Saturday, December 31, 2011

Progress of New Years Resolutions of 2011

I apologize, I was on a roll writing every day but then the next day I had a very busy day with My BabyGirl and then date night with my Hubby. The next post will be about Las Vegas again I promise.

It's New Years Eve of 2012. Where did the year go?  I was just getting used to writing 2011!

I want to wish everyone a Happy  Safe New Years Eve! If you drink tonight please don't drive. In my city some towing companies are giving free rides and tows to those who are not able to drive because of drinking. I think its an awesome idea.

I was reading my last years resolutions and I have realized I have failed miserably. I used to only give one resolution but I had came up with 10. What the hell was I thinking?

However, I can say that some of the most important ones I have accomplished.

I talk to BabyGirl more as we have our mother/daughter days which I treasure.

I have stayed in touch with my aunts and uncles a little more since we go to the monthly suppers.

I did get a newer car so my car problems may be in the past, hopefully
I have my pics and important papers more organized.

Thankfully, I did get my hospital bills down, however I have more. My life story.

I failed to gain weight but it is not my whole fault as I found out with my new diagnosis  It is one of the symptoms. I have faith that eventually I will get to 100 lbs after my blood values become stable with my meds.

I couldn't chat with Jeff or any of my friends as much because my computer is slow or freezes. Maybe I can fix that this year.

I have had my ex get to me once in a while but its solely because I hate it when it affects our daughter. I have resolved for my own sanity that he will do stuff that reminds me why I divorced him but I just have to let it go. I can't change him. Unfortunately, for him, he will lose, if he hasn't already, a treasure he helped create. And that is so sad! For both he and our daughter.

As I look back at 2011, some things never changed. My health is back and forth as it has been all my life. More diagnosis and more meds. I will continue to have medical bills but its just my life.

However, in 2011 my life has changed for the better. I married the man I so love and adore. We are so happy.  My daughter and I have become closer and she takes time to be with me.

I have a wonderful family who is always there for me.

And last but not least I have all my friends who have touched my life in one way or another. In real life and online. I cherish all my fellow bloggers and Facebook friends who share their lives and allows me to share mine with them. 

I wish everyone a Safe and Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Vegas: This and That

1. The Food is OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive. I know  where we were was a tourist attraction and food will be higher but it was ridiculous.

The first day we asked a security guard for directions to a  Denny's as we had seen one on our way in but we couldn't remember which direction. He said it was too too far to walk. However the last day we were coming from I can't remember where and  accidentally found the Denny's we had seen 2 blocks the opposite way the security officer said there was one. DUH!
 
We ate mostly in our  hotel restaurant or 'next door' at Harrah's.  It was the easiest and closest. We didn't want to use the bus for the reasons mentioned in my last post.

There were brochures and signs that gave you 'deals' but we soon found out it was NO deal.

The first  morning we ate at the hotel restaurant  Hash House A Go Go and it cost us 40 bucks for breakfast. It was delicious but not worth 40 bucks.

We did find a Subway! Their meal deals were more expensive of course.

The night we went see Carrot Top, which was ridiculously funny and entertaining, we had 1/2 off tickets to the Range Restaurant which was one of the classy restaurants. As we waited and looked at the menu posted outside, there were many of us thinking the same thing. I saw couples whispering to each other as we were as they looked at the menu in the window and a few even left.

MyLove had A rib with veggies and I had a baked potato and salad and it cost us almost $80. I told MyHubby we could eat at Logan's for much less.

However, the waiter was a very handsome middle aged gentleman who was very attentive and made conversation. When he learned we went to Vegas to get married,  he brought us free dessert. That chocolate brownie was so damn good!

If you go to Vegas. Beware:the 1/2 off tickets and for dinner/show are rip offs. You have to eat like a horse to buy  the buffet of all buffets. Also, it was at various resturants which meant we had to get transportation again.  It was not worthwhile for us. That is just my opinion.

2.  There is a reason why they have these "Package Deals". We bought  the hotel/airfare/wedding as a deal. You get what you pay for. The hotel was the oldest on the strip. The shower was a strip of tile with a curtain with mold ingrained in the crevices. The ice bucket was like a large margarine tub. The carpet in the halls needed to be changed.There was no microwave or refrigerator. Our view was the roof.. If you wanted Wi-Fi, you had to pay for it. The TV was ancient. (But yet they had six new flat screen TVS outside the sports bar plus many in the sports bar itself.

The airline had started a promotion of a direct flight from here to Vegas. Our flights were late.  We didn't get to our hotel until Friday morning at 3 am (Our flight was scheduled at 7:30) We didn't get in the air until past 10 pm. .We were an hour late coming home because one flight was cancelled as a plane needed repair so they were bringing two flights. I feel for the people who were going to Texas. As they had to ride with us, wait for others to board and then head to their destination.

At least the wedding was much better than expected! We couldn't have asked for better except for the photographer. When we got home and really saw the pictures, we realized the top of MyHubby's head was cut off!

3.Half-off prices on show tickets are BS. If you find them let me know for in case we go back (Which is highly unlikely) We saw 3 different prices in 3 different flyers for the same show. .We got to ticket box office and it was not half price of any of the prices we had seen. So call the actual place to get the correct price. DO NOT RELY ON WHAT YOU SEE IN THE BROCHURES!

4.There are all kinds of people in Vegas for sure. I felt sorry for the homeless although I suspect most of them were not homeless. Amazes me what people will do to get money.

If you walk down the street during the day, there are crowds but go at night and it is absolutely crazy!

I had to laugh at some impersonators.The first 'homeless person' I saw was when we walked up the sidewalk the first night. He was dressed in a Sylvester costume sitting on the concrete with a jar in front of him.

The Elvis impersonators on the street were pretty cool. When they say," What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," thank God for some people! There were some spectacles out there. My mouth must have stayed opened like a bird. I don't consider myself sheltered . BUT WOW! The clothes some people wear (or not). I loved watching the drunk women dressed in tight skirts walk on 2" heels or should I say stumble?. MyHubby kept saying, "Geezus, you saw that?"  No Honey I didn't. I was too busy trying to get where we were going!

Once he said there was this chick with a tight dress with fake boobs. He saw the whole boob except for the nipple. I asked him what he was looking there for?. He said, "You can't help but look." I beg to differ but I gave him slack. He married me and he can look but don't touch :).

5. The buildings and lights are even bigger and more glamorous in real life. It was absolutely beautiful at night.

6. If you like gambling, drinking and partying then Vegas is for you. I had wanted to pay blackjack but there was nothing less than $5 buck a hand. So that was scratched. I couldn't see losing 5 bucks. Yea! I know! I am not a gambler in reality! It was a bummer!

7. As in my last post, a lot of walking is involved anywhere you go. From the front desk to the elevators was even a long trek. We had gotten a room 'by the elevator". Lets just say I would hate to see the room away from the elevator.

 8. It is so easy to get lost, even if you follow directions or follow signs. It does not mean it is that direction just around the corner. Thank God I was not by myself.

For the most part, MyHubby was able to remember certain things to bring us back eventually. However, there were times when we got completely lost. We learned that some employees don't know jack squat either!

We were coming back from the Carrot Top Show trying to get to the Monorail. We walked into a hotel and followed the arrow.  However when we got to a loop, it seemed like the we had missed it as their was no further directions. It seemed we were going in circles!

When you try to get your bearings and there are so many people walking around you etc it is hard to figure where you had come from. We asked employees along the way and they say, "Oh its just right there pointing in a direction". Somehow we got into the middle of a bar (MyHubby swore we had passed through it) that had this band!  It was LOUD with drunk wall to wall people. I mean people were packed like sardines in a can.

I figured out fast, the only way to get through was PUSH yourself through. MyLove and I were holding hands so we wouldn't lose each other.

I took the lead as he tended to stop for people to pass by. Yes, he is that polite but hhe also knows I can become off balance by just a nudge. However, I wanted to get out of there and I had seen a big dude pushing through.  I pulled MyLove and started following him! He cleared our path unknowingly! YEA!

