Thursday, February 26, 2015

Update on Payton and Silly pic of Me

I thought I'd update the goings on with Payton. He went back to St. Jude's but there was a setback due to his blood levels are not up to what it is suppose to. So they are there waiting until next week to start his next round of chemotherapy. The fundraisers on his page is still in effect. There is also a jambalsya cook off scheduled as below.

I know most of my followers are so far they can't come but remember there is a gofundme.com account. ALL is appreciated.



I thought I'd also add some pictures of Hubby and I support.

Me! I have no clue why the floor looks so dirty because it wasn't!  I guess that's just the way it looks  Hubby also had to take the pic when my mouth was opened. Ugh... And as you can see I was being silly! I actually sorta like this picture of myself. It doesn't show my knees bent too much!

Here's my handsome awesome Hubby!

We appreciate your support and prayers. 

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Bouncin' Barb Challenge and Mommacan Link Up!

One of my favorite blogger friends,This and That (As I Bounce Through Life) is doing a challenge from the 500 Question Challenge-The If(2) Book-Questions For The Game of Life book. She has posted some awesome Q & A and gave permission to answer them ourselves and link it back to her so I will be doing this from time to time. Go visit her site as well. She is awesome!

Let's get started!

If you could have the power to hypnotize anyone for a day who would you pick and what would you have them do?

This is an easy one. The person would be my Ex. I would make him deep dig inside of himself and bring out who I fell in love with. The sweet, funny and giving person I married. Then I would make him show that to his daughter, my BabyGIrl. I would want him to admit how stupid and mean he has been to her. He would stop trying to make her live his life he wanted but never got as far as career choice. He would stop being a complete jerk, He would act like a true father.

Also, at mommacan.com, she is doing a "Link Up Monday." There are simple rules. A few are must be family friendly and link to your favorite post and then stop by at least two of them and leave nice compliments. In my humble opinion, it is a great way to get your blog out to new readers and you find more awesome blogs. How sweet is that.

For those who are only readers, go ahead and check out her site. Might find other interesting blogs to read. Thanks!

Monday, February 23, 2015

365 Journal Writing Ideas: What Does Happiness Mean to You?

What does happiness mean to you? Would you describe yourself as a naturally happy or an unhappy and worried person? Tell me about a time when you felt really happy and about a time when you made someone else feel happy.

This is a hard one. It seems deep but I'm going to answer it my way. 

Honestly, I don't think I'm a NATURALLY happy person but I AM a happy person (although you wouldn't think it reading my past blogs, but I am changing directions.)

I always tell my Hubby it doesn't take much to make me happy. And yes I know! I have to find it inside to be happy and honestly think I AM happy but not naturally because I do worry. 

When he simply stops at Sonic Drive-in and brings me a Dr. Pepper, that makes me happy. 

When BabyGIrl takes time out of her life to have lunch or breakfast with me once or twice a month makes me happy. 

I have many times when I was bubbly happy I almost felt overwhelmed. The few that I remember off-hand are:

When I had BabyGirl it was one of the happiest days of my life. God answered my prayer of one child. I am so thankful.


Layla aka BabyGirl

Another time was meeting Hubby and eventually marrying him. He stole my heart when I least expected it. What I will be forever grateful for is when we were dating and getting serious he took BabyGirl to Wallyworld (My child was obsessed with Wal-mart at one point of her life.) to get something she needed.  They (or rather he talked and she listened)had a heart to heart talk without telling me before he was going to do it. He told her he would never try to replace her father but he wanted her to know she could go to him if she ever needed anything.  He told her other things but that is one of the most memorable things I'll never forget.

As far as me doing something to make someone else happy. Hubby tells me when he gets off work and knows I am home, he is happy that he has ME to come home to instead of an empty home. 

I give BabyGirl hugs, kisses and time that I think makes her happy.

I think Happiness is a feeling of being contented and comfortable with who you are, who you are with and what you are doing.


Friday, February 20, 2015

365 JOURNAL WRITING IDEAS: PERMISSIONS TO MYSELF THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

In the introduction of this book it suggested to write out the following to set out my intentions for the next year of my life.  It can be simple form or random around the page or whatever.

Over the next 356 days I give myself permission:


VENT













Create my OWN LIFE


REPEAT MYSELF IF I AM NOT HEARD!

REPEAT MYSELF I AM NOT HEARD!



Let go of past hurts and regrets
CELEBRATE MY DAILY ACHIEVEMENTS




Grab New Opportunities with both hands!


Whew! That is a long list of permissions!

