NoT tOo BaD!

Happy April 1st!  No Jokes here... I am not good at those, they always seem to back fire or really irritate someone..  So just the normal happy it is SpRiNG thing!!

So excited about Spring!  Have I mentioned that yet?  Really excited!  I mean REALLY!  I am watching 4 rabbits running through the alley of the block next to ours.  They are out having fun, playing hopscotch, the birds are eating out of our bird feeder that just yesterday I placed outside my window!  We ave red birds, blue birds, black birds, brown birds.. so many birds.  I have the windows open and am listening to them all chatter!  It is so wonderful!  Not to mention the beautiful sunshine that we have been having and the warm lovely weather!  Oh MY!  This girl is so much happier! 

I slept all morning, another migraine.. with a whole pile of medication to get rid of it.. by two I was able to be up and around a bit, so I continued to work on getting the house in shape a bit! After yet another night of not sleeping I've had a really good day!  I've even gone out and gotten the mail!  Woo Hoo! 

The eggs I thought were going to be delivered to day never came.. UGGG... because I also have managed to get the potatoes baked, and the squash baked as well..   So this will mean no eggs for Luka this batch..  as the eggs need to go in with the hot potatoes.  What do they say about the best laid plans??  Just gotta smile..

I didn't get any gardening stuff done today, my neck is still pretty sore from being up so much yesterday.  So after being up for a while I am back to resting..  I suppose that will do.. The interesting things outside are keeping me company and driving Luka nuts..

Luka is laying here frustrated because all of the other dogs in the neighborhood start barking at things every once in a while..  He'd love to get outside and join them.  Sadly for him that is not what I am up for today.  I had planned to sit outside.. I kind of did, by opening up the windows I could get the best of it with out getting more tired!  I had a good day!  I am glad! 

I just love this picture!  Jason does such a nice job!  He took Luka out to play and got some great pictures of him too! 

While I am thrilled the snow is gone!  I do love some of the pictures that Jason took this past winter.  I truly think it was the thing that made the winter survivable for me! 

Well, for now Tchau! 
Pink Doberman

LaUnDrY... & MaYhEm...

So on a recent trip... we were at a friends house.  Jason was also working of course..  What is new there.. I guess it would be news if he weren't...  =)!    That would be awesome! 

Well at any rate...
At a friends house..  I thought I'd be smart and wash some things of Luka's..   It turned out to be more work than it was worth.  At least I didn't destroy anything,... Yes I have a knack for that.. 

But I did end up making some extra work for Jason who was mortified... and gave me several of those "What Were You Thinking" looks..    =D!

I get those allot!

So I took pictures...  My handy work in action..

The victims...  my lovely prayer blanket that was made for me by a group of Kansas Church Ladies! 
It used to not have pink in it's motif....
Jason is doing such a good job of getting the mess out of the house.  Those blankets were WET!

Bless his heart... those blankets just would not cooperate!

They really kept blowing.. and blowing and soon they would fly off..
Jason is so resourceful.. 

So he found something to shag them with.  Because it was COLD out there...
I am a really big pain in the A** to follow around and fix the mayhem that flows in my wake..

The mayhem.... See these little purple spherical dots?  There were MILLIONS OF THEM!!

All over the washer... (didn't take a picture of that..) Jason cleaned that out, with very strong words to me to LEAVE him alone and let him do it before I would also hurt myself and he have to carry me out of there.. 

So guiltily I slunk away and got the camera to record my purple mayhem...
If the purple little balls of fuzz weren't such a pain... I would have asked to keep them.  Because I am sure they would make an excellent decoration or at least a conversation piece. 

And I am mostly sad.  Because I really love my purple blanket!  I've had it for years!  It is super silky and soft!  I am sad that when it gets dirty this next time that it goes in the trash. 

I guess I should feel fortunate that it already isn't there... gives me time to prepare! 

But I really do LOVE this blanket.. even though it is now see through!

Thankfully, our friends washing machine cleaned out well.. we ran an empty load through,
and then did two more loads just to make sure it was all cleaned out.  Didn't want anyone to put white things in afterward, and then they come out pink!  .... That could be really bad and embarrassing. 



I would know I once did that to my father's under shirts and underwear!   I also managed to bleach everyone's jeans too... after these and a few other episodes from my child hood I was promptly asked to avoid doing anyone's laundry including my own... 

Out of the deal our friends washing machine got thoroughly cleaned out...  as best you can do anyway with out actually taking the machine apart.... Which Jason has already been apart of doing.... (note: nothing to do with me in that case) 

Got their vacuum cleaned out.. thankfully they have this nifty container vacuum.. A Dyson!  Which worked so slick to get all of those little balls picked up that flew all over the house as the blankets were carried outside...