We look at it this way. We went to Vegas to get married. We got married and the ceremony was more than expected. Although Vegas was not our cup of tea we accomplished what we went there for. We did have fun! It was just not what we expected!

My next post will be about the Entertainment. Stay tuned!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Vegas--Transportation

Sorry for those who get this twice but I thought I had proofread and after I published I saw the errors.

The Vegas trip MyHubby and I went on  earlier on this month made me realize how different someone's view of distance is so different from mine . As we planned the trip, I did take into account that walking would be involved to get from Point A to Point B. Our hotel was on The Strip so we figured once we got to the hotel we would be okay.as long as I had my inhalers, go at my pace with a mini-rest.in-between.

I studied the map beforehand and everything just seemed to be close to each other. However, when we arrived, it was a total different story. The casinos/hotels took one or two blocks, or so it seemed and the 'blocks' were a helluva lot longer than I am used to.

The very same morning we arrived we stopped at the Concierge desk at 9 am. Because of the airline delay we didn't get to our hotel until 3 am but managed to get a couple of hours of sleep.  We had to go to the County Courthouse for the marriage license and the costume place which looked like it was right outside The Strip area. I was so wrong.

It was a brutal windy cold day as well. Some of the locals we met along our journey mentioned it was unseasonably cold. I thought NO crappola!

A friend of mine had advised to use a cab wherever we wanted to go. However, when we finally arrived at the airport, the observant man MyHubby is, noticed the prices posted on the cabs. There were seemingly hundreds of cabs and limos offering a ride. Thankfully, we had a free shuttle to the hotel.

We went to the Concierge who advised us to use the Transit Bus at $7 a day vs a cab fare of $39 one way. The Concierge told us that the bus stop would drop us off about 2 blocks from where we needed to go get our marriage license.  Also, she informed us we had  to get off the first bus and transfer to a second bus to get there. Her two blocks seemed like a 2 mile hike uphill for me. I knew at that moment this was going to be a LONG day.

When we walked back to the bus stop after getting our marriage license,we waited miserably in the cold for about 20 minutes until it arrived. I was assuming MyHubby knew where we were going. So I just followed. As we were on the bus, I was looking at the map looking for our next stop. After a few stops and noticing we were on the outskirts of town we asked the bus driver if we were on the right bus. He informed us that we had taken the wrong route. However, he was almost finished the route we were on the. He would be driving the route we needed so to just stay on. It was the easiest way. So we did. I guess you can say we took a 2-hour tour of the surrounding area. Loved the mountains far away!

At the stop he told us us we needed to transfer to another bus to take us near where we needed to go for the costume shop. Well he didn't say it was at a different bus stop. We waited.  My feet were hurting, I was cold and  worried the costume shop was going to close before we got there.

MyHubby needed to keep reminding me it got dark earlier in Vegas..It was only 4 pm and it looked like it was 6 pm at home so I was thinking it was later than it actually was.

We kept looking at the bus route map discussing where we thought we were and and what bus we needed. We knew it should arrive within 15 minutes. However, we waited and waited. We saw buses come and go. We finally  noticed another bus stop on another street crossing where we were. Well as MyHubby  saw the bus  at the other stop it dawned on him that we had to be at THAT bus stop. Those buses have a route and if they are on time, they drop off, pick up and go. We had to walk a block crossing a crazily busy street. As we rushed,  THAT bus left us behind unknowing that we were half running to get there. Luckily when we got there another bus came shortly thereafter. WHEW! We got on and made it to the Costume Shop finally 4 hours after we got on the first bus when we had started the journey.

At the Costume shop, God presented us with an Angel who knew the bus system and told us exactly which bus to take to get back nearest to the hotel. We finally got back to the hotel around 7 pm.

For some reason earlier when I stepped down from the bus to walk to the Courthouse, my pin in my hip started hurting like hell right through my knee. I theorize that when I was standing on the bus for a while with it moving  I must have shifted my body to keep my balance which in turned caused my pin to lock. As I walked it got better. My feet were swollen and I got cramps so bad that night. I was exhausted.

But I do think it was so cool how the city bus was prepared for the wheelchairs/scooters. They ride up the ramp and there is this contraption on the floor that they roll in and the DRIVER happily locks the wheels.

I told MyHubby next time we did this sorta thing we needed to ask about how a disabled person can get around easier and cost efficient. Or be resigned to pay the 40 bucks cab fare if there seems to be more walking involved.
 
 I had noticed many people on scooters throughout our stay but never thought anything of it. But of course, on the last day of our trip I really took notice of a man. I  remembered seeing him a few times walking but this time he was on a scooter. The scooter had an ad on its basket, RENT ME. That would have been so in handy during my stay.

I told MyHubby that night as we were getting ready to sleep, we spent the first day waiting and walking for the most!

Stay tuned for my next post!
























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Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas

I trust everyone has survived Christmas and doing well. Besides being busy My Christmas was nice. It is always nice being with family!

As explained in last post, Christmas Eve, we spend the day with his family. It was sorta chaotic in my opinion. But there were at least 50 people there including Hubby's brother's wife's family and  and Hubby's family. There was so much food! I did not know most of the people. I had seen a few at my brother in law's Superbowl party.  It was a huge family compared to mine.

Oh! Wow that is the first time I have used brother-in-law! LOL! Yea we are still getting used to the idea that we are married!


We went to the Memorial Service at the local Veteran Memorial Park. I have to say every year I have enjoyed it. The Memorial Service is mainly for those families who have lost a loved one during the year. But MyHubby's family has been going I think since his father passed away. I guess you can say it is a tradition of theirs.  There is an  late 20/early 3O something African American about 5'8" 200+ lbs. that sings out of the world with no music. HE is the music! He sings at several services we have gone to that has to do with the Veterans. The first time I head him sing, the hair on my arms raised and my spine tingled. I just can't describe it. You have to hear him!

After the service we picked up BabyGirl to sleep over. I so enjoy having her here. We don't do much but its just us being together I enjoy.

Christmas afternoon we went to my sister's. My great-nephew was the center of attention. He is so adorable.

My sister's soup was delicious and I enjoyed visiting with everyone. We played Dirty Santa. I ended up with an Anti steam Oven Glove that I so can use! But it seemed after I ate dessert, Mom's awesome HEALTHY banana pudding, I got the "Have enough" syndrome. We stayed for a little longer than we left.

We stopped by BabyGirl's girlfriend's place to give her Christmas gift. We visited with her family for a short while then we dropped BabyGirl at her apartment and we returned home.

I told MyHubby it was nice to be with family but it was time to get back to "normal' life, whatever that should be.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Happ Birthday Jesus!

I want to wish everyone a Safe and  Joyful Merry Christmas!

It seems everyone has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas.  It is Jesus' birthday. We should be celebrating his birth and life! We should be singing carols and praying!

However, it seems people forget. They are running around to get the right gift or planning and cooking the meal. Most of us have two families so we have to split ourselves between them.

Through the years it has become less stressful because My Family has done away with gift giving for the most part. We only give to family members 25 and under. We had agreed to this  because things were just getting too expensive and our family started growing. The 25 mark was because the oldest grandchild of my parents was 25 at the time and we didn't want the younger ones feel they were slighted. . As I think about it, I grin to myself, were we serious? I guess we were. But it sorta crazy! MyHubby's family continues to gift give and that's okay as his is not as big as mine.

We have gone from serving big meals to smaller meals. Nearly everyone has a diet restriction and we always overate. This year my sister is cooking a soup, mom is bringing the desert and I am bringing the utensils and plates etc.  His Family refuses any offer to bring something.

MyHubby and I didn't put up a tree or put decorations. When we look at each other and ask, "Do you feel like it" and we respond, "What do you want to do?" Why bother?  One of these days we will invest in a Nativity Scene!

I had refused to think of Christmas until we returned from Vegas. When I returned I lucked out and found what I wanted to get for BabyGirl.  She and I went shopping for my great nephews and niece. I bought theirs. My Hubby and I exchanged gifts the first year we were together but we did away with it.

