Friday, May 29, 2015

Full Of Crap

I have not posted because I was not feeling well. I've been writing and rewriting this post for 3 days now. I'm sick of it!

Since I was a little girl I was always fascinated with how the body works. It's one of the reasons why I became a nurse.

 I'm always driving my Hubby a little crazy going over what our body is doing at any moment. Blood flowing from the aorta through the body. Lungs exchanging gas and air from your body. Heart pumping. Food moving along your digestive system. Muscles contracting.

You get the picture.

My food has not been moving along as it should causing it to back up (Constipation). Maybe I'll write a post detailing the topic at another time.
Photo Credit: Damian


I know this is not the most pleasant thing to talk about. But I've had this problem all of my life. Maybe I can help someone sharing my experience.  I'll try not to gross you out.

I am usually able to have less occurrences taking stool softeners. I eat all the right foods and drink plenty of water.  I know cheese is a culprit so I don't eat it as often as I'd like.  I've also tried "natural' laxatives. 

I have a bad gag reflex and my uvula doesn't work well so I aspirate. The uvula is the little tissue thingie in the back of your throat.   The aspiration causes a back flow of acid irritating my esophagus causing Gastrointestinal Reflux (GERD).

The GERD causes scarring and narrowing of the esophagus. The scarring of the esophagus causes dysphagia which is the medical term for difficulty swallowing.


For 5 weeks I could not have a normal bowel movement. I would go a little but I knew I had not completely emptied. I tried laxatives and doubled my stool softener but it didn't work. I started Miralax but it seemed like it was taking FOREVER to work.

After a few weeks I was tired of feeling bloated and unable to poop. I made a doctor's  appointment. In my misery I told my hubby my butt cheeks felt full of crap. He laughed at that one. Gotta admit it was funny!

I finally made it to the doctor. Scratch that. I didn't see a doctor. I saw the Nurse Practitioner. I have all kinds of issues with going to the doctor and seeing only a NP but I wont get into it.

She told me to continue the Miralax and she gave me Lactulose to try to relieve the constipation.

We scheduled the esophageal dilation which I was expecting although the last one was only in 2013. Then she said, "You know, you haven't had a colonosopy since 2009. Since you are over 50 we should do that too." Oh joy!  We scheduled both at the same time next week.

The procedure is not bad because I'm out cold. But the prep is horrendous. I think they added to the prep since the last time I took it.

Let me say this. No matter how bad the prep is, it is IMPORTANT have one. Yes, it is a pain but it could save your life.

The prep includes: Two days before procedure I eat a soft diet. That night I take 2 Biscodyl tablets which is a laxative that works directly on the colon. 

The next day, which is the day before the procedure, I am on a clear liquid diet. At 2 pm. I take two more Biscodyl tablets. Between 4 pm and 8 pm I have to drink 4 LITERS of cleansing solution. The directions instruct to drink one glass every 10 minutes. 
   

After I drink all of  it I have to take the last two Biscodyl tablets. Then I am to not drink or eat anything past midnight. If I am not cleaned out after all of this is over something is seriously wrong!



The night after I went to the doctor's office I drank the Lactulose. I was a good patient and drank 4 tbsps.  I remember having to take it a very long time ago. It still tastes awful and the texture continues to be viscous. It is a synthetic sugar to treat constipation. I can put in a beverage but I didn't want to ruin it so I sucked it up. I swallowed it straight and washed it down with water. Talk about sweet!! YUCK!

Well, let me tell you. Be careful what you wish for! The next day the toilet was my best friend. I don't know if both the Miralax and Lactulose just kicked in at the same time or what but let me tell you I was cleaned out for sure!

My butt cheeks feel normal again. My appetite is better. Thank God!

Until next time….



Tuesday, May 19, 2015

BabyGirl Is A Married Woman!

I have been sworn to secrecy for the past month and a half. I have been given permission to let the secret out!

MyBabyGirl got married April Fools Day. I knew beforehand it was going to happen and I knew after it happened.

 After a few minutes of being hurt after I was told I wasn't being invited to my only daughter's wedding, I scolded myself. They are two adults. It is the way THEY wanted it. It is THEIR wedding and marriage. 

After all, A wedding doesn't make a marriage.

She and her NewHusband did it their own way. They had two witnesses and said their vows and that was it. They did take a couple of pictures. I told her she needed to take at least one so THEY can go back and look at them from time to time!