Oh the joys..  I have improved on that at least.. but I seem to have mayhem in my genes...  
I keep life interesting at least.  Jason need never be bored..  Heaven forbid that ever happen!!  -


=D Keeping life real - Blessings,
Pink Doberman

a LiTtLe rElaXaTiOn

Certainly winter is beautiful.  I will give it that!


Playing in the snow also has its benefits.  Snow Angels, tunnels, sled ramps, and Snow Men~

I don't do those things any more.  I did do a Snow Angel most recently I must say I am not coordinated enough to really do them right any more.. I mostly muck them up before I can get out of them.  But the joy is in the doing of it. 

On our drives to where Jason teaches.. he will stop and take some pictures.  Even while he is at home he will take off in the mornings or whenever really to see if he can't find some shots. 

These two were taken of the Loup River.  It is a beautiful area!

Driving down the road I get the feeling .....

I loved to drive.  It was my time to be on my own and to gather my thoughts.  I am learning to do this in different ways these days. 

What are the ways that you destress and self gather?

Service dogs need down time too.  Time to run and time to play.  Time to be a dog.  Just like people need time away from their jobs, their kids, etc..

Luka is no different.  Mostly at home he is a dog.  I have pretty well arranged my life to do things on my own here at home.  Of course there is the occasional need for him to be present near me.  Like when I get stuck in the middle of the living room floor.. I could drag myself to the couch.. but that is not the best for me either. 

So I can just give him a holler and he'll come over to help.  It is pretty slick!  He sticks close by me for the most part anyway.  Especially if I am not feeling well.  He is constantly sticking his nose up at me.  I've started blowing his direction as well.  He's checking for something that tells him that I am going to get a migraine. 

When he lets me know I am going to get sick he has a pattern that he performs to tell me that I need to take my medication.  He gets rewarded with a treat!  At least sometimes.  It is good for him to do it just for praise.  The treats occasionally really help keep him motivated as well!

So this is one of the things that Luka does to have fun!  He loves to chase balls!

Aren't his shoes the best!!  I think so!  Here's the link.. I don't get anything but the satisfaction that more dogs have happy feet for sharing this with you.. Just like most things on my site! 

Blessings,
Pink Doberman

By the way, I've been doing better.  I have my pain medication and I am up and around more!  Which is good because the house really needed some help! 

wHy?? cLeAniNg, DaNciNg, SeRViCe DoGs..

So if you are looking to see the two part news story: Click here to read that post!

So with lots of different thoughts running around my head these days..  I struggle with what to share.  I really want to emphasize that the amount of support I am receiving is just wonderful.  My true wish is that this support would also carry on to those others who also have invisible issues, as well as those who's issues are not at all invisible. 

Alicia Myers who is super sweet, and is the beautiful gal that did my interview for the news (she is an Anchor/Reporter for Channel 10/11 in Lincoln NE), also featured in my last post.  Shared with me about a PBS special coming out to further educate and create awareness about those who have service animals.  Needless to say I am thrilled.  Neil Patrick Harris will be narrating it!  Click here to find out more!   I will try to watch that of course.  I just love PBS anyway!

I think that most of the issues we have can be fixed with public education and awareness.  Although not the worst of them unfortunately.  I just read a note from another person who I am becoming familiar with about being kicked out of a favorite sandwich franchise recently.  The police even got involved and made a report the situation was so crummy.

The officer said she had grounds to go to court and win.  He also shared that he would be happy to testify on her behalf.  THANK YOU FOR THAT!  The employee of the store was horrible to her.  She has seizures, if her dog is not with her, she has no advanced warning of when she will have one.  Which makes it extremely dangerous for her to go or do anything.  Oh my.

And just so you know, many people look more normal and more capable than you may even think and they still utilize a Service Dog.  Someones health, in fact YOUR health isn't up for debate, you do what you can to keep yourself in as good as shape as possible!  

My heart breaks because of situations like this.  Seizures are not something that one would ever ask for.  Oddly enough more people that you would think will end up having at least one in their life.  I guess my only hope is that those who give people the hardest time about things outside of their control and refuse to listen or try to understand.... is that they would also be on the receiving end of something that would wake them up to the reality that so many people go through.

That being shared everyone has issues, even if they pretend they do not.  ( I almost think that those who pretend they are perfect have the most issues.)  =)!

Ahh the joy's of living in my head.

