But is the report correct?

 Hubby went by the oncologist's office yesterday to pick up a copy of his labs from Sonora Quest.  The report showed his AST and ALT were back in the normal range.  He also stopped by Dr. Mark's office to get blood drawn for his visit next week - and this blood work goes to Lab Corp.  The last two reports from Lab Corp showed his AST and ALT way out of range.  It will be interesting to see what this lab report will show.  I have to say that we have prayed about his liver and kidneys, and I have to believe that God has healed him of whatever inflammation he had.  It's one of those Wait! What? moments.  Until we meet with Dr. Mark and hear from him that all the inflammation is gone, I'm still in a confused mode.  We go from 'normal' to 'what is going on?' to 'normal' again and it's huh?  Praising God, regardless.  He is good.

Yesterday was a different kind of day for me.  While hubby was gone to get his lab work done, a couple other errands he came up with, had lunch by himself, visited a friend..... lots happened.  My oldest son txt'd and asked if he could stop by... of course he can!  It was good to sit and talk with him and listen to what is going on in his life. A treasured time for this mama.  Shortly after he left, I get notification that a granddaughter was in labor and at the hospital.  I normally do not run to the hospitals during these times as the spouse or parents are there. We usually go up later to see the baby.  But this time, my youngest son is out of state and I kind of wanted to go.  I talk my boss about it and she told me to stop working and just go!  I debated, but since I had nothing pressing going on, that is exactly what I did!  I took off work and drove to the hospital.

Interesting... lol... as I was walking to the main entrance of the hospital, someone kept honking.  I turned part way around to see why, but didn't see anything unusual, so went on in.  By the time I got to the 2nd floor - labor and delivery - I turn around and my oldest son is there.  It was he honking the horn (he tells me about it) trying to get my attention.  He was smarter than me - he used the valet; I drove around for a bit until I found a spot over by outpatient.  Anyway - got to be with my granddaughter as she delivered this tiny, beautiful little baby girl.  I have been with my daughter during her two deliveries, but his is the first time I got to cut the cord!  And I got to 'be' there, instead of just sitting off to the side out of the way. Treasured memory. And I love that she used part of my name, and my mama's name as one of the middle names.  Another middle name honors my daughter, and I am glad this granddaughter did that, for her aunt does a lot for her.  It is quite an honor, and I don't take it lightly.  I stayed until a little after 4PM and then headed home, and good thing; hubby called on my way home, wondering when I'd be back home.  Of course he had bible study last night but I stayed home and crochet'd and watched Christmas chick flicks. 

I have my training at 5Pm tonight and then we have our group at church tonight - so other than work, that is all that is on my agenda, I think.  I had told my granddaughter she could come stay with us after she gets out if she wants, until she feels stronger.  I'm not sure what she is going to do, whether our place or my daughter's place - but do not want her to be alone right now.  Especially in her apartment. She needs someone with her while she regains her strength.

Luckily, even with me taking off yesterday afternoon, I only had one meeting to schedule when I got back home and on the computer.  And it was an impossible one.  Before end of week. With key leadership people. For 50 minutes.  Uh, not going to happen.  Two of the key leadership - 1 on PTO as of today; the other on PTO tomorrow and Friday.  I made the meeting for Friday - and suggested she send those two an email for their thoughts on the meeting topic.  Looking at my messages this morning (I had 19 since I got off at 5PM last night!), looks like one accepted tentative, and the other has forwarded to two of her staff and asked them to attend.  Looks like it may work out after all.  

I kept hearing thunder this morning, and I keep wanting to curl back under my blanket and take a nap - which I have done several times since getting up at 4:30AM.  I just don't want to do anything today. I'm sleepy, I'm tired.  Yet, I thought I slept well last night.  I think it is my anger still boiling within my mind, although there is nothing I can do about it.  Anyway....

Today is a new day and I have work to do.  The sky is gray - not black - so wonder if rain will even come to us today.  But, I do need to get off here, since it is after 7AM, and sit my bottom down in front of my work computer - so as crazy as this post is today - I need to hush and get off.

Hope you do something amazing today and realize it is all by God's hand that He has given this day to you.  Never take today for granted, you may not have tomorrow.

Blessings!