It's similar to how Hubby and I got married! I had a whole series. Click the link if at all interested.

I was grateful and did feel special that she did tell me before!


So now I have a Son-In-Law! I don't think I've every seen BabyGirl as happy and stable as she is now. Thank you God!

And NO she is not pregnant!

I wish them years of happiness, love and respect for one another!




Saturday, May 16, 2015

Feeding the Hungry and Homeless

I received my A2Z challenge shirt the other day and MyHubby finally took a picture. I am so proud! Yes, I need a haircut and picture taking is not for me, but we have to make memories :)



I don't go to Wallyworld often. I hate it with a passion.  I have many reasons to hate it. There are idiotic rude people. The store is so big I am exhausted when I walk out of there. You can't find employees to help you find something. They seemingly stock products in a different place every time I go. They stock product in places where you scratch your head and ask yourself, "Why here?" 


I thank God every day I have MyHubby who will do the grocery shopping after work since he passes by two of them. Since we've moved to the country, it is more of a drive to go there.

 But sometimes when I go into town I'll stop at Wallyworld when we need something.

At one of the entrances of the parking lot, there is a grassy area with a big tree where people who I assume are homeless sit there. I have come to the conclusion that they are homeless because they have their buggies or strollers with their stuff. Sometimes they have signs. 

Normally, I may go to Wallyworld once a month although I've gone a few times this month after visiting my adorable sweet Hospice patient, The last few times I've seen the same lady sitting under the tree. She wears a pink or red handkerchief in her hair, green high-water pants and a brown buttoned down shirt. She has a stroller full of stuff I can't see but every time I think it is going to topple over if she adds one more thing.

That day I drove into Wallyworld and saw her sitting in the same place. There was a nice red Ford truck parked right in front of her. There were no other cars near there so I cynically and wrongfully thought she wasn't homeless. She was just acting homeless.

In my defense, I've seen "homeless people" with signs asking for food, job or money. I have given some money. But one day I saw this man receiving dollar bills sitting in a traffic jam. Then he ran to a  brand new car and drove away. Ever since then I am very leery of people appearing as though they are homeless. I am sure most are homeless but how can you really tell?

Anyway, after my shopping  I was driving through the parking lot to head home. I was chomping on a wing I had bought from the deli. It was so crispy and delicious.  When I passed the lady again, my conscious was getting the better of me. What if that red truck is not hers?

As I was waiting for traffic I watched in my rear view mirror wondering how can someone sit there acting homeless with a nice red Ford truck. 

Traffic cleared and I was crossing the intersection when I glanced in my rear view mirror.  At that very moment I saw a man get into the red truck and drive off.

Shame on me!  I scolded myself and asked God for forgiveness.

As I drove I had a nagging thought that I should give her the rest of my wings. It wasn't much but more than she seemed to have.

My stomach was saying otherwise.That first wing was so good!

But then again she probably needs food more than I do. After all, I just bought enough groceries for at least three meals and snacks to add to what I had in my pantry, freezer and refrigerator.

I know that feeling of hunger. I know that feeling of relief and appreciation when my Mom slipped me $20 bucks which I bought groceries to put food on the table for BabyGirl and I after my divorce from her father.

Something was gnawing at me. About a half mile later, I turned around in a different parking lot and drove back to Wallyworld. I don't know why I was hesitant at all.

I parked in a spot where I could watch her. I know it's creepy. As I stared at her I saw she was really skinny and seemed malnourished about my age. I watched motorists pass her. Some glancing at her. Some ignoring her completely.

I think we are all guilty of intentionally not looking because we either don't know what to do or don't want to deal with it. After all, we have our own problems. Right?

I don't know why it was pulling me so much. I passed this lady so many times. Why was it affecting me this way THAT day?

I really wanted to go home and eat my crispy chicken.

But I knew since I was drawn to this situation I HAD to do something or I would feel guilty.

I said to myself, "Screw it." 

I drove to her rolling my window down. When I stopped in front of her she looked at me. I put out the bag of wings and offered it to her.  She hesitated.

I encouragingly said,"I know it is not much but here's some wings." 

There were 10 wings. I was going to eat 3 and make supper out of the other 7 for MyHubby and I.  

She stood up, walked towards me and I smiled at her. 

She took the bag with her dirty skeleton hands, gummy-smiled at me  and said, "Thank you! Thank you! God bless you!"