Luka's allergies while not perfectly under control are doing so much better.  His feet are healing so well.  He has to be watched of course as he is just itching to start cleaning his sore spots.  YIKES!  That can not happen!  He is an obsessive cleaner!

I have a wonderful aunt who is like that.  Cleaning not licking.. Ha Ha!  She is amazing!  She can get spots out of anything!  A skill I am working to learn as well.  Since I can't just go out and get something new to wear any time I would like!  Even with my $1 bargains at the thrift store, those dollars can certainly add up. So in my life lately my Aunt Rocks my world!  I usually get most of her secrets from her daughter.. who was taught all of her magic cleaning solutions for things.  I really think she should write a book!  She is a maniac, in a good way of course!  (She is also my God Mother =)! )

Oh, my mind how it wonders around!

I will share that it is so glorious to have the sun shining and the weather rise above freezing!  I was able to drive two days ago!  Woot!  I drove downtown to mail a ton of packages!  Picked up my medications, and went to the drive thru bank window to drop some stuff off.  =D  Happy girl!

It was the first time that I have driven since I think November!  All of the ice has kept me stranded inside!  Why?? Well after having broken a bone and been diagnosed with Osteoporosis, Jason and I made the decision to keep myself safer so I can continue to get better.  That is no guarantee of course, but I really try not to put myself in higher risk situations.  Sometimes I have to admit a great song will come on and I can't resist the urge to dance and wiggle around.  I try to really control myself.

For those that don't know, I used to dance.  I took Ballroom Dance lessons from Top Ballroom Dancers who became instructors.  I would drive 8 hours to attend lessons as in Nebraska that caliber of dancer wasn't to be found.  I also had trained to be a Ballroom Dance instructor.  I can't say how much it hurts inside to now be watching the sport be so popular and I am not able to go out and do it too.  I would probably even be able to find a partner now who would be able to do something other than the Country Swing!  (I am not dogging that dance at all.)  I just loved doing the Salsa!  I loved dancing West Coast Swing - not country style.  I loved the Waltz and the Smooth Foxtrot!  I know how to do most of the dances.  I regret never getting that good at the Bolero.  That is such a beautiful dance.

So, you can imagine how hard it is to be sitting and watching instead of dancing.  PLEASE also keep in mind, I was NOT the best dancer out there.  But I truly loved doing it!  It filled my soul!  I don't watch the dancing shows much I get kind of sad.  Don't need any more of that in my life!  So I am watching cooking now!

Funny story!  I even got my Amateur Radio License so that Jason would agree to take dance lessons.  We never got that far, to get him enrolled.  You could wonder why I just did not teach him myself.  Well I wanted a partner to dance with not a student, I also wanted to keep my marriage.  In my estimation nothing would spell divorce like bossing him around telling him to do this and that smile, turn, lift, bend, tilt..all of those picky little details.

I had envisioned hiring the most beautiful woman who taught to teach him.  I had imagined that he would do great at wanting to not disappoint her and then I would be able to reap the benefits of all of his hard work by having a wonderful dance partner.

I will tell how I got my license sometime as well, that story still amazes me to this day!  I know I shocked him and everyone who knew me as well by getting that!

We'll there is lots more I have to share, I've got lots more pictures to post as well, and will be doing that soon also.  I don't want to forget to tell you to check out Part 2 of the Service Dogs Rights story!  So click here to check that out!  

• Also, here is a link to the Federal Laws/Rules Regarding Service Dogs 

I usually have a copy of these with me at all times, you would not believe how some people act around us.

Don't forget to support Nebraska State Senator Kate Sullivan with revisions to Nebraska's Service Dog Laws!  ( you do not need to live in her district or the State of Nebraska to offer your thoughts)


I hope you are out there doing or having done all that you could do today!  There are so many things that are so easy to complain about.  I really really try to stay focused on what I am able to do and be grateful for those things.  It does not always work.  But I try.

Blessings to you and hope your day is magnificent,

Pink Doberman

NeW dOoRs!

I got a gardening book in the mail today.  I have read page one and two.  That's about as fast as I go these days.  I hope to check out three and four in a bit.  I used to wonder how all of those TV infomercials and things that come in the mail worked.  I mean who actually bought that stuff. 

I now know, it is people like me, who find it difficult to get out and see what the rest of the world can see easily and regularly as they choose.  Ha!  An answer to another life long question.  =)!