In my head after I bought BabyGirl's gift I kept trying to come up with stocking stuffers. One day it came to me, why am I worrying about stocking stuffers when she does not even live here and she is not a child anymore?

We will be with MyHubby's family today. Then will go to the Christmas Memorial Service. After we will pick up BabyGirl and enjoy her presence for the evening. Tomorrow we will be at MyFamily's.

I will enjoy seeing our families and spending time with them. I will also be thinking of the true meaning of the season!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Just When My Life Was Moving Along Happily

I keep meaning to write, actually I have drafts and just can't seem to finish them. I wanted to write all about my Vegas trip and just not in the mood.

It seems every time I am happy and things seem to be going right, something goes wrong. I thought 2012 was going to be so much better. Afterall, I got married to MyLove, we have new cars not to worry about, my health issues can be stabilized if I am a good patient  etc.

However, I was hit with something so unexpected. BabyGirl told me that she is planning on moving 100 miles away to her girlfriend's parents home in May. She has been transferring her college and work to there. She was going to tell me before I left for my trip but she didn't want to ruin my trip.

I have cried so much. I am not quite understanding why.. At first, it was that I felt like she was leaving me again. As days passed I have been able to think. Still have not pinpointed my emotions.

I know it is rough for her financially and stress. But she has options, move in with me, move in her dad, stay at the dorm etc. But she is moving  in with her girlfriend's FAMILY.  I think if she would have said her and her girlfriend was finding a place and moving in togehter, I think I would have been able to swallow it better. But to move in with her girlfriend's family? Geez. 

If I lived with my parents I I would have not even thought about asking them if my boyfriend could move in. They would have thought I was crazy! And if Babygirl was living here and she would have asked if her girlfriend could have moved in, I would have thought her crazy.

Her reasoning for moving shows how she is still immature in so many ways. I understand they had not been able to see each other and all that love stuff but dammit her focus should be on COLLEGE. She is only 19. Her opportunities are endless here, she just needs to grab it. The college she will be transferring to is not as good for the major she is working towards. She loses her scholarhip. She says she can get others and grants.

We all want the BEST for our kids. I know I raised her right and she is going to do what she wants. As the days go by I keep coming up with reasons why she should not make that mistake. But I've written her a letter and she knows where I stand.

I have been asking myself, what could I have done better. I have this unrational feeling of blaming myself..

Ever since I have left her father, she has not had her feet planted on the ground. She left me and moved to her dad's a few years later and as soon as she got there, she counted the days to get out of there. When she finally moved out, it was into an apartment for a semester with a roommate she didn't know well.. Then she again moved to another apartment with a different room mate. Now she is moving 100 miles away.

It's a pattern, she doesn't like something, she moves.without even thinking of the people around her involved. I don't mean just me.

I know I can't stop her. I know she is making a mistake and has to learn from it. I know it is her choice.

I am beginning to resent her girlfriend. I love her and accepted this relationship. However, I have to wonder who initiated this "BRIGHT" idea. I always considered her girlfriend a little more mature and responsible but I have to admit, that consideration is going down the tubes rapidly. I know it is unfair because in the end it is Babygirl's decision.
  
I started thinking about love and relationships. Here is something I came up with. 

If YOU really love someone, you want the very BEST for him/her You will do anything for them even if it is meant to put your heart on hold. You sacrifice when you know it is best for your loved one. You support them in what is BEST for YOUR loved one, NOT yourself. There are long distance relationships that thrive.  After your loved one has the opportunity to do what is BEST for them, if it is meant to be, it will be. Prove that you really love that person by allowing them to take that opportunity, even if if it hurts. Realize when your loved one accomplishes their goal with your support, it could make the love you have stronger.


Does this make any sense at all? Or am I just babbling?


I've cried and thought about this so much I am tired of thinking about it.

 


Thursday, December 15, 2011

Introducing Mr and Mrs ...

We have been back for a week now. Everything went well with the wedding and and we are now Mr and Mrs Q!

While we were in Vegas, as everywhere else, there were sick people all around us with coughing, sniffles etc. And of course we both had to catch it. Hence, the delay in my posting.

Anyway, I once again want to thank AdventureTiger and The Path Traveled for their awesome posts. If you missed them you can find AdventureTiger's post here and The Path Traveled here. I will most definitely comment more thoroughly on each in the near future.

If you are at all interested in watching the video of our wedding you can see it on the Mon Bel Ami. It will remain up for a month from our wedding date. To your right when you get to the
home page there is a list to the right, click Wedding Videos and then click next until you get to Quebedeaux 12-3-11. It's about 9 minutes.If you want to see the pictures you can go to my Facebook pictures.

I actually hate seeing myself on camera or in pictures for reasons I won't address at this time. Be forewarned our wedding attire wasn't tradition. We decided the least expensive way was to wear costumes and we wanted to have some fun with it He was a Tavern Man and I was the Maiden.





We did not know what to expect having a Vegas Style Wedding. Our intentions were to seal our love legally with each other. We couldn't have asked for anything better!. From the  Limo Driver to the last person who walked us out of the Mon Bel Ami Chapel, the entire staff was wonderful.

I will post more in detail in future posts. I just wanted to let my wonderful faithful followers know everything went as planned. I have no idea how I am going to catch up with reading my followers blogs but I am trying. If something is pressing you think I will miss please email me at bellelady1981@yahoo.com

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Guest Post-An Eye Opening View of My Life by Someone Else

More than ten years ago, I met an energetic extraverted girl who raised her hand in class. “I go to dance class with Meghan, Hannah’s cousin,” she said, looking at me with a smile. Indeed, she did. I knew that because my mom told me that one day before school. However, just that small moment brought me together with Babygirl. We were best friends for a long time, and we still are at heart, I believe that with all my might. We may be separated by a large basin, but we still talk through social networks and keep up with each other through messages.