Which one(s) will you give yourself permission to do?

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Listography: Your Life in Lists : Pets

As I said previously I have writers block. ALOT!  I've read many books about writing, blogging, and writing prompt ideas, etc. I finally found 2 writing prompt books that I think I can work with. They are Listograph Journal:Your Life in Lists  and 365 Journal Writing Ideas: A Year of Daily Journal Writing Prompts, Questions and Actions to Fill Your Journal with Memories, Self-Reflection, Creativity and Direction. (That last one was a mouthful!) 

I am not going by any particular order in the books. Whatever suits my fancy that day is what I am going to write.

I welcome anyone who would like to do this with me whether it be on your own blog, or share on comments, send me an email at my YAHOO address (If you dont know it, just let me know) or whatever  way you feel comfortable would be awesome.

Here's the First Installment from Listography: Your Life in Lists.

 List Pets You've Owned and Their Names

I had several dogs throughout my childhood but they kept disappearing when I lived on the island. It was surprising that we were allowed to have them because Mom doesn't care for animals and Dad is afraid of dogs.

Mom doesn't care for them because she grew up with animals in the house. Oh and I do remember some of my Granny's pets which I will save for another post.

Dad was bitten by a dog when he was young delivering newspapers. He said it was supposed to be a friendly dog but unrevoked it bit him. He always told me to never turn my back on an animal and be wary of them because after all they are ANIMALS.

I don't remember much about most of the dogs but with some help from my family members I came up with these.

I should note that all of my dogs were mutts.

Buttons was my first ever pet. He was a big dog. I remember being afraid of him. 

Then there was Bojangles and Pansy. Like I said there were a few more but I can't remember them. Unfortunately, I can't recall anything else about them except Pansy may have been black.

When I married my daughter's father, he was away a lot so we decided to get a dog for my protection. Her name was Shadow. She was a mischievous little thing. We had her in our backyard with an electric fence but she dug holes underneath and got away. I don't know how many times I ran all over the neighborhood to catch that rascal!  She barked nonstop chasing birds. She even climbed trees to catch them. I didn't know dogs could climb trees until Shadow. We found dead birds every day in the yard. When we would go outside, she would jump on us and then run to the dead bird and sit excitingly with her tongue out smiling proudly seemingly saying "Look what I did! "  

Shadow

We thought she was  just bored so we got another dog to occupy her. Neither ex or I can remember him except that he was a little grey dog.

Sadly, Shadows wouldn't stop barking and the neighbors started complaining. We also just had BabyGirl and Shadow would wake her up with the barking. So we eventually gave Shadow and the little grey to good homes. The people were nice and had acres of land for Shadow and the other one to run free. 

When BabyGirl came along and became the age of wanting a sibling we had to come up with an alternative since I couldn't give her a sibling. After much pleading from her and her Dad, we got what to be my favorite pet ever, a cat, Biscuit. We got him when he was only six weeks old. But now he is just as big in the picture and still alive living with the ex.  I got the kid and the Ex got the cat. 
Biscuit


Ironically, I believe I was the closest to Biscuit. When I was sick he would come and snuggle against me. He did not like to be held and of course BabyGirl would try to but he would scratch and hiss at her. But at night, when she would go to bed, he would go sleep with her.  

He had this habit that when he would come close to us, he would get comfortable with his butt in our face and tail wagging hitting us in the face. We loved it.

He purred. A LOT. I always said he was one contented feline. He loved each one of us unconditionally. He listened to my secrets without judgement. When I cried he licked my tears.  

A few times we did things inadvertently that would tick him off. When he got ticked off, he would not come near us for hours. If we did, he would hiss and his fangs came out.  Like the day I didn't see him get into the dryer and put it on. I heard clump clump clump and a screeching noise. I opened the door and he flew out of it between my legs almost tipping me over.

He was an inside cat. He was funny. When we would open the door, he would run out maybe 3 feet until he heard any startling noise, as little as a bird chip, than he would fly back in.

One time we evidently left the door open and he went out. I closed the door not knowing he went out. He was usually around one of us. So we didn't' think twice about not seeing him until a couple of hours. Then we realized he was not around. We called him and looked all over, not thinking outside but when I went into the laundry room I heard a screech like noise. I opened the door and he darted into the house growling, shaking with his fur standing up. I felt so bad but he would not let him console him for hours. I felt guilty for a long time after that.

His favorite perch was on top of the back of the couch, where we passed all the time. That poor cat, we would pass and play with his ears as he slept, sometimes waking him up.  I would watch him sleep and his ears would twitch like he was dreaming. I often wondered what a cat would dream? Maybe catching a mouse?