I love catalogs, I rarely order, but I do grab my permanent marker and circle everything I love!  Makes me feel like I have gone shopping.  I do miss grabbing the fabric of a shirt through my fingers to see how it feels, or picking the hanger up an holding it in front of me to actually get a different perspective.  What I miss most is trying the varying styles, colors and outfits on before leaving the store.  Spending hours just looking or trying things on.  I loved that! 

Now, my favorite place to shop is at thrift stores.  I just grab everything in my size toss it into a cart and check out.  I then try it all on at my leisure at home and can return what doesn't work.  Hey, it works!  I still get to test it all out!  Now that I know what I like and what looks better than others, it has become even easier. 

My creativity is hard at work as well to discover what goes good together.  Styles from the past still work today!  You just have to know how to put things together.  I found out that after spending years in bed and not going out at all except to Dr's offices.  That my style was dated.  My makeup style was dated, and so was my style for choosing clothing.  I am not sure that it is still much better.  I feel that I missed out on a whole bunch of different styles.  And besides having to get a whole new wardrobe from thrift stores, because I had gone down in size 12 whole sizes proved to be an expensive venture, even at thrift store prices!  Good news, I am figuring it all out! 

I still have to rid my closet of things that make me look as if I were 12 years old.  Ha!  But, I really love wearing clothes that I would have never dreamed of wearing before.  So if you see me in something age inappropriate, just smile and know I will be tired of it soon!  But give a girl a chance to express herself before she sends those things back to the thrift store. 

I've got several friends who are also loosing!  Some are doing it the way I did!  Others are doing it differently!  I think it is great to find what works for you!  One friends Blood Pressure has gotten into normal ranges with the loss of 7 pounds!  Another has lost 10-15 and hopes to find hers lowered as well soon.  One more is fitting into clothes from her past!  She has been just loving it!  Yet another keeps shrinking little by little and is using it as an opportunity to spice up her wardrobe with new things!  Fun Fun Fun! 

I am so excited for everyone!  I am also excited for me!  As you know if you've been following my journey that I didn't start with my program to loose weight I started it for the vitamins to get my bones stronger, and follow the Dr's recommendations.  Side benefit of the program I chose was loosing weight!  Yippee!!  Size 16 to a size 2!  Yeeeks!! 

As an additional perk along with some basic Physical Therapy, some help from Luka my Service Dog who tells me prior to my getting one type of my migraines caused from weather and movement, and being on a regular vitamin and cleansing regimen the severity of my migraines has decreased substantially!  I still get them about half as frequently or so.. weather has allot to do with that I think, and I am learning what I can and can't do more with therapy so I don't cause more.  At any rate the severity has decreased abundantly!  Woot Woot Woot!  I had inklings of this last year!  I dared not say anything for fear that it was just seasonal. 

I've been holding out on sharing because I wanted it to be a reality not just a happy thought!  I have made almost no migraine trips to the er!  Woot!!  I have had a few.  But amazingly and wonderfully my body is making progress!  < Mental Happy Dance Inserted Here =) >  Rarely do I actually get up and wiggle! 

I told myself, "Self, give it the winter, decide in the spring about how excited you should actually be."  Well, it isn't quite spring.  But in light of all that is happening and the 40 Degree weather... I am imagining it to be just around the corner. 

Thus the gardening book as well! 

Now if only the regular daily problems that I face and have would be improved.  I did have a great day yesterday.  Interesting and everything. 

I had my regular massage therapy appointment.  Now really understand that going to the therapist that I see is not one of those pleasurable experiences.  He isn't one of the phooo foo massage therapists, that heats up rocks and oils and has relaxing scents floating in the air.  It isn't lush or fancy it is work.  Work on his part the guy who does the Neuromuscular Massage as well as work on mine.   This is a painful type of massage it is good pain, but you aren't necessarily filled with energy or renewed afterward.  What I notice is a great sense of deep pain relief.  I am able to get in and out of the jeep easier, I can hold myself up straighter and I can sit for longer. 

I have to hold back the tears many day.  Hold back the cries for the therapy to stop.  I just focus on breathing to get through it each week.  It hurts, but the short amount of time he works on me will give me relief for much longer.  The pain is good pain, the relief comes at a price.  It is one of the least invasive and healthiest ways I can get some relief. 

Pills don't take away the pain they just hide it.  Getting this done each week, brings back the blood flow to my arms, makes it possible to move and hold my head up stops or reduces the sciatic pain.  For me it is a necessary evil.  =) I say this with a bit of humor, as my therapist is so not evil. 

This type of massage isn't the one that you want to get if you want to feel like you've just gone to heaven and you feel all floaty and dreamy.  Before my auto accident I used to go for those!  Ahhh!  I remember the days!   < Dreaming>  Dream over..

