish calls Friday and Saturday - so I'm staying away. I will let her handle the move - I certainly don't need to be involved, but if she had asked, I would have taken today off to help.
I need to get to work now - but I'm praying that YOU have a safe day and make it a productive one. When travel is difficult, thank God that He gets you through it.
Blessings!
It's a new month. I keep thinking that before we know it, next week will be July. And I look back at the months past and see that I haven't gotten much done, as usual. There is so much I want to do - and yet, have not done it. I need to make up my mind to 'just do it' and stop allowing circumstances and things to interfere with what I want to accomplish. I just find that it is very difficult to clean out closets or rooms when someone else is around. I like being emeshed in my thoughts as I sort through things. With enough interruptions, I quietly put everything back and walk away from it. I often laugh and say if I could be alone for one month in my house, I would have every closet cleaned out and every room de-cluttered. :-) That comment will go over like a lead balloon, I'm sure.....
Last week was, in fact, an eventful week. Last Thursday morning on my way to work my van got rear-ended. And it really wasn't the other driver's fault - nor mine. I was stopping in time when I saw the car about 5 car lengths in front of me (I leave early for work so I don't have to be in a hurry to get there) put their brake lights on. I was slowly slowing down, when about 3 car lengths to go - and a pickup truck jumped in front of me - and had to slam on his brakes. That caused me to have to really push on mine for I was only a very short distance from him. Unfortunately, because I had to immediately stop to keep from hitting the stupid pick-up and the driver, the car behind me didn't have time to come to a complete stop. He stopped in time - then the brakes 'released' and grabbed again. That 'release' caused him to hit my bumper.
We were able to pull of the side of the road (of course it was the center lane on the freeway). This young man comes to my van to see if I was ok - and I was - just shaken up. I called 911 and they sent DPS out, who had us pull off the next exit and into a parking lot. I got out and looked at my van, not knowing what to expect. It was only the bumper that was cracked. But the young man's car - a Nissan sentra, I believe, the older model - was a mess. The hood was pushed up, the grill broke, the bumper... I felt really bad for him - oh - and his passenger bag had deployed. He only carried liability insurance - for which I am grateful, but doesn't do much for his vehicle.
As I drove off, intending to drive on to work, I discovered I couldn't get the van up over 40 miles an hour - and there was a loud rushing noise - like wind. I turned around and drove home. After making the necessary calls to insurance companies, we took my van over to get fixed - and discovered that the tail pipe was bent in like a tight u-shape. I figure the other car, being lower, went under my van just enough to hit the tailpipe and bend it, and break the bumper. They gave a $1500 estimate - but from what they sent us - it looks like less than $1000 to repair. I should have it back by the end of the week. His insurance did provide me a 2015 Chevy Cruze to drive as I needed transportation to work. It's a "cute" little car, and I'm sure very efficient, but I think I would like one a little bigger. I'm used to the suburban, and now the van. Don't need one as big as the van, but not quite as small as the Cruze.
But I thank God that He did protect me and keep me safe - and my van wasn't damaged that bad.
I found it interesting how my children responded. Two wanted me to go to the ER, and the middle child was just glad I was ok. Personalities. Very interesting. But, I was fine - and am fine - so did NOT go to the ER. There was no need to. I get a massage in a couple weeks and I will have them just focus more on my neck and back to make sure there aren't any kinks that I don't feel yet.
Today is February 1 and my dear adopted Aunt Sue will be moving into an assisted living facility. I'm happy for her - it is a very nice place. I just feel she is being pushed to move NOW. Which can be good - and yet - she will be going from a fairly good size two bedroom "house" to a one bedroom, living room, small kitchen room. I saw her Saturday and she is taking about every stitch of clothing she has. Now mind you, she does have a small walk-in closet, BUT - her clothes at the house filled an area the size of 3 closets AND she had a rack of clothes out in the garage. I tried to help her condense down - that she did not need them - but she could not comprehend NOT needing to take all her clothes. She boxed up all her pots and pans - I tried to explain that with the facility serving her a nice lunch in a nice dining room, she only needed one or two saucepans, and only one skillet, and her small crockpot. She agreed, but.... She is moving this morning - the movers were to be there at 7:30AM - which is about now. She will be exhausted tonight, I'm sure, but hopefully I can go over one evening this week to check on her. Her 'real' niece who inherits everything has given me three rude-ish calls Friday and Saturday - so I'm staying away. I will let her handle the move - I certainly don't need to be involved, but if she had asked, I would have taken today off to help.
I need to get to work now - but I'm praying that YOU have a safe day and make it a productive one. When travel is difficult, thank God that He gets you through it.
Blessings!
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