I said, "Your welcome sweetie. God bless you and have a beautiful day!"

As I drove away a weight was lifted off my shoulders and my heart became warmer. 

As I was at the intersection I had crossed over twice before waiting for traffic I glance into my rear view window. She had put the bag of chicken on top of the stroller and was digging in her stroller. Clothes, bottles and other items fell out.  I wondered what she was doing.

Then she took out what appeared to be a blue baby blanket. She daintily unfolded and shook the blanket like it was a piece of silk. Then she put it on the grass where she had been sitting. She passed her hand on the blanket like she was making sure it was neat and smooth. She sat down, opened the bag and began to eat.

The way she was preparing the blanket it was like she was getting ready for something important or elegant. She had been sitting on the grass and for chicken wings she pulled out something to sit on. I have thought about that moment a lot since that day.

A few tears flowed down my face on my way home. I had a mixture of emotions, especially sadness for all the people like her.  When I returned home I fixed half a peanut butter sandwich. As I ate, I savored the taste of the peanut butter and jelly. 

When I told Hubby later my tears flowed. Sad tears for the homeless. Happy tears for the thought I did make a little difference. I told him next time I see her I'm going to buy her and I a meal. Then I'm going to bring it to her and sit down with her and get to know her. 

Hubby told me to be careful and remember I couldn't help everyone and to ask myself how much I really wanted to get involved. It ticked me off because he was ruining my happy moment and being negative. I know he didn't mean it that way. He is just concerned because he knows me so well. He doesn't want me to get hurt.

He may be right but we all have to start somewhere. I think if everyone shared what they had, especially food, there wouldn't be so many people hungry. 

Isaiah 58:19 If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.

Until Next Time..






Thursday, May 14, 2015

365 Journal Writing Ideas: 5 Things I Would Rescue In a Fire Excluding People And Pets and Why

It's time to get back into using my prompt books.

Five things I would rescue in a fire excluding people and pets. Uh, lets see.

1) The box with all of our insurance papers, marriage decrees and birth certificates, etc because those are important papers.

2) Our computers because we would be lost without them.It would also take time to reconnect with all of you lovely people.

3) Photos because they are irreplaceable.

4) Clothes. I don't think anyone would want to see me dirty or naked.

5) My medicines because they keep be going and it would be hell to get them to replace.

6) Books. I love to read and they take me to an imaginarily land that would ease my stress dealing with the aftermath of the destruction.

I know they asked for five but who said I played by the rules?


What five things would you rescue?

Monday, May 11, 2015

Mother's Day

I hope everyone had a nice weekend and loving Mother's Day.

My weekend was busier than usual. Saturday night, Hubby and I went to Mass with my parents at the church I went to when I was a child. I saw a few aunts, uncles and other people.

After Mass we treated my parents to supper at El Chili Verdi to show them a little appreciation of them lending the lawnmower, which broke while we were using it. They had to drive 45 miles one way to bring it to us and then go back home. Two weeks later they had to come get it and bring it to the shop. We don't have a truck or trailer. My parents are not young but they continue to do all they can do. 



On Mother's Day we went to my sister's. My brother-in-law cooked some burgers, delicious as usual. The whole family was there. It's a rarity because some work offshore and it is hard to get us all together.



Me and BabyGirl. Can You see the Love?

BabyGirl's Love, BabyGirl, Me, MyHubby 

I took a lot of other pictures but I didn't want to bombard you with all of them!

I hope to see your Mother's Day pictures!

Until next time…



Friday, May 8, 2015

Stranger: Stand Up Straight! WTHeck!

I've written many posts about encounters with rude, obnoxious,  and stupid people I share these for several reasons.

For you to think before you speak to others.
Don't judge others and if you don't have nothing nice to say, don't say it.
Regardless if you are "normal" or have a mental or physical defect, we all have feelings.
I want others to get a glimpse of what the disabled have to put up with nearly on a daily basis with strangers.

Some of the encounters seem so bizarre I sometimes think this can't be true although I know it really did. These are true life experiences.

I often wonder. I see myself as having a mild physical disability and have these frustrating encounters with people who strangers. I can't imagine what people with a severe disability and those in a wheelchair or other devices, etc go through.  What kind of BS they need to deal with?

I was telling MyMom about my recent encounter day before yesterday and she said people no longer have compassion or moral ethics. I just need to remember I'll probably won't ever see them ago and don't I dare let them get me down.