Find out more about this type of therapy.  Click Here

My particular massage therapist is the best I have ever been to.  I will tell you more soon I promise. 

Well, I did read a couple more pages in my gardening book.  Which I think will help me choose what to plant.  I had hoped to get to the library, but the library here in town is tiny and has absolutely no good place for me to be.  Which is frustrating because I grew up going to the library!  My mom worked at one and so did my mother in law.  My sister having told me about her library (the one I grew up using) shared that she could access her's online.  I don't think mine has that option.  I have looked online.  Grrr. 

So I am now reduced to doing what so many others must do.  Take advantage of those crazy things that come in the mail.  Use the internet to buy things and order from catalogs instead of stores.  Not horrible for sure.  Much preferred to my anxiety of going new places.  With out a doubt it is a much better option as well, as Jason hates to shop. 

I love to lollygag and look at everything that is new.  Go down isles, look touch and peruse.  He is a man on a mission.  Really these days that is the way it works for me to.  I most of the time don't have the energy to cruise the entire store. 

With my Physical Therapy, I have really focused on walking enough with the crummy weather this winter, consistent snow and ice this has presented a problem for me.  We did get a tread mill for $50 from Craigslist.  I have a feeling the $50 would have been better spent on snow melt.  The darn thing hardly works.  Jason would rather I not hop on.  If he does well the darn thing just won't move.  And the noise!  Yia Yie Eie..  it really is sadly comical =).

So, that hasn't been the best investment.  This spring and summer when people once again don't want theirs maybe we can find something better.  I am finally feeling able to be walking again anyway.  The weather thankfully may even be cooperating!  I am sure thankful for that!

Luka is resting here with me today.  We are both tired from yesterday.  My old guy really needs som good weather too!is still doing well at not aggravating his allergy sores.  Thank goodness, soon hopefully with vigilance he will be thoroughly healed! 

Yesterday, after the therapy appointment, we were interviewed!  Yep!  Interviewed!  About LB858!  I will be sharing more about this soon too!  Allot more.  That is all that I will be saying for now.

There is more but it will have to wait.  It is taking me forever to write today.

Blessings and new doors to new places!
Pink Doberman

BeTtEr…. bEtTeR…. WiTh tOmOrRoW iN mY SiGhTs!

So I am hoping to write a bit more optimistic today.  My body is in a sour state.  So I will talk about other things.

Things I am doing today.

I did fold a load of laundry.  One that Jason had started.  First in quite a while. 

I started another load of laundry.  One that didn’t require me to crawl around on the floor and sort, I might add.

The mail was once again delivered to the door.  YEA!  I got a package.  I had ordered a used computer off of Ebay.  I don’t get things there often.  But my current computer has been redone many times now.  I fear the need to do it again soon and needed another to have for parts or back up. 

This didn’t turn out to be the best idea, or at least it seems that way at the moment.  The promises of the seller aren’t what I received.  Now I have to figure out what to do. Grrrr…

Our postal delivery carrier who is not very cheery any day, is unusually grumpy as of late.  It doesn’t help I suppose that all of the snow has worsened his job.  He pretty much refuses to use our boxes as there is too much snow in front of our box. 

Jason didn’t scoop it out after each snow he just drove on it.  So while everyone with boxes can reach into them with ease.  This is against postal regulations apparently. 

None of the other neighbors who share the area with us seem to ever care about that space.  I think Jason with all he’s had on his plate just gave up on this one. 

Which is fine with me, I can’t go sliding out to get the mail anyway, so I don’t care if it is in the box or not.  Jason just as well drive to the post office on the days he is home to gather it. 

I didn’t leave a holiday gift for the postman this year either though.  I had most years in the past.   Probably another strike against us.

Ahh the joys.

Today is I decided to so a cleanse day for myself.  So no eating for me.  I haven’t been sleeping well at all.  I don’t know why, and I have been feeling just rotten.  Both physically and mentally.  I don’t know if this will help, but at this point I don’t think it will hurt either.  I am following the plan. 

So far my plan for that is going well. 

I got some funny pictures from a fund raising event that our friends participated in.  Oh, my would that have been fun to see.  That is all I will really say on the subject since I have been asked to keep them from floating around the world.  But Jason and I did get a great laugh from them! 

I have a project in the works for the winner of that event.  I think it will be something at least that his wife will enjoy having.  Hee Heee!!!! 

I’ve also been loving the electric blanket Jason put it under the mattress pad.  Thank You Honey!