She has arrived....

 but I have no information.   We received the news early yesterday morning that our granddaughter in law was in labor.  Well, it appears she labored long and hard all day - literally.  We stayed up until 10PM then went to bed, but my mind was constantly praying for this new little one that would hopefully be born soon.  I dozed, but shortly after midnight checked my phone in case I missed a text - and at 12:04AM my daughter had sent a text that to pray as there were complications.  Little did she know that I had already been praying.  This labor lasted too long, in my opinion, and the doctor should have done a c-section.  But then, I am not a doctor.  I sent my daughter back a text 'have been praying, all ok?' and she later responded something and then 'I hear a baby crying with good lungs. Talk tomorrow.' and that was it.  Haven't heard anymore and I will assume all are in a deep sleep this morning as both sets of grandparents - and the new dad - had been up over 24 hours.  I am hoping to hear all the details soon.  Congratulations to the new mom and dad.

Hubby has headed off to the gym for his training this morning.  I mentioned to him when I came back from training on Monday that I had told Morgan I wanted this body more toned in two months. IF we go to NM to visit this new mom and dad and baby, I want to be in shape.  He told me then - and I am pretty confident he hasn't forgotten - that he was going to tell Morgan this morning the same thing.  Well, he is definitely going to have to change his eating habits if he wants to be toned - and I'm not saying that in a mean way.  In fact, we had a discussion about eating the other day.  We were discussing what people call 'respectable sins' - and gluttony was one of them.  Yes, gluttony is a sin.  One should not overeat.  Yet, we all do it.  And I mentioned to hubby about how full he always fills his plate when he likes something and then goes back for more.  But then, don't we all do that when we like something?  I love good fried chicken.  I can eat 3-4 pieces of it easily.  Does that make me a glutton?  

The spot on my leg where the dermatologist took a biopsy has turned red and is tender.  I've had two other biopsies and it never did that.  Guess I need to keep an eye on it.  I should hear back in a week on the biopsy.  I wonder if it is red because it is a 'bug bite'.  I have learned that scorpions CAN sting/bite you many times.  I thought they only did it once.  I am now thinking it wasn't bug bites but scorpion bites as I had my open suitcase next to the fireplace next to a window at the hotel back in October.  Could a scorpion have fallen into my jammies?  But then - why did it take until 2AM for it to 'wake up' and bite me/sting me numerous times?  

It looks like a beautiful day outside.  My computer is showing 62 degrees at the moment.  I see people out walking.  But - this is a work day so I will need to  - oh my goodness!  There is a coyote crossing the street!!  

Today should be an easy work day - and I'm grateful.  ALL of my bosses are in a leadership meeting and they have been told specifically NO LAPTOPS ALLOWED.  They want people engaged in the meeting, not multi-tasking.  Which means I should not hear from any of them,  YAY.  Which is good, for I have agreed to watch our great-granddaughter for a few hours this afternoon.  So excited to do so.  I still need to keep an eye on the computer and work, but if it remains quiet, maybe she and I can bake some brownies for her to take home when she gets picked up. :-)  

My coach at Virta has been amazing.  We had several interactions yesterday and even this morning he has sent me an encouraging note.  If I didn't get these little bits of encouragement, I think I would have given up a long time ago.  In fact, I was starting to give up the other day (i.e., I dived into chocolate I got for Christmas that I still have in my drawer) but this morning I feel like I'm back on track.  He agreed I need to eat more than 30 grams of carbs - especially when I am working out as I get so very tired at times.  He even gave me some examples of what to eat for snacks during the day when I work out.  I still have difficulty getting my ketones where they want them, to do so I have to fast all day - and he said I shouldn't have to do that.  He wants me to eat!  A man after my own heart, right? LOL  I love food and I love to eat!  I need to look at the quality of the food, and not just the quantity.  I leave out, thinking I will be better off, when I should be eating and moving on.  Make sense?  Time will tell, but I am encouraged. I told him one more month and then I'll quit if things don't change.  And they won't change, unless I do.  It's all in my hands, for sure.  I've lost about 10 pounds in the two months and have lost inches.  Working out really helps.  This plan hasn't cost me anything; the company pays for it and also all my supplies are free.  It's up to me to make it work.

Well, I have lost a lot of time this morning because I've been so sleepy - and now it's 7:03 and I do need to get on the work computer.  Maybe tomorrow I can be more alert in time to write more. :-)

Hope you have a blessed day!