Babygirl and I had tons of sleepovers in the tiny trailer owned by her family. While I don’t remember the first time I met Ms. Lisa, I do remember thinking she was odd. My little kindergarten eyes looked at her curiously. Her knees were always bent. Didn’t it hurt walking like that? I thought. She was short for a full grown woman, too. Maybe she had an accident, I told myself. Maybe she was born like that. No one explained it to me. Ms. Lisa just was what she was. Her voice sounded different from anyone else’s, too. Sometimes, she didn’t pronounce words all the way. It sounded like she had a lisp that didn’t connect some of the consonant sounds. My ears tilted in her direction. What did she mean? But after spending lots of time with Babygirl and Ms. Lisa, Ms. Lisa’s voice and walking style became absolutely normal. Their home became a second one to me. We ate croutons, Doritos, and cheese out the can. Lots of nights were spent before the TV, game controllers in hand with the stereo system blaring noises from pocket monsters crying out.
We rode in the car a lot with Ms. Lisa who had good control over the car despite her bent knees. Babygirl and I traveled with her to her work as a nurse. Sometimes we’d stay in the car and search for Pokemon in the clouds. Other times, we climbed up the stairs with Ms. Lisa to drop off paperwork. We climbed the stairs quickly, but also waited for Ms. Lisa before entering the door. I don’t remember ever running from Ms. Lisa, but Babygirl and I did walk more quickly than Ms. Lisa. Sometimes she called out for us to stop and wait. We usually did wait for her. The only time I can remember running was when Babygirl came tumulting from the living room. Her father had yelled at her again. I don’t remember him being particularly abusive, but I remember he had a huge impact on Babygirl. He yelled at her for multiple reasons, most of which I can’t remember. I can only remember her sobbing, slamming her door, and wanting to be alone for a while. I’d sit there unsure of what to do. Most of the time, I’d set up the next game we planned to play or just move the mouse around on the computer, playing the Putt- Putt car game or the sea game. We created many balls with a strobe light and music, where we danced with Ron and Harry until she grew out of her Harry Potter crush and I didn’t find Ron attractive anymore.
Ms. Lisa and Babygirl fought a lot, too, but in a different manner. Ms. Lisa tried to give Babygirl lots of kisses, but Babygirl would run away. They fought over the computer game sometimes, both trying to play the same game and beat the level first. Babygirl attempted to steal food and run away without getting caught. A lot of laughter came from these mini-wars. Their relationship seemed more like casual friends than my relationship with my mom. I didn’t understand how Babygirl could fight her mother for anything, even a game. I surely would have been fused at or my mom would have asked, “Why are you fighting me? Don’t you love me?” Still, these fights with laughter were the ways Babygirl and Ms. Lisa bonded.  They couldn’t bond with physical activities. No offense, Ms. Lisa, but seeing you do karate would probably make a lot of people laugh, including Babygirl. Imaging you breaking a piece of wood by kicking it is an interesting sight. Ms. Lisa’s limited mobility might have prevented Babygirl and Ms. Lisa from exercising together and from sharing sports, but they still connected in a bond I’m not sure I understand.
I have a “I only call on Sundays unless I need something” rule with my parents. I’ve kept this rule in place for the past five years since I left for a residential high school. It’s worked well for me although my mom complains and says I should call more. I live an hour and a half away from home right now, and I usually never come home except for the occasional break. I’m partly ok with this, except for the fact that I miss my hometown, dislike Baton Rouge’s traffic, and do miss my family (including pets). Regardless, I don’t spend mother-daughter days with my mom, and spending those days with my mom would be awkward. I have no idea what we would do, especially considering I’m always up to something for school or always have some interest I want to pursue. My family has accepted these pursuits and has just let me go discover the answers I want. I guess I don’t make enough time for my family, really, and I’m probably really a horrible daughter for saying this, but I’m ok with the time I spend with my family although it isn’t a lot. One day I hope I can return to my hometown and raise a new family with my family, but I guess I’ll have to see where my job searching takes me.
 However, from reading Ms. Lisa’s blog, those mother-daughter days seem to do a lot for both Ms. Lisa and Babygirl. They keep each other in-check. I’ve seen it happen in real life. Ms. Lisa used to warn Babygirl not to talk back to people, just let it go, especially when the neighborhood kids try to start a mess. It seems Babygirl is now doing the same for Ms. Lisa. From what I can tell, their bond has grown stronger and they rely on each other for multiple reasons.
I’ll admit I haven’t been around Ms. Lisa and Babygirl too much for the past many years. Just thinking of them going through a rough time makes water droplets swell in my eyes (LIKE NOW! STOP EYES JUST STOP!). Babygirl and her depression…I didn’t even know…I can definitely tell she changed, but I wasn’t around to see it. She’s become more reserved yet still has outlandish ideas around her friends. We went to different middle schools, and then different high schools. I flew away to Natchitoches and left everyone at home. When I heard about the divorce, I couldn’t believe it. I kept telling myself it didn’t actually happen. It was just temporary. They would work things out. They were a family, a part of my extended family, too. It wasn’t until Babygirl bluntly said it and I slept over a few times at Ms. Lisa apartment that I realized it was really true. Even though I wished it would get better, it didn’t get better in the way I wished. It became better in a different way, a way that is working well, despite Ms. Lisa’s crazy banking and medicine catastrophes. I hope it continues this way and it gets even better. Hopefully, I’ll still be a part of their lives and get to see their successes and happiness through whatever challenges come their way. And one day, I hope I can go on one of their adventures, too. Until then, stay well Babygirl and Ms. Lisa. ^_^      http://tigerunie.blogspot.com/

Saturday, December 3, 2011

A New Beginning

As you read this, if all went well, MyLove and I are getting married...at this very moment..Vegas style! Only a few people know. Sorry I lied to some of you but it is the way we wanted it

Although we know this a serious time of our lives, we wanted to do it differently. We have both been married before.  We've been together for a little over four years. We kept talking about it and putting it on the backburner. We were okay with the way it was.

We did  research and had many discussions of how, when and where. Our church won't marry us because we need to dissolve our previous marriages through them and for personal reasons we refuse to. I will take the matter to my maker when it is time.

We didn't want a big hurrah. We didn't want to go through the headacheis a wedding can bring.  It just happened that Allegiant started advertising a nonstop trip from here to Las Vegas. MyLove had some vacation time to take so we went to a travel agent and voila! It was on!

 I will call Mom and Dad in the morning. I hope I catch my sister with them too. MyLove and I will inform his mother when we get home unless he decides to call her before. I know my family will be excited. They know MyLove is a good man who will always be there for me as he has in the past four years. Not sure what his family will think.

Regardless what people think of the way we went about it, is the way WE wanted it. WE are happy together. We love each other. We will support, honor and love each other until death do us part.

So here you are...introducing Mr and Mrs Q!!!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Guest Post-Path Traveled-Unfinished Books on the Shelf

Unfinished Books on the shelve

book
Just like all my early morning walks, It gives me time to think, meditate, and reflect. As I am walking this morning, my mind is constantly playing today's thoughts in my head, over and over. I imagine these thoughts like dusty shelves in our brain full of unfinished books that we are reading. We all have them, those unfinished books! There are so many with as many titles as if in a book store.

There are fiction, Romance novels, mysteries, folk, science fiction, fashion, health, spiritual, Cooking, business, and so many more. Our library collections are endless on these shelves. A library is a collection of sources, resources, and services, and the structure in which it is housed; it is organized for use and maintained by a public body, that's us! In the more traditional sense, a library is a collection of books. It can mean the collection, the place that houses such a collection, such as the one in our minds.

I reach in and take a book off my shelve, as I’m walking, and I begin to read it. I have pulled a very spiritual book off the shelve and I continue to read several pages. I love these books. They have such great titles! "Life's Blessing", “ "The Peaceful Place", “ Bless the Little Children”, “Forgiveness from Above”, and “Where the Path Leads”. I then replace the book with another on the shelve. I continue walking, and as I read, my heart beats faster, my footing is unbalanced and I lose focus of the walk. I have pulled a science fiction from the shelve without realizing the effect of how scary they are. You know the titles…” Heartbreak in the Home”, "Life's Lessons", “How Family can Hurt you”, “ The curse of the Toung” , and “The unforgiving “. I put that book back as I shiver and feel sadden at the sight of those books on my shelve.

I walk a little further, regaining a steady pace. I pull another book off my shelve. It’s a nutritional book. Lets see…"NutriMirror” , "Balanced Days Balanced Lives", I love this one! I read it everyday! This book is always on my shelve. It is the one that keeps me walking, surviving, healthy, "Focused on aging and Life". I replace it with a cook book. I know you have some of those with the same titles I have on my shelve. “ What’s for Dinner “, "M.O.M.'s recipes", “Dining in or out”.

As I get closer to home on today's walk, I reach in for one more book. It’s a Romance Novel. I love these, don't you? I have a lot of them…” The Love of my life”, "Just the two of Us", “Dancing in the Moonlight”, “ Together till we die”.

My shelve has so many more books. Some are read over and over in my mind each day. Some have collected dust from not  ever opening again. Some make me cry and some make me laugh. There are books that are new, worn-out, replaced, and even fall off the shelve to places unknown. I cant imagine life without all my books because they keep me entertained, focused on life's path, informed and up to date, and most of all…….Reading as I walk!

October 1, 2010
This morning I had to pull out another book while on my morning walk. My Medical Book. I read a lot of pages as they flipped one from another. I read the story’s of so many suffering from Cancer but my book wasn’t showing a cure. Do I have the wrong book? Where is the cure for those that are ill, sick, and dying? I keep walking this morning and as I replace that medical book on my shelve not knowing the ending, I am reminded to pull off the shelve another book. I reach in and pull out that old Bible, dust it off. There I find peacefulness as I walk. There I see no more suffering, no sickness, NO Cancer.

June 6, 2011
  As I stepped out of the house in the early morning daylight this morning, I was over whelmed with the sounds. It was unusually loud and all at once, echoing every where. The birds were singing and chirping, and cooing all around me. I heard a Whip-O-Will in the trees by the house and a Wood pecker hammering on the pine tree across the road. I heard the Crows cawing to each other as they saw me step out, alerting one after another. I heard the Mocking birds imitating the other birds over and over repeating them selves. I heard the baby Finch peeping as they sat on the branches near the swing. I heard sounds of others, unsure of what they were, but still I could hear the different calls.
 