I am going to venture downstairs after I get warmer.  Pick out some yarn and a crochet needle.  If that is what the little hooky stick is called.  You can’t thread it so I am not sure if it is called a needle.  Hmm.. I will have to figure that out. 

I am looking forward to that, I just saw on one of the blogs that I follow something simple that she did.  I can do that too!  I am just sure of it!    You can check it out here!  She’s been doing some pretty fun things.

Luka is sacked out here next to me.  His feet are still healing.  We take the wraps off during the day when someone can sit beside him to watch him.  We bandage him up in the evening so we can sleep.  This morning he managed to get one of the bandages off.  So he licked himself more.  He didn’t get to chewing so we are still in the healing process.  So thankful about that.

I have ordered his boots!  They are coming from Canada!  Because he is a Service Dog and we are members of a people who have Service Dogs organization we get a discount! 

They are super nice boots I think.  At least I have heard great things about them.  I am hoping to make him a wrap to wear when we can go out again.  I bought some fleece months ago.  I have yet to get to the project.  I am now wishing I had gotten a different color.  But I will make it work!  I think I will just add stitching and edging in a different color. 

The place I am getting the boots from also has some great coats.  I was tempted, but since I can sew my own.  That will save me some big bucks!  Check out the Boots!  I am getting the fleece lined ones!  In RED!!  Just click Here!

He will look so smart in Husker Red Boots!  I really wanted to order him the pink ones.  But thought better of it.  His jacket will be a chocolate color with red trim I have decided.  That should work out great! 

Something funny, tomorrow I will finally get out of the house.  I have a dental appointment to get my crown seated.  The frustrating part/funny part is that I will finally get out and have others to talk to but won’t be able to because I will have hands in my mouth!  GRRRRR…

Luka isn’t going to make the trip.  Wish he were ready to go but he isn’t.  Jason will just have to escort me.  =)!!! 

So the day has gone well.

I haven’t accomplished much for sure, but I am finally feeling more clear!  YEA!  I had a great talk with an friend from my past, courtesy of Facebook!  I don’t believe we’d have other wise caught up.  We chatted online for a while and then decided to talk on the phone.  We talked for an hour.  That was so nice. 

She’s been through a lot too!  I am glad to know that her life is doing better.  She is a strong gal!  A beautiful one as well.  She does great in all that she does. 

I actually may ask her to guest post here.  I think that might be fun. 

 

Having just read a blog that struck a chord with me.  I thought I might as well share.  Friends of mine have introduced me to the fancy television show called Entourage, I love it too.  Of course, I don’t get the show here.  It is on the fancy pay extra for it television.  Luckily they like to pay for that stuff, and they have one of those recording devices so they can watch the show at their leisure. 

Well another blogger evidently likes the show as well.  Yes folks it is a bit raunchy.  But it is fun, and it takes your mind off of your troubles!  You even get some laughs out of it, which makes it oh so much better!  Read how she uses the show to illustrate: staying in the game, digging up dirt, connecting, loving, and attitude control!  She is so right! 

It gave me a smile and makes me want to see the show more often.  Entertainment at its finest laughing while learning!  Check out the post!

Ok, so life is good.  Tonight has been the best in a long time. 

I get to go to the dentist tomorrow, and see what the world outside of these walls looks like!  I love it! 

BTW, I did start learning to crochet!  Nothing notable I just started. 

Blessings and Better Tomorrow’s,

Prayers and Dreams for a New and Improved Haiti!

Pink Doberman

WoW… EvEr hAvE ToO MuCh To SaY?

The sun is shining!  That is good.  Jason got a roof rake.  He also explained to me the mechanics behind getting one and how we don’t want our gutters to freeze up, and water to get under the shingles, then flow freely down the inside of the walls. 

Yikes!  I am glad that he knows about these things.  Honestly, in the world we live in today, how can anyone keep up with everything that you need to know. 

Even if you know what needs to be done having the materials to do it, and the skill required or MONEY needed.  OMG!

If I had it to do over again, I’ve been thinking about this regularly if you can imagine…  I’d have wanted to disperse our income out differently. 

Where we are at, well lets just say things are tight.  We’ve had a bit of relief, and sadly that went to the emotional stabilization of Jason.  And some to me.  Should we have done something different?  Possibly.   I can’t say for sure. 

Did we make a good investment?  Right now I’d say so.  Jason while not ecstatic is happier than he’s been in years.  The photography thing has really helped him!  He was headed down the downward spiral of nothingness. 

His love of taking pictures began in high school.  I am sad to say we haven’t really done anything to further his love since we’ve been married.  He would occasionally talk about it, but it really never made it to the top of the list. 