I hate when I am in the situation and I'm so shocked I can't think of a good comeback. I get flustered. And I hate the attention on ME in a public crowd setting like I was the other day.

It was a very short encounter but angered me nonetheless and I said something I'm not proud of it. I know it is no excuse but sometimes I just get ENOUGH! I'm tired of strangers being downright rude and insensitive. I don't want sympathy! I just want to be treated like a normal human being. Yes, my legs and speech are not deemed normal but I think I have a normal intelligence and I definitely have all the same feelings.

My mom always said I sadly have to try to educate people. Why is it my responsibility to teach total strangers about why I do this or that? I really would not mind if they came to me discreetly and inquire in a respectful manner. But when they are loud and obnoxious I feel there is NO way in getting through to them.

Enough of my rant. Here's the story.

I was standing in a check-out line at the dreaded Wallyworld.  A 20-something white male prances towards me.  As he passed me he paused. Then he leaned over totally intruding on my personal space. I took a step back thinking what the heck? I really wished I had a stun gun or mace because I would have certainly used it.

Then in a booming voice he commanded, "STAND UP STRAIGHT!"

For a few seconds I looked at him. I thought, 'Oh Noooo, he did not! Did he? I was trying to figure out if he was joking or being stupid. Once again, I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt so I responded, "Excuse me?"

He turns around and sarcastically said, "You heard me! F--King STAND UP straight!"

I wondered who this person was or rather who he THOUGHT he was.

I instantly became angry! And asked, "What is it to you? You don't know me!"

Although only a few people were watching, I felt like the whole store was watching uncomfortably.

He wickedly laughed, "Just stand up straight!"

Something told me even if I did try to educate him it would be for nothing. At that point, I just wanted him to leave me alone

I murmured, "Go away!".

He laughed and repeated, "F--king stand up straight!"

It is not the proudest moment but I had enough. I wanted to cry from frustration and embarrassment but I dare NOT show him. I yelled, "Get the f--k away from me!"

Calmer and lower he said, "Just stand up straight"

I answered making angry eye contact, "F--K YOU!" People started talking to each other looking at him.

He finally backed down laughing and walked away, ATTEMPTING To imitate the way I walked. Why do people feel the need to mimic something they are making fun of? It makes NO sense. When I was a child I used to wish lightning would strike and make them walk like that for the rest of their life. But as I got older I sorta feel sorry for them. I don't know why.

Anyway, I just turned away and it was finally my turn to check out.

The cashier and a few others apologized for the moron. I told them no apology necessary because it was not them. A man said, "You're a strong young lady taking his BS." I thanked him.

Some said I should be proud because I held my own.

But I did not hold my own, I stooped to his level with the cursing. I do not know what his problem was. I don't know what made him zero in on me but I rather him focus on me then the  elderly lady in a wheelchair behind me or anyone else.

It was cruel.

On my way home I kept playing the whole scenario over and over. I asked God to forgive me for stooping to the young boy's level. I asked God to help me understand people like that and for forgiveness for wanting to punch the boy's lights out.

Later that evening after relating my experience to MyHubby, he said the boy was lucky it was me. As much as we've been hearing on the news how people get ticked off, leaves and returns with a gun and kills or just brings out a gun, the guy is lucky I was not one of those people. He is right.

I've encountered morons for this young boy is a totally new breed.

If you would be me in that encounter how do you THINK you would react?

I hope all of you Mothers (and Dads who step in the role) have a wonderful Mother's Day.

Until Next Time…

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Insecure Writer's Support Group: Insecurity


I signed up with Insecure Writer's Group's monthly post. Every other Wednesday, I will share my own thoughts and experiences about my writing. In the process I hope to get feedback to make me a better writer and hopefully help others.

I have so many writing insecurities. One of them is I sometimes feel like I don't have anything to write about. When I am in that mode, I tend to not write and go months without writing. I used to write my anger, frustrations and negativity in my life.  I'm trying to focus on the good and attempt to write about the negativity in a different way.

There is an irony in the inability to find something to write about. I write the old fashioned way in a daily journal that I do not post on my blog. It is sometimes very personal I rather not share to the whole world.

One of my triumphs as you probably know by now is I finished the Blogging A2Z Challenge. I am so proud I wanna burst!