The sounds all around at once were like a sympathy that God was conducting as if just for me to hear as I walked and ran this morning. I thought about those unfinished books I always have on my shelve and I knew I had to add this one to my collection. Its the book of "Music". It doesn't have lyrics, only the sweet music notes written across the pages. It doesn't have Titles, or page numbers, but it does have an author....GOD 

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Lost In Space

I am in what seems to be a high school auditorium watching Martial Arts competitions. We are all in shiny knight's armor. It seems there are teams represented by the colors of white, red and blue. Looming above there are ominous white skulls with black holes instead of the eyes. They look like the aliens on Lost In Space.

The people are my BabyGirl's former karate friends, their instructors and strangers. The crowd is applauding and shouting encouragements to those in competition. I look around and see a baby in a carrier on a nearby table. I walk towards it and as I near it I see it. It looks like Dobby, the house elf in Harry Potter with its long pointed nose and huge pointed ears. I start talking softly to it and it whispers something. I don't understand. A voice hisses,"It needs a bottle." I look around seeing no one. I look back at the baby and spot the bottle behind the carrier. It is as big and shaped as a rocket. It is filled with thick sandy colored liquid. I pick up the life-size bottle and place the nipple in its mouth and it starts sucking.

In the interim, Sensei R comes and tells our team, we won and we each get $300. I am excited! I think I can do great things with this money. He hands each of us our checks in a large brown envelope. I see the check is written in my name. Seconds later, as I am putting it in my armor's pocket, a skull smaller than the others as if it is a child, tells me he needs to take them all back. I protest!  No! I need this money!

I glance towards the Baby and it is miraculously rapidly growing into a beautiful angelic blond child by the second! The story of The Ugly Duckling comes to mind.

I start hearing odd screeching noises followed by screams of terror. I see chaos as I turn. People are  running aimlessly  like a stampede of bulls. As the skulls soar through the air they are rapidly throwing double size adapter-like devices with attached cords. The devices are being thrown as if they are ropes cowboys throw in rodeos. The device lands and explodes seconds later! People within 5 feet of the explosion vanishes into thin air! The evil skulls multiple and the humans are unsuccessfully trying to fight back with sabers and guns.

I frantically look around me trying to figure out what to do. A skull spots me. I start to run. As my legs move I feel the cord slam into my back then twists around my body. I am trapped! I try to untangle myself from the cord. Whoosh...I finally wake up the last time from this dream.


******************


It's been a while since I've written about my dreams. I haven't been remembering many. But last night I kept waking up during this dream. I hate dreams like this one!
___________________________________

I fall back to sleep. BabyGirl and I sitting at a conference table with our pulmonologist, Dr. H. Dr. H is a soft gentle doctor who has taken care of the both of us for several years. Of course, BabyGirl is about 6 or 7 years old. It never fails that she is younger when I dream about her.  She has the same sassy animated attitude in my dream as she had when she was that age in real life.

Dr H: Do you use the inhaler I gave you?
BabyGirl: No!
Dr. H. Why not?
BabyGirl in her girlish high tone sarcasm voice: "Well I don't need it!!! Duh!!!"
Dr. H. bursts out laughing. He has this uncharacteristic boisterous laugh as he slaps the table.

I interrupt this nonsense and ask him if he could refill mine. Dr H continues to laugh.

I wake up!

__________________

My Analysis:

BabyGirl and Dr. H: I wonder why I always dream of BabyGirl younger than she is. Maybe I subconsciously wish she was young again so I can do things differently?


I am bringing her to see him this week and do need to ask him for a refill of my inhalers so that dream makes sense.

Skull Dream: I watched Lost in Space last night and the very same aliens were in my dream. The 300 bucks, have no clue..I always can use money. The Dobby Baby I have no clue.
*****************************************
Reminder:
Guest Post spots are still opened! Just email me at

bellelady1981@yahoo.com and I'll let you know when to look for it!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Thanksgiving-5 days til Vegas

Yes, it is coming fast! I am so excited. I have two responses to my request for Guest Posts while I am gone. I have 5 more fill ins if anyone should want to submit one. It can be about anything your little heart desires! Thanks to the two who have submitted!

I've been fighting whatever everyone else is fighting, nasal congestion and feel blah! You know how you are not sick but just feel icky? That's me!

I hope everyone had a safe and nice Thanksgiving as we did. I decided to play nice and had my time with BabyGirl so she could go to her dad's on Thanksgiving Day.  MyLove and I went to his family for Thanksgiving.It was really nice.

Before I met MyLove, there was a time when I dreaded holidays. I had to share BabyGirl with her dad. It is the worse kind of feeling to have a holiday gathering with someone missing. We shared fairly.  My sister would go to her in-laws that left Mom and Dad and I. Mom cooked once. One time we went eat a resturant. I know they did it for me so I wouldn't be alone.

When MyLove came along, things just changed. Mom and Dad was relieved of the feeling of having to do something for us. I know they never felt that way! They had an idea how hard it was for me to be alone so they attempted to fill the void and they succeeded.

MyLove and I's relationship is the first relationship I've had  to think about his family. My ex had no family so I didn't have to worry about juggling schedules to see everyone. Luckily, it all came into place and has done so since we have been together.

Stay tuned for my Guest Posts starting Dec 2nd.

Although I do plan on blogging throughout the month I want to wish everyone  a Merry Christmas and Safe Holidays. Drive defensively! Don't drink and drive!

Monday, November 21, 2011

New Car

If you having been following my blog, you know I've had many problems with my Saturn. MyLove also had trouble with his 20 year old car but he bought him another used car this past summer. At one point, we were talking about buying two cars as mine was 10 years old and costing lots of money. 

He kept asking me what kind of car I would want. I told him at this point, anything that just gets me where I wanted to go but it had to be automatically. I have no clue about what is the best car and even what was out there.

A week after he bought his new car, he had problems with it and was not happy. He continued to look at cars online. I assume from what he said he was looking to see if he could find him a better deal.  He would see a few cars and point them out to me and I would say cool or some other comment.

.My Saturn's warning lights had been going on and it drove rough.. My bearings absolutely needed to be changed but I just kept praying it would last longer. I have no means to buy a car nor finance one.

Thursday, he told me he wanted to go look at some cars the next day and see if he can find a good deal.I told him he had to go alone because I had plans with BabyGirl. When I returned that afternoon, he asked if I wanted to go see two cars. He had talked to the salesman at the dealership and test drove them but I needed to go see which one I would rather.

I was surprised and asked him why me. He said because it was going to be my car. We knew alot of things had to be done to the  car. It will also help him with his credit history. I was like OMG I am going to get a car that I can get in and not have to hope it starts or doesn't strand me!

I'll spare you the details of negotiating with the salesman and the nitty gritty of it all.  I hate buying a car because of all the BS salespeople give you. The dealership we went to is a very reputable company around here. I dealt with them LONG time ago with my ex's truck and they left no good impression. They still don't but I don't think any dealership has or ever will make a good impression.

I test drove a 2006 Honda Civic first. It was so much smoother and bigger. I told MyLove I could get used to it. He and the salesman then suggested I try the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo. I had seen a car like it and heard of it but as I am with other cars, have no clue.

My butt hit the seat and it was like magic..It felt better. I test drove it and decided I wanted that one. MyLove figured I would want that one because it was smaller.  It's  the same blue as my Saturn was.This is not the picture of my actual car but its what it looks like.


It only has 30,000 miles on it, it has automatic locks which I will have to get used to and a sun/moon roof.

So now we should be on the road for a while without holding our breath that something is going on. We are grateful and thankful that the dealership was able to work with us.

I am so lucky to have MyLove! I thanked him more than once this weekend. He has no clue how that thoughtfulness has made my life just that much easier. Well, maybe he does. But it's hard to explain...


NOTE: There are still openings for GUEST Post. Email them to my yahoo address and I'll let you know when I schedule it and absolutely link it to your blog. I appreciate it. 

Saturday, November 19, 2011

PART 2-Altercation--I Stand Corrected!