When our friends started getting these cameras several years ago, he would talk about it more and more.  Now almost everyone we know has one of these camera’s or one similar to it. 

A couple of them even know how to actually do some great things with it.  Not that you can’t get great pictures with these camera’s just with the point and shoot method.  Which is the one that I always will use. 

I may fiddle a little, but Jason is so completely into the settings, the lighting, the details behind the shot.  He has got a couple of lenses.  So he has got some learning to do.

He did attend the photography class.  He came home from it excited for sure.  I am glad that he had been fiddling enough with the camera before the class.  He had enough knowledge of the camera itself and knew how to do some things that allowed him to soak in even more I think.

The class wasn’t expensive at all, the more advanced ones do get expensive, but hey, it is all good.  It is so worth it.

This morning I woke up and he was already out taking pictures of the morning frost on the trees.  Which I must say was quite beautiful!

Did he take the best pictures?  I don’t know.  But he was able to let me see how beautiful the snow looked as it floated on the branches of the trees!  I will post one of the shots here. 

 

 

As far as things have been going for myself.  Life hasn’t been that exciting.  My body has totally taken over my life again.  I have been miserable, after the three days of intense pain, now I am exhausted.  I’ve been depressed, I can’t seem to do any moving with out more intense pain setting in.  I can sit here all propped up by pillows, but can only be up for short periods of time.  grrrrr.

Since the snow began, I have hardly left the house.  I don’t know when that was, most days, I don’t even know what day of the week it is.  But it has been a very very long time.

It is lonely.  Jason is only good for a short amount of actual conversation.  I have been on the phone a bit lately, but everyone else is back into the full swings of their lives. 

I am glad that they are!  I would hate for their lives to be like mine.  I usually do quite well entertaining myself.  But since I have been in bed 24/7 again for days and days since pretty much before Christmas… well it is becoming taxing on my emotional state of mind.

I am trying to do something that makes me feel good.  I like creating digital art.  I like taking pictures and making them different.  Giving my personality a little room to flow into the shot. 

Jason is so good at taking nice pictures!  In fact, he has taken lots and lots of great shots!  I have been busy tweeking or brightening or sharpening or just completely editing.  I feel good about creating things.  Makes me happy.

Right now sitting up at the sewing machine or something I think would irritate my neck again.  It got bad after each project I finished.  It was worth it.  But right now I am really feeling the need to get things all calmed down.  The pain has started progressing after three projects and I need it to go back down.  I want off of the pain medications and I want winter to end! 

I look outside right now and dream of sitting out in my nifty lawn chair in the sun.  With sunscreen of course. 

I did get in the mail a new Vickie’s Secret’s catalog!  This issue is the new swimsuit issue!  I am excited about this one.  I actually may make my own swim suit this year!  I need ideas!  A new Seed Saver’s Exchange catalog, this is one that I will actually order from, not that I don’t order occasionally or shop at Vickie’s Secret I do.  But I am stocked up for now I just enjoy looking and circling! 

I love Seed Saver’s Exchange!!!  Just love it!  They provide excellent quality heirloom seeds and some plants.  They are a non profit, and actually BANK seeds in a world seed bank, just in case of a natural or man made disaster.  So what this group does will keep man fed for years to come in the future!  BLESS THEM!  Many many volunteers help out there to make this possible.  They have also branched out into other areas, check it out!

In the mail as well came InStyle magazine.  Yes, I broke down and got myself a subscription.  I was reading this magazine at a couple of places and I fell in love with the issues, so much so I wanted to rip 1/2 of their catalog apart and take it with me.  ( I did not do this ) Thought about it.  But I did get a couple copies!  Then I ordered the magazine.  The first issue I received I was disappointed in.  I hope this one is better.  It is my only paid subscription.  I probably should have ordered a health magazine instead.  But I LOVE FASHION!!   It makes me happy! 

So do clothes and shoes even if the only thing I get to do is look at them.  Which lately has been the case.  EXCEPT for my new shoes and new boots!  I wear them around everywhere!  Even though I go no where!  Hee Hee!!

I especially am loving my DANSKO Professional’s!   They make my joints move easier, who’d have thought?  I hate taking them off!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

Well, for my adjenda today, I plan to read these mail items, walk around in my DANSKO Professional’s, keep in mind, it is already late afternoon.. 

We’ll I did unload the dishwasher that Jason loaded and ran!  Yea!  Jason!!!  I also loaded it.  He can start it.  I fed Luka and let him out, I brushed my teeth and washed my face.  I had kept a MASK on my face since yesterday. 