Blessings!

A lazy lazy time... but it rained!

Yesterday we did venture out a bit … but not far.  We went to the little shops here… if you want to call them that.  Talk about disappointed!  It looks like all the little unique shops are gone, and all that is left is a coffee shop and the ‘Wild Women Saloon’ where they serve lunch and dinner.  Yep – that looks like ‘that’s it’ except for a real estate office.  We went up a bit after 10AM, thinking whatever was there would be open … not only disappointed, but even the ‘Wild Women’ didn’t open until 11AM.  From there we drove to the Dollar Tree down the road about half a mile and picked up a few things.  Not much, for sure, but we did get salt and pepper…. Which this place did not have.  How can you season anything without salt and pepper and definitely no spices here either! 

Today is Sunday and we will see if we can get Jentezen Franklin on the TV.  To bring anything on the internet up on the computer I have to use my phone as a hotspot – and I don’t want to use up data. I’m already a little nervous as hubby is on his phone nearly all day long.  I’m typing this in Word and then will use my hotspot to throw into the blog and check a couple of things.  Heaven forbid I don’t get something written in here – right? LOL

Another restless night for both hubby and I and I am pretty sure it is because we have not been active at all.  Other than walking around the ‘complex of empty stores’ and walking around the Dollar Tree – that was about it.  Hubby said he would walk a little ways with me today.  We actually discussed why he doesn’t like walking – especially since his leg surgery.  When walking outside he doesn’t have anything to hold on to, to keep from falling.  The last two times we walked at home, he fell and I couldn’t catch him.  But he has been walking the treadmill and riding the bike, so I feel he is getting his legs strengthened. He just needs to strengthen his core.  And so do I.  I’m pretty sure I’m not sleeping much because of the bed, because hubby tosses and turns, and because all I have done for two days is sit.  I have gotten a lot of crocheting done, though.  But, that is relaxing and not exercise.

There isn’t much planned for today either.  Tourists and people who have getaway places up in this area will be in the towns nearby.  With not a specific place to go to, I don’t want to drive around.  We think we may go in to ShowLow tomorrow as it is about 37 minutes away, I think hubby said. Most out of towners will head back home today.  Will need to get gas as I’m down to ½ tank, but unless we find a shopping mall, (will have to google where things are), I don’t know why we are going.   We spent yesterday afternoon sitting out on the back porch nearly all afternoon…. And it rained a soft rain twice. Watched the hummingbirds zooming all over the place.  They sure are fast!

Read Haggai and some of Malachi in my bible this morning.   Sigh. The lighting in this room is just not fit for reading much.   I used my kindle for awhile last night, but …  after awhile got the lightening bolts going so had to stop and take Tylenol.   Glad I’m going to the doctor for my physical next month. Going to ask for a head scan to see if they can see what is going on.   I’m thinking I will get a chiropractic appointment too.  I remember one of the massage therapists really working on my neck several months ago and I’ve had these things happen since then.  I wonder if he has moved something to pinch a nerve periodically.  It won’t hurt to have my spine realigned and popped and my neck popped as well.  It always makes me anxious to have my neck popped, though… what if they pop it and poof! I’m gone?   Oh the weird things I think at times!

My little sister called yesterday to thank me for her birthday gifts… I debated on answering.  Not going to share why… but I did answer … and she opened her gifts.  Then I get a crappy text later that did I say something because …………….. ah, it doesn’t matter.  It will always be someone else’s issue or fault.  I did text with my little brother yesterday about his late son-in-law.  I didn’t know he had still been working, but also that it had been for a religious company, my brother said. They sent a chaplain out to talk with my niece.  He is being cremated and they will have a short memorial service next week.  He even had an insurance policy so that will help my niece pay for the funeral and get things taken care of that she can. My brother said his SIL did everything for my niece; he cooked, cleaned, took her wherever she needed to go, did everything for her.   She has several medical issues and may be filing for disability, as my brother has been trying to get her to do. She didn’t see the need before, her husband took care of her. It’s still sad in a lot of respects.  I didn’t ask my brother about flowers, but probably should shoot him an email.  I did send a card before we left, and I am continuing to pray for her to get through all this. I can’t imagine what she is going through.