My apologies to the ones I've left hanging waiting for the next post. I have been really busy and I will some day tell you about it.

Spots are still opened for GUEST POSTS while I am in Vegas. It can be about anything YOU want. You can email me the post at my yahoo address and I'll let you know when I schedule it to run between Dec 1st and Dec 8th. I really appreciate the two have already submitted.

Now onto my promised post.

If you missed my  last post it was my BabyGirl and I's day. She lives in an apartment complex.There parking lot on the north and south sides are like one lane alleys. The parking spaces are in the direction of the way you would be coming in. So logically, you would think the alley were one ways right?

I always enter on the South side as that is the way the parking spaces are by her apartment. There was also a ONE WAY SIGN on that side but none on North side. I assumed these alleys were one way because what idiot would come from the other way> They are so narrow it would be difficult to make a short turn to park, unless you backed into it.  Almost every time I go in or come out, some moron tries to come in or out the opposite direction. I think, "C'MON people, its common sense!" Right?

This particular day I was coming out and this white van was trying to cross the highway to come into the alley. I was trying to take a right but traffic was coming. The van was driven by a Bertha Butt woman transporting people to and from work..

Bertha Butt proceeds to try to cross and come into the parking lot..There was no where for her or I to go. A saturn-van stand-off began and we stare. I gestured my hands raised palms up looking at her saying "Where in the hell are you going?"

She proceeds to turn sharply into the next door's apartment and GETS OUT of her van. She is yelling  but I can't hear her so I roll down my window.  I remember vaguely BabyGIrl  saying MOM, don't. Just let it go."

I said, "NO, she is going the wrong way!" And I yell this to the woman.

She screamed profanity and I kept saying, "You are going the wrong way!'

We yelled back and forth. She starts threatening to beat my ass

She said, "I know I am going the wrong way, but raising your hands pissed me off bitch. I;d beat your ass."

I was getting ready to get out of my car as I was not going to let her intimidate me. BabyGirl was pleading, "Mom she is going to squish you!"

I started opening my door continuing to make my point, "YOU ARE GOING THE WRONG WAY!".

Bertha Butt got back in her car and I went along my way. As I was finally getting into traffic, I heard her peel out, honk her horn and call me BITCH again.

I wanted to go around to take her license plate down to call her supervisor but BabyGirl kept saying, "Calm down..No Mom. Just keep going."

I thought later, she knows how to diffuse me pretty good.

Anyway I always have wondered if it was a one way or not So I went to the website and filled a form asking who that sign was for and if it was a one way a Here is the correspondence.

 I am sorry about the confusion concerning the one way sign at the south entrance.  The sign was placed there by Uncle Bob’s Storage next door, it was intended for their business driveway.  I asked them today to remove their sign because it was causing so much confusion.  So it is now gone.

My response to that was:
 
 Thanks for responding. I assumed it was a one way not only because of the sign but because of the narrowness of the alley and the direction of  the parking spaces . Two cars can barely pass at the same time going different directions.
 
Just the other day as I was coming out from the north side, a woman in a van was trying to come in and I couldn't get out because of traffic. However, she turned and we were head on until she swerved into the parking lot next door. She proceeded to get out of her van yelling and we exchanged words. There was no where to go with her big van and my little Saturn.. 
 
Logically, I thought the "alley" ways were one way  because of the way the parking spaces are the same direction as the entrances. It would be difficult to park coming the other way. However, I stand corrected and now I know. Thanks for taking the time in helping me understand it.

Her last response was:

Thank you Lisa for responding.  Yes that entrance is narrow, actually they both are.  I have thought of changing it to be one way (one way in and one way out).  I may give that some more thought.  If we would change it I would notify the residents.

So there you go folks! I was wrong! But now I know!  I often wonder what these architectures and who plans these roads, parking lots etc were thinking when they designed it that way. Hell, what do I know!

 

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Pharmacy Savings!

I had a post half written since Wednesday and I have no idea what is wrong with me. I have been so forgetful and scatterbrained all day. (No sarcasm necessary LOL)

I have a question. Why do doctors make us fill out the long form with our pharmacy etc when they don't pay attention?????

Wednesday was my BabyGirl and I's mother/daughter day. With the whole mess of my bank if you have been keeping up, I was so afraid to do anything with my accounts so I put off getting my meds until that day.
On my way to meet her I stopped at my pharmacy to pick up my medications for the month. I had refills and two new prescriptions that were electronically sent by my endocrinologist. I will start calling him Dr. S. 

There are two CVS' on this particular street. My pharmacy is the Pont De Mouton/Moss Street The other is Moss Street/Willow St CVS. They are about 1-2 miles apart. I wrote the phone number AND address to the pharmacy on the form at the doctor's office. When doc told me his plan I emphasize that there was two and which one was mine. He even repeated Pont de Mouton!

I get to the pharmacy and my favorite pharmacy cashier was working. He is in early 40's male standing medium height, with greying goatee and alopecia. He is a very nice guy, always joking with me but yet professional. I have never seen him without a SMILE on his face. 

After noting there were two prescriptions missing he rechecked and said the two new ones were at the other CVS. "BIG SIGH" He suggested that it would be faster just for me to drive there and get it and instructed next month to call them to have it transferred to there. I had to agree. 

As I was getting ready to pay for the medicines that were at that location with one of my NEW unprinted checks, he told me they didn't accept unprinted checks. "SIGH" After discussion of their policy and a confirmation from his manager I had to leave without my medicine. 

I thought, why can't doing a task as simple as getting my meds be easy.

I went to the bank and got cash but I proceeded to start my day with my AWESOME LOVING BABYGIRL!

After a wonderful day with BABYGIRL, on my way home later that evening, I stopped at the OTHER CVS and picked up my two new medications. 

I always walk down the aisle with Ensure to check out the price hoping I catch it on sale. It finally happened..Two six packs for $13.99 but with a  coupon it came to 11.99..YAY!! I was so excited.

Also, I got this pharmacy discount card in the mail. I am eerie about things that are free. My Vitamin D2 is not covered by my insurance so I thought what can it hurt to try, right? 

It took them a while to call it in but it was worth it because instead of paying $26.35 I paid $16.24! And the other medication i take for leg cramps at night that I've had to pay full price was 10 dollars less. I was SO EXCITED..

So, if you don't have medications that isn't covered by your insurance,I highly recommend. Here's the site: Pharmacy Discount Card. There is no sign up or registration fee. 


So all in all, I was finally able to save $ on my meds and got a month's worth of Ensure for half the price...YAY..

Stay tuned for my almost altercation with a stranger as she was a royal BIOTCH but my BABYGIRL told me she was going to squish me LOL.


One more thing..I will be away from the computer for the first week of December. If anyone wants to write a GUEST POST please send it to me at my yahoo email (bellelady1981@yahoo.com). It can be about anything you wanna write about! I have never done this before but I thought it would be interesting! I would appreciate it..







Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Bank Saga Climax

It was an early morning rise again today. I checked my account online and it looked all back to normal. So I arrived for Rick and I's scheduled appointment. He was cheery.  Thankfully, he delivered on his promise.God does answer at time of need sometimes!

We spent some time going over every thing that was wrong and made sure it was all set straight. He had 2 original letters along with two copies and he showed me that he has one ready to mail to the company that they returned my check. All the NSF fees were cleared and deposited into my account. His offer was 200 bucks. I had no idea what to expect so I agreed. He immediately deposited the money into my account. It is so nice to see my account back in good standing. I got some cash, we exchanged our goodbyes and I left. I walked out the bank and a big whoosh just fell over me! It was like a 100 ton rock was lifted off my shoulders.

I proceeded to go to the DMV and renewed my driver's license without any problems nor a long wait.

I went to the NEW bank to open my account. The lady who was there yesterday was not there so another lady Malyn took care of my business. I don't know if this is an omen or not. She had a file on me that the other lady had made. She set me up and she told me I could call SS to get my auto deposit changed. That drew me aback and I informed her that the other lady, Henrietta had said she would call SS and I would have to answer questions but it could be done at the bank. Snootily, she said, "Well I am the only one opening accounts as the other gentleman is in a meeting so you have to call Social Security as I have no time." I was stunned!