That is a trick I have learned over the years.  I use the Revitalizing Mask these days, in the summer I may use the Clarifying Mask.  They of course come from the wonderful Mary Kay Cosmetic’s company of which I have been a consultant for for 18 years now.  PHEW!  (So if you need help in this area, I will hook you up, just let me know!)

I use the Mask and personally leave it on on days when I haven’t been able to wash my face much.  Days that I am so miserable, this is something that has gone to the wayside I am afraid.  I hate that, I was always so faithful before.  But this helps, and I don’t break out and my face still feels clean.  (This trick isn’t for everyone, but it does help me!)

Well, since I have only had Jason to speak to lately, besides Luka… He is a little overloaded with the amount of speaking I want to do, or rather would like him to do.  The man of fewer words.. 

He’s done well, I have annoyed him for sure today.  At least he gets a break from my chatter tomorrow. 

I am having quite the interesting conversations with myself.  [SMILE} ….

Ahhhhh…..  I feel better tonight aside from getting all tired out.. and not being up much..  doing great!  I do not feel as lonely as I had before. 

Blessings and Adventures!

Pink Doberman

cOmPleTeD

Finished!  One project finished!  Phew!!  I just have to get it packed up and Jason will get it mailed out tomorrow.  It feels good to have that done! 

Jason helped me out with the project too, that is always nice when he does that.  I appreciate his input.  I wish I could share it with you now, but I can’t. 

I may be picking up another project in a bit as well.  This one is to make a pattern for a dog pack.  One of my Service Dog friends is needing something different than she can find or afford.  I understand that for sure!  The packs especially the nice ones that work well are SUPER expensive.  I hate that. 

In fact Jason and I often comment that everything that we want or need is always at least $100.  THAT PEOPLE IS ALLOT OF MONEY!  Especially when you have to spend it on something that breaks!  Grrrrr…

I wouldn’t mind if it could be guaranteed to perform for a great length of time… but electronics especially make me frustrated.  Things for animals are getting to be just as bad. 

I am going to make some more things eventually.  My sister when her family drove through the other day left me bunches of stuff I could use.  Although to Jason all of this stuff is like I am filling up the house with Styrofoam peanuts that have no use or value…  he thinks I am a trash collector. 

I probably am, but one persons trash is another’s treasure.  I like making treasures!  I hate that everything ends up in a land fill.  It is so frustrating.  If I had the energy I would adjust and reuse so many other things too. 

Ahh… one thing at a time.  At least that is what I tell myself.

I have also been in the process of using up all of the bottles of lotion I have been collecting over the years.  My skin this winter is finally dry enough to be driving me out of my skin!

I have had years of teaching others how to care for their dry spots, so I am not using all of my techniques tips and tricks for myself!  I love it!  I am not suffering at all now, and my lotion collection is finally starting to dwindle!  Yea!

That feels wonderful!  Years before I would only use lotion a few times a year, but I collected it like I used it everyday.  Now I am using it two times a day and I am feeling wonderful!  I smell pretty great too!

With the new year more people are committing to change their lives!  I am as well, although mine is not a resolution.  I don’t make those.  I just set goals.  So my latest one and I have yet to start it completely is the gluten free thing. 

What I have done though is set myself up to succeed.  At least I am in the process of it.  When Jason eats at home he will be eating gluten free as well.  He doesn’t eat her that often so he really won’t notice much of a difference. 

We are eating all of the wheat filled things in the cupboard yet.  I am not planning to make up all of the desert mixes.  I will save those for events that I go to until they are gone. 

We are though finishing up all of the things like wheat pasta, mac and cheese and other things that I have been weeding out as they are just not things that we should be eating anyway. 

In fact I ate mac and cheese, an all time favorite comfort food of mine.  I was miserable so thought it would be a good day to have it, that it might make me feel all warm and fuzzy…  NOPE….

I think the last box may end up being donated.  As for the first time in my life I didn’t even really want it.  SO WIERD!  I guess I am changing!

So the food pantry will be getting that box!  Someone will love it!  I will probably toss in a few other wheaty things to join it on the trip a whole two blocks away! 

For now it is time to go.  I have fingers and arms that are cramping up.  I have worked through it so far, but I am afraid, the serious pain is starting to set in and I will have to set and stretch out my flanges for the night and let them rest.

Good Night All, one down and more to go!

Pink Doberman

 

 

Dry weather brings dry skin!  One of the things that is the most important to personal comfort is keeping your skin in good order