Think I’ll get this posted and get my butt up to fix breakfast. I keep thinking of the scriptures I read this morning and what could I share… but another text I received late last night and read this morning has been weighing heavy on my heart this morning so am not really thinking.  So with that, perhaps tomorrow will be a better morning and I’ll have lots of fun and good stuff to share.  In the meantime, have a great day.

Blessings!

 

Awake at 3AM - on a Saturday!

 I could not believe it when I woke up at 3AM this morning - totally awake!  I searched my mind to remember what day it was, thinking that I could sleep one more hour before my usual 'get up' time M-F.  Oh - it's Saturday.  I can go back to sleep, right?  Sigh.  I knew I would start tossing and turning if I stayed in bed, so got up and came into 'my office'.  Laying back in the recliner was no help.  The body was not going to go back to sleep, no matter how tired it was.  I left my light off, until hubby brought in coffee at 4AM... apparently his body is on the M-F timetable as well.  Either that or he realized I was up and wanted to bring me my coffee.  That is really important to him.  Every morning I get a cup of coffee from him.  Which is kind of nice, actually.  And yes, I always tell him 'thank you'. 

Today is going to be a somewhat busy day, as I imagine I have shared earlier this week.  Needles of Hope this morning; a grandson's birthday party this afternoon.  Hubby will probably show up at the birthday party as we both have discussed our feelings toward the parent should not be applied to the child.  

We got our first great-grandson yesterday.  Soon we will have our second one.  Just realized how birthdays are going to be falling the first part of August.... 5th is hubby's daughter (who has nothing to do with us), and now the baby's, 6th is a brother in law's, 7th is a grandson, 8th is another grandson, and the 9th is mine. Boom, boom, boom!  

Which reminds me, I got my first birthday gift yesterday and it was quite a surprise!  A co-worker whom I have been friends with and sharing my books with sent me some Bible word-search puzzles, a notebad, and some nice inspirational notes for my birthday.  Did not expect to get anything, so getting something is fun.  My boss forgot my gift the other day when we met for breakfast.  She said she had it on the table, but then her dad called and she got distracted and forgot it.  So when she got home, she sent me a photo of the bag.  Her birthday is October 1 and we meet again in September, so we will be exchanging gifts then.  I still need to pull hers together.  I'm not used to getting a lot of attention so when my birthday rolls around and I do, it sometimes feels funny.  Not to say I don't love the attention!  Don't need the gifts (although appreciated), but love the company and just being together, sharing together.  I want to mean something to people for myself...not because it is my yearly birthday or a holiday and a gift is involved.  Or not.

Love this quote by Henri Nouwen:  "Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved."  

I Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV):  "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but I have not love, I have become sounding brass or clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love,  it profits me nothing."

I encourage you to read the rest of I Corinthians 13.... we've all heard, or seen on a plaque, the words "Love never fails".  And that is true.  We are called to love, regardless. It doesn't matter who we are or what giftings we have or how we use them.  If we don't have love... we have nothing.  And love brings Joy.... and we all love to have JOY living in us.

I did something yesterday I haven't done in awhile.  I cooked a roast in the crockpot.  Just a small one, and it smelled so good all day.  We had it for dinner last night and there is enough left for hubby for lunch today.  I use my air fryer a lot now; less clean up and fast cooking.  Cooking something in the crockpot I don't do often.  I probably really should pull out some recipes and do that though... it sure makes the house smell good.  And when I get off at 4PM, dinner is ready.  So we ate early last night and this morning I'm feeling pretty hungry.  Guess I will throw some bacon in the air fryer and scramble up some eggs for hubby and I before I head off to Needles of Hope.  I have been more busy than I thought the past couple of months.... I have two big bags of baby blankets to donate this morning.  I took one bag last month; and now I have two bags to take.

Since I don't have to rush and get dressed for work this morning and get on that computer, I have some extra time to read.  I have about an hour before I will even fix breakfast.  I love these mornings when, although I have things to do mid-morning, I can just chill and stay in my room and write or read or even take a nap.  I'm so looking forward to vacation in another week.  I'm so ready to NOT have to work and just do whatever I want.

Take some time today for you.  Take work and other issues out of your mind, and just be.  Spend some time in solitude and quietness.  Empty your mind of 'things'.  Allow yourself healing time.  Quiet time. Remove yourself for just a short while from the busyness of life..... and just 'be'.  

Blessings!