My thought process was I am a new customer, you should make a better impression than this BS." However, I smiled and said fine. I figured I will get a survey and will definitely write my thoughts. She was nice but sorta snooty. Reason why I didn't just walk out was I realize everyone has a bad day as I have had lately and everyone else I came into contact with was warm and friendly.

I returned home and called SS. First, I tried the automated service 3 times, it kept saying they couldn't understand what I said.  I do admit I have a slight speech defect and my sss's and certain sounds do not sound like a person without one but I keep thinking it is NOT that bad. However, I guess if you are not used to me it is sometimes difficult to understand me. (All my friends/family out there, I sure would love for you to tell me your honest view, do you have difficulty understanding me! I won't be offended whatsoever. I just want other's perspectives.) I'll have a future blog regarding this.

Anyway, I attempted to get a LIVE representative but every time I got connected, I was disconnected. I was irritated so I went to the SS office. Wait time was 11 minutes and it took me less than 5 minutes to get it straightened. Hopefully, when I return from my VEGAS vacation I will be able to delete my OLD bank account.

Tomorrow I have to tend to my insurance auto draft and I get to see my BABYGIRL!.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Maddening Monday! Bank Saga Continues

I get up bright and early today thinking I'll get all kinds of things accomplished, right? Of course NOT, thanks to my bank! I hope they go under one day.

I have been afraid to do anything with my current bank. If you haven't been following, check out my latest post here.

As I mentioned on Thursday's post,  when I went to pay my doctor with my debit card it was rejected. On the way to the bank, I stopped to get gas. I know. I have such hope in things I shouldn't. Again, my card was rejected. So I went to the bank. I was understandably upset.

Rick, the one who has experienced my wrath multiple times slumped in his chair when he saw me coming. He asked me to sit and I told him thank you but I prefer to stand! I told him what transpired and he started clicking the keys. He shook his head and said my card was deactivated. I said who did that? He couldn't answer. They have not had one answer to any of my questions lately. I ranted as he kept apologizing. I told him ENOUGH apologies. Just fix the freaking problem!

An elderly couple was passing and the old lady, sweet as pie, took me by the hand and as she patted my back, attempted to soothe me saying to calm down, the young man will resolve the issue. I hugged her and said, "Ma'am, you are just too cute" but you have no idea." The little lady stood on the side of me holding my hand. I have to say that little lady just made me smile and after I returned home, made me miss nursing so much more. Maybe she was my guardian angel.

Rick told me that he could give me another card and I told him I was so tired that I don't want to deal with it. And promised him I would be back to close my account. He straightened up and asked what he could do to change my mind. I laughed and said yea right...I was there for 1/2 hour ranting and discussing things as the eldely sweetie pie sat on the side of me, encouraging me to calm down as it wasn't worth it. I eventually said my goodbyes, hugged the lady and thanked her for holding my hand. She told me God loved me and we hugged again.

This morning I went to open my new account at the new bank but I couldn't because my driver's license was expired. What can I say, except I keep thinking I had to the end of the month to renew and then the hospital and bank chaos started and I'm just behind.

So I go to my bank to cash a check and  get the money out to just go renew my license. The lady told me I was overdrawn and was not able to withdraw. I couldn't see it so I came home and went online. The bank is on a mission to destroy me, I swear!

First thing I noticed was a negative of 749.00. I knew that couldn't be because I haven't been able to take money out and only have two autodrafts. I don't even have that many bills. I noticed debits I knew was not mine! So I drove back to the bank with a copy of my online account and got RIck again. After an hour of searching he figured out the problem!  He said it was the computer at first but I told him not to give me that excuse. Only one autodraft was returned but I was charged 170 in NSF fees. Thank God for OD protection eh?

So I told him to fix it! He said he had to talk to his supervisor who was in a meeting. I told him let me make it simple...put your fingers to the keys, reverse every transaction and credit my account..it is THAT SIMPLE. He pleaded with me to give him until tomorrow to fix the whole problem. He said he not only has to fix MY account but it looks like my account was mixed with another one so he has to fix that one too. He wants to do it right and will do it manually, whatever that means. He promised he would personally have it fixed and my account credited by tomorrow. He is pretty sure he will be finished by the end of the day if no other problems occurs but he wanted me to give him that time frame. He also promised he will have letters for the company that the draft was returned as well as a monetary offer on the table, he needs to get it approved before he offers me but he promises me that it will compensate for my aggravation.

I am not a total ass and saw that he felt beaten too. At that moment I could tell he finally saw the whole picture of my frustration. He apologized repetitively but the last few ones I could see it wasn't a 'standard apology.'. He sincerely meant it.

I actually have an appointment in the morning with him to see his offer and verify everything is normal....So the saga continues....

And I am not suppose to be stressed LMAO

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Excited -25 days Until Viva Las Vegas!

We're beginning a new week and hope everyone has a great week. Be safe out there!

Last week was yet to be desired for me if you should go back and read. My diagnosis and the bank situation has overshadowed my excitement of MyLove and I's upcoming getaway. I've been trying to get everything in order.

However, to keep my sanity I have tried focusing more on our trip, getting everything together so I won't forget anything. I know there is a high percentage that I will end up forgetting SOMETHING but hey, I can say I tried, right?

The last time I traveled by airplane was more than 10 years ago. Guidelines have changed. I was worried about my meds but I think I understand what I need to do. I'm anxious to see how MyLove and I will put 14 pair of clothes in one suitcase. I worry about wrinkles etc and the typical male he is, makes that the least priority to worry about.

We have a straight flight which is a relief. When we get there, we just need to get on the shuttle that will bring us to the hotel. My main concern is for it to stay in the air and not crash with me in it!

I wrote a company MyLove and I are interested in visiting while there so I wrote an email inquiring what I needed to know. Almost right away, I get a response but it just said "TEST". So I responded, "Yes, I AM A REAL PERSON" with a smiley face. I had to chuckle.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Another Diagnosis to Add to my Long List

During my 49 years in this crazy life I live I have learned to make my own list of previous medical history, surgeries and medication that that I keep on my computer. I update and bring it to a new doctor I see

Yesterday I went to my post-hospital follow-up visit with the Endocrinologist I was referred to while ill in the hospital last month. I thought I was just visiting him for a simple follow up as I considered my diagnosis was a mere awful bug causing gastritis etc. However, unknowingly I walked into what would be a very overwhelming experience.

He announced that I had Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome. As he presented my lab results to confirm the diagnosis he explained what it was. I heard "adrenal gland not working" (I knew it was 'insufficient' but never realize not working at all.), "ACTH way over the top", "no stressor" etc. He told me I needed to be on yet another drug for the rest of my life, gave me another prescription for Vitamin D, and advised me to get a Medic Alert for in case emergency because when I was admitted I was on the verge of entering the other world and it could happen again. He reassured me that if I take my meds, things should be okay.

My cuz has a friend who is a doctor asked her to explain it in more lay terms and she broke it down for her. So here it is

Polyglandular means multiple glands. Autoimmune means the persons' immune system is fighting their own body tissues. The adrenal gland is responsible for the body's adaptation to stress. If it fails there's a "system crash" when people get stressed or sick that can be life threatening. The thyroid gland controls metabolism. If it fails you get multiple symptoms including weight gain, fatigue, and slow heart rate. The heart can fail if thyroid function gets low enough. Heart failure can kill you. Type 1 diabetes in this disease is caused by antibodies to the pancreas which destroy its function. The person requires insulin or they die. People with polyglandular autoimmune disease usually require lifelong supplementation of multiple hormones to prevent death from multiple possible sources. Fortunately there are drugs available to replace all of the hormone deficiencies your cousin is likely to have, so if she stays on her medications and follows up with her doctor she should do okay."


As the saying goes, life sucks then you die! I am usually cool, calm and collected and accept what is given to me and move on. However, I have noticed as I get older, I get depressed and just wonder, how much more can my little body take?