As I said before he lives with Ex. He is very old and continues to live life contentedly. 

For whatever reason we also got a black cat, Callie thinking it would be nice for Biscuit to have  another cat to play with.  Bad idea overall. She and Biscuit did not get along at all. I think Biscuit was alone for many years and didn't like another cat invading his territory.  They played sometimes but for the most part, every time Callie would just pass by Biscuit, Biscuit would hiss and his fur would go straight up. We eventually gave Callie to a good home. 

So, that's all my pets I had in my life. What pets do you have?

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Update On Payton


Yesterday, I was in one of my funky moods and it sorta came out in my post yesterday.

I was amazed and honored how many of you reached out to me with encouraging words and letting me know I am impacting you. I love some of your suggestions.  I know I say it often but I'm honest and sincere when I say THANK you and I appreciate every one of you.

I''ll continue blogging. I'm planning to take a different approach or try to anyway.

First, let me update on Payton. He turned 3 years old today. Isn't it ashamed a little innocent child has to go through what he is going through? There are many more little ones like him.


Payton

He has been home and doing very well. His tumor has decreased in size.

Today his ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count) unfortunately dropped from 2400 last week to 900. This count indicates his risk factor for infection so lets hope and pray he gets it up before his 5 day of chemotherapy next week.


Resting after bandage change.

They are still trying to raise money for expenses, a car and other needs the family has. Go to his page. for more details. Anything you can give (including prayers) is appreciated.

In addition to raising money by gofundme and the other money-raising activities mentioned, there is a Jambalaya Cook-Off scheduled for March as well as an auction and pool tournament.


Tuesday, February 17, 2015

It's Time For A Change,


As you can tell by the rarity of my posts I struggle to post regularly. I get discouraged. I've been thinking my blog is uninteresting. As I read previous posts, I am either angry, frustrating, bitching or something. Yes, there are a few good posts. 

I've been rethinking this blog. I've considered, wiping this one out and start a new one or just quit altogether.

When I started it, I thought I'd could impact some one's life. I wanted to show regardless that I have Cerebral Palsy I still have the same life experiences as others. I wanted to show that I am just like them. I wanted to share my life. 

I think I shared somewhat well but with such negativity. I've pondered this the past few months. What keeps hitting me is that what I have written IS my life. I absolutely need to change this around if I continue blogging. I even get depressed reading my blog. But then again, those are my experiences.

Some of you are my faithful followers and I appreciate every one of you. Thank you.

I've been contemplating how to do this. I've been reading other blogs more and searching for clues how to do the changes. 

Do I just continue with this blog and change direction? Or do I scrap it and start another?

If I start another, how do I keep the followers I have. How do I move?

Many times I just don't know what to write. I've started some prompt ideas but it doesn't keep my attention, get frustrated and just put it aside. My 89 drafts proves it.

I've been checking out my favorite blogger friends blogs and the way they have theirs. Many have different platforms like WordPress (It confuses me for whatever reason). Some pay for their site and have web developers. I certainly cannot afford it. 

I see people making money off their blog by ads, etc. More $ would be great but I don't find that I am that good.

Maybe if I can make a fresh start maybe my blogging will turn around. 

Ironically, I write in a journal every day. But what I write in a journal I don't want the whole world to see. 

If anyone has any suggestions, can offer any help or advice my ears are waiting. 





Saturday, February 14, 2015

Everyone has a Valentine Who Loves Them.

I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day.

Hubby and I woke up and exchanged cards. Mine to him was a funny one because he tells me I always pick gushy cards. So I got him a cute and funny card that relates to us and he nailed it on a pretty card that explained us to the tee.

We went eat at Bonefish Grill. We had a balance on a gift card so we went use it. The last two times we had gone, we were not impressed.  However, this time was so awesome. I had the American Half Pound Kobe Burger with their homemade chips which was so delicious. Hubby had the salmon, broccoli and some kind of seasoned vegetables we had no idea what it was but he said it was good.

After we filled our bellies, we went check out the new Whole Foods Store. Oh they had great 'healthy' 'organic' foods but so expensive. It's sad when healthy food costs more than unhealthy foods.

After we made our way to church for Mass. Our Priest reminded us, especially those who are alone, widowed, single or feels like no one loves them, there is that one someone that loves us..Our God. I though that point was very important.

We returned home, popped some popcorn and I finally got to see The Fault In Our Stars. I loved that movie. I cried and laughed. I highly recommend it.

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!