One problem that has been plaguing my brain is keeping track of comments I write on other blogs. My brain forgets who and when I comment on something. I have this fear that they responded and I have no clue. If I click notify me by mail I get ALL comments that can fill up my email very quickly. If anyone has any suggestions, please do share.


Until next time…






Monday, May 4, 2015

Spontaneous Explosion

Saturday, Hubby and I were catching up on General Hospital from last week. All of a sudden we heard what sounded like an explosion from the other side of our home. At first, I thought it sounded like Hubby's bag of cereal pouring out.

We went to investigate. I immediately went to my walk-in cupboard. Nothing out of place. We started checking inside and outside the house. Hubby went outside and I made my way to our bedroom and then to our bathroom and that's when I found it. Our shower door had shattered. It seems it started in the middle.



The shower stall and floor was full of bits pieces of glass. I never heard of shower doors shattering before.   However, after researching I found out it happens a lot.


I yelled to MyHubby that I found it. I won't repeat the expletives that came out of his mouth when he entered the bathroom.

After moments of silence, shock and despair, he went get the broom and I got the trash can. While he swept all the glass I prepared our other bathroom's puny shower. 

Thank goodness one of us wasn't in the shower. If it would have happened 10 minutes later I would have been .

Until next time..

Sunday, May 3, 2015

REFLECTIONS A2Z BLOGGING CHALLENGE


This was my first year I did the A2Z Blogging Challenge. At first, I was confused because in some areas I saw that it had to be themed and in other areas I got the impression that it didn't have to be. 

I knew I wanted to do the challenge but frightened. I wasn't sure if it had to be themed or not. I didn't know if I could think of a topic for every letter of the alphabet.  I had started a few challenges before but did not finish. I was disappointed in myself.

However, I started it. I kept going. Some letters were easier than others. At first, I was still concerned it being themed. BUT Letter E I realized, my challenge was themed!! I was the theme. The food, the places and activites was related to me. 

I am happy and proud to say I finished the challenge. I proudly display my Survivor badge on the sidebar. I have also bought a T-shirt.

It was definitely a challenge. The rules were to write the letter of the day post, visit at least 5 bloggers per day and respond to the comments on your blog. 

Although I think it was fair rules I felt overwhelmed. I did read 5 blogs somedays but most of the days, it was 2-3 blogs. I did keep up with the challenge posts and all the comments made on my blog.

For the bloggers who visited my blog, I subscribed to them via email and then put them all in a folder for me to read later and I will get to it..

I absolutely loved finding new interesting blogs. I also enjoyed the comments. I made new blogger friends.

The hosts were amazing and helpful. I admire their hard work and dedication. 

I definitely plan to take on the challenge next year.

Until next time…

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Update on Payton

I was so busy with my A2Z Challenge that I hadn't had a chance to update on my 3-year old cousin who has the Monster C (Cancer). Go here for my initial post. There are several updates as well if you scroll to my labels and click Payton. His family has been through a lot but they're supported by friends and family and God.

Recently, they were on a segment of local KATC news. The link to the video is below.

KATC.com | Continuous News Coverage | Acadiana-Lafayette - Payton Suire: St. Jude Is Part of His Journey

gofundme account for those who want to donate to help with the family medical expenses is still opened. They also have two other kids at home to feed and clothe.

April 1st they received some good news! The tumor is almost gone and the injections to his eye has ceased but chemotherapy continues. They have to make more frequent trips to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

I've never solicited on my blog for money until Payton. I probably will never again. This just touched my heart in a way nothing else has.


If you have it in your heart to give a few dollars it would be wonderful. But if you cannot do anything else, please pray for them. Thank you!

Until Next Time…

Friday, May 1, 2015

Future Posts

As you know for the past 26 days I was posting for A2Z Challenge.  On May 4th look for my A2Z Reflections post where I will share my thoughts about the challenge.

I will also be participating in the Post Challenge Road Trip. As soon as they put the updated one up I'll make a link to it. It is a laid back journey reading all the blogs that were in the challenge and commenting. I am going to add one element to my journey. Every Tuesday I will post the blogs I visited during the week and describe briefly what their blogs is about. It is sort of a shout out.

During the challenge I fell upon a blog Insecure Writer's Support Group. I am insecure in my writing so I thought it would suit me. The first Wednesday of every month I will share my fears, struggles and triumphs in writing my blog.

In between, I will continue writing random things and continue my Listography and 365 Writing Ideas.

I hope to see you!

Until Next Time….