To add to my stress, when I went to pay, my Debit card was denied. My bank is at it again! I went there and said my peace. Monday, I am going opening a new account at another bank and take my money out. That in itself is another story I may tell another day.

Everyone have a wonderful weekend. PEACE!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Bank Business!

Yesterday, MyLove received an automated "courtesy' call" from our Internet/cable provider regarding billing. I know I had paid the bill,  checked my account and it showed it was returned. WTH? I had money in the bank.

This morning I called the bank and the representative told me that I had a negative balance of 230 dollars. Having my account opened online, I protested that that was wrong. My account showed I had a positive balance. She had asked me for my Social security number and NAZ. I asked her what account she was looking at.

She insisted she was looking at mine and reiterated that I had it a negative balance and I again protested  I calmly demanded she check it again. She said she was going to close the account she was looking at and start over. I agreed it would be a good idea.

She finally gets to my account. And says the check was returned. I asked her why? She said she didn't know. Getting impatient and irritated I said, "Well let me tell you what you need to do. You need to send payment to the cable/Internet company accompanied by a letter stating the bank's error TODAY. If I get disconnected, You (The Bank) will have to pay for the reconnection fee along with whatever fees that may occur."

She asked if I can pay the bill by credit card or debit card online. I asked her why should I ? It would be my luck I pay it AGAIN, and then both goes through and shorten me financially and I paid by a check that was actually good but the bank spit out insufficient funds when in fact I had sufficient funds. It is THEIR responsibility to get the right account.

She informed me it could take 24 hours to go through. I went on a rant about how it is so easy for them to take out fees in an instant but when they erred, it took them longer. Why is that? I reinforced that I wanted the bill paid and a letter faxed today! She said she would have to talk to her supervisor and call me back.

Heck no! I told her I would wait. Fifteen minutes later she came back and said she was 'processing it". She said the Internet/cable company will be paid by the end of the day but may not show up until tomorrow. She also said to let them know if I am disconnected as they will credit my account the fees that this error incurred.

We had a lengthy discussion on how I will be moving my business elsewhere by next month because I can't have these kind of discrepancies any longer. Every few months I've had something like this recur. She assured me all is well now. I told her I was not assured of anything! But I will be waiting for the copy of the letter and notice stating my Internet/cable is paid. I also informed her that I will not be referring anyone to this bank.

She said it was an error and it would be corrected. I told her we will see.Only time will tell.

 Ironically, as I hung up the phone I went onto my Yahoo page and one of the headlines read that my bank has decided to drop the debit card fees they were trying to start.

I want to say Kudos to the Online activist Molly Katchpole! You go girl!

Now I need to do some bank shopping!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Here We Come Las Vegas!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was uneventful. Thank God!

I think things are settling down. My BabyGirl has been accomplishing staying on her moped and I am building my strength. I can actually get up without the room spinning. My appetite is better and I can eat without wanting to puke. I do find at times I get weak but I think my sugar is messing with me. I am waiting for my appointment with my endocrinologist next month.

MyLove and I are doing great. He has some vacation days left so we decided to go to Las Vegas. I have never been there but he has. I am excited! We have a nonstop flight to Las Vegas and our hotel is all set up. We are not sure what we want to do.

I am an online poker and black jack player. I am by no means good at it. I used to play online tournaments and won a few second/third places. I know my problem is impatience. Once it becomes a long drawn out game, I get bored and make stupid bets.

I am contemplating hitting the black jack table. Depends on how much moolah I can come up with. If anyone would like to donate to my gambling fund, be free to do so! My Donate button is to your upper right. (Facebook fans, if you wanna donate, hope on over to My Cajun Life blog and as I said it is on your upper right. I would be graciously appreciative!

When I told some of my family and friends their first question were...Are ya'll going get married? NO, we are not getting married. We are just fine living the way we are.

My BabyGirl told me she was going to miss me that week. Awww! I thought that was so sweet. I will miss her too. I told her it would be so cool if I would win enough money (If I play!) to put her through college. She agrees.

I just wanted to post something since I have been absent for a few days to let you know I am here.

Have a safe and wonderful week!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Blessed

I am blessed. Because of each and everyone of you!

I thought my last post was gross, drab and depressing. However, YOU, my followers did it again! YOU made me see an entire different angle of what I thought was the most embarrassing moment  of my life..

One of my distant cousins knows my mom well and she pinned my mom exactly. Dry, sweet and to the point. She pictured it and laughed her heart out. I am glad I could do that for you, Kim! And to all those who laughed and got a kick out of it.

Thanks to those who privately messaged me with their own stories. It makes me feel less alone and less embarrassed because some of you really had worse stories than mine.

I want to apologize for this ragged post but I am really not myself but it kept playing in my head and I had to write it.

Thanks and PEACE for you all!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Most Embarrassing Moments~

We have had all of our MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENTS! After thinking, writing and rewriting I decided to let it all out. Also, a friend shared her story and I have to admit hers was worse. But let me talk about mine.

DISCLAIMER: This may contain  graphic and strong language.

It happened when I was in the hospital with an awful virus two weeks ago. Come here to catch up.

When I was in the ER and many times that day I was questioned if I had diarrhea and my response was always 'no'. I thought a couple of times, "Why do they keep asking me?" I never had to go the bathroom and never felt anything seep out of any of my orifices.

Lethargic with IV fluids pumped into my tiny body I laid in the comfy bed listening to my mom and MyLove chat. All of a sudden..I started farting.

My mom, the lovely compassionate Mother she is encouraged, "Let it out." She knows how awful my gas smells when I am sick. I mean farts never smell good but when I am sick, its the way my sickness leaves my body. We used to kid something crawled up inside and died.

Fast forward to around 12:30 AM the next morning, the nurse came in as the IV machine  was beeping. They had inserted  the IV in my inner elbow. making it positional.If I didn't hold my arm straight as a board,  it would stop the flow and the machine would beep. The nurse asked me to turn onto my side so she could get the tubing I was evidently laying on. My mom being awaken by the beep was standing on my other side. She lifted the blankets and exclaimed, "Oh My God!"

Horrified, I yelled, "WHAT?"

She proclaimed, "You have shit all over!"

The nurse glanced and immediately turned around and said she was going get the aide.While we waited, Mom was looking and said, "We are going to have to change everything. You have POOP from your neck to your toes!"

I wanted to cry and kept saying, "I didn't know! How did I not feel that? This is so embarrassing?"

She concluded, "It is just watery poop. Evidently every time you farted, you pooped."

The aide, Melinda  walked in with a stack of bed linens and gown. I apologized frantically.  She was a doll being professional but compassionate. She encouraged, "You're not the first one to do this nor the last."

Melinda was so sweet, professional and comforting as she bathed me and changed my bed. I heard my mom talking to Melinda as I wished I could be anywhere but there in my own poop.

I had never felt such degradation or helplessness!. Every time I moved, I continued to dry heave so I could not do anything to help except follow Melinda's gentle orders.. I hoped that when I was nursing I respected every patient there was as I cleaned them in the same fashion as Melinda was doing for me. I would never have wanted to put the patient in any more emotional turmoil that was necessary!

After I was cleaned I fell back to sleep. However, I woke up around 4:30 AM  and before I could do  or say anything, it happened again. I had a 'wet fart' as MyLove puts it.  It just came with no warning so the poop flowed. It wasn't so bad this time.  Melinda finished cleaning me up for the second time.

I ordered Mom, "Give me the bedpan."

She inquired, "WHY?"

I proclaimed, " I am not going to be embarrassed like this again.  It is degrading."  The bedpan became my "Throne". Of course after I got on it and was all set, the diarrhea had ceased. Go figure!

Later on a nurse came in and had to uncover me for an injection she asked, "You're using the bedpan?"

"No", I replied, "I just didn't want to poop all over again."

She contested, "Oh no, hun! You can't do that! You'll get bed sores from the bedpan." She  ordered me to roll over to take the bedpan. I was not happy.

My mom looked and said, "Look, ring around the butt!" She hadn't even realized how funny it came out but I chuckled.

So there you have it! My Most Embarrassing Moment ever.












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