Cerebral Palsy Speech: URB NOT HERB

I've written on occasion about the effects Cerebral Palsy has on my speech. 

I had speech therapy from the time I was able to talk through 6th grade. I was so relieved when I was informed that I didn't have to endure it through high school.  My speech was going to be as good as it was thanks to my speech therapist.

My speech therapist was Mrs Ackal. She was so patient and kind  She would come to the school once a week armed with all kinds of goodies to give to her students for our efforts. She had Mom and I make flash cards of the alphabet and certain phonic sounds with velvett cloth. Mom and I went through the flash cards ever night. Mrs Ackal would have her students close their eyes and feel the letters and say what they were. She taught me how to  move my tongue correctly to articulate my words and sounds to the best of how my brain allowed.

Some of the other kids who did not need speech therapy verbalized how "lucky" I was and how they wished they could get out of class like I did.  Unbeknowst to them I was working just as hard. It also made me feel more of an outcast.

I don't have any speech therapy records but I have seen "dyspraxia" and"articulation" problems in doctor's notes.

  

Dyspraxia is understanding language, but due to muscle coordination there is an inability to consistently and correctly pronounce words. Thankfully, I have only a few of those.

MEMORABILIA is one. My CP brain freezes or gets jumbled.  I want to say Memorable, which does not come out right either  or some off the wall version. The "or" is the culprit. I ask the person who I am talking with to say it then I try.  I have found I'll try 1-3 times because there is that rare occasion the brain cooperates and I can say it. But other times, I laugh and say, "That's it!" Or with Hubby I'll tell him to say it.

Articulation is adding or omitting required sounds, distorting sounds. I would sound out c instead of z. 

Speech therapy was not my favorite thing to do at that time.  I now know it has helped. I continue to have some articulation problems and people who do not know me tend to not understand me as well. I learned although that is frustrating at times because I feel I am talking clearly, the most important thing is the important people in my life do.

Yesterday Hubby and I were talking and I was saying HERBS but as you know the pronunciation is URBS. MyHubby smiled and looked at me. I kept saying HERBS but in the back of my mind I had fleeting thoughts that it did not sound right. After a few more mispronunciations Hubby gently corrected me. The bell went off in my brain. 

I tend to forget the ways CP affects me. When something like that happens I usually don't think that it happens specifically from the CP. I rarely use my Cerebral Palsy as an excuse, except in fun sometimes, like yesterday I thought it was the only feasible way to explain why URBS would not articulate in my brain. Maybe there is a lapse somewheres between my brain and mouth. 

I did something I hardly do, I blamed it on my Cerebral Palsy! I think it was the only feasible logical reason..don't you?

April Fool's Prank

Hello My Dearest Followers!

I hope this finds you well. I think Spring is FINALLY here. Our winter was a rough one for the area I live. I know those of you who live North, had it worse.  I hope everyone was able to get through it.

I've been okay. This past week, it seems that Hand, Mouth, Hand disorder attacked again. However, only my hand and foot are involved. Have you ever itched so bad that it hurts and you just want to scratch your skin off? That's how I have been. I put Cortisone cream and it helped only a little.

Good news is my family doctor finally sent me some more Prednisone. Hopefully, I'm on the road to non itching recovery!

As some of you know, unless you are living under a rock, today is April Fool's Day.

When BabyGirl was growing up, she tried pranking me, several times on that day. It got really irritating and old by the end of the day. I used to prank my ex and got him good!

There's this particular time I will always remember. I realize now it was a very cruel prank.

He was at work and I called him. I led him to believe that we were in a car accident and BabyGirl was in critical condition. I had him panicking for 2-3 minutes then I said, "April Fool's!' He was royally ticked off, justifiably so!

My family even said that was so wrong and thereafter I agreed. I felt bad for days.

What was the worse April Fool's prank you did or was done to you?

Losing My Mind!

Yesterday I woke up and had my sock half off on my right foot.

I have no clue how my socks fall off my feet at night. I must be doing a lot of moving although Hubby doesn't complain and 3 sleep studies didn't show any such thing.

But I couldn't find my other sock. I nearly took off the linen from the bed.

No SOCK!

I looked all over the bedroom.

No Sock.

I decide it'll show up or it just walked away. Who knows?

I go to the bathroom and do my morning routine, perplexed about my sock.

I return into the bedroom to sit and put another pair of socks and my shoes on.

I finally found the sock! It was on MY FOOT.

I am not kidding you. It's exactly what happened.

I wonder if I am getting dementia, Alzheimer's or just completely losing my mind.

Has anyone done something like this? Please tell me I am not alone!

When You Don't Feel Like Going To Work, Think About This

It's Monday and I know a lot of you are grudgingly going to work or at work already. 

I want to give you something to think about.

There are those of us who can't work. Like Myself. Others like myself would do anything to be able to get up in the morning, get dressed and go to a job. Hopefully we would be doing what we want to do and love to do. We would feel productive and make more money than what we are getting from disability. 

Personally, I hate not being able to go to a job. I've been disabled since 1995. I've had doctors tell me they absolutely would not give the okay for me to work. It is not beneficial for my health. Working my chosen profession is actually a hazardous to my health. 

I realize they are right. 

But,,,,

I CRAVE being able to go to work at times. I want to go and help others as a nurse like I did for about 8 years. I would love to go see the patients faces and help them. I would love to have friendships with my co-workers. 

It gets me down sometimes. On those days I feel useless and worthless.  I get depressed.

It sucks!

Sometimes on Sunday evenings I can tell Hubby is sadly thinking about  having to go to work Monday. I silently wish I could be thinking of having to go to work.

But I try not to dwell on it and have faith that God has his plan. 

I ask you as you walk out that door thinking "I don't feel like going to work" think of the people who can't but would love to. Like ME.

Free Magazines Keep Coming

I want to thank everyone for their support and thoughts on my mysterious pain in my last post. They mean a lot to me. I did not go to the doctor for various reasons. I know I will eventually because although the arm pain is somewhat better my neck continues to be a problem.

Now on to my main purpose for this blog post. 

Let me give you a little background. Hubby and his ex lived here when they were married for a few years. Then they divorced and both eventually moved off the land so no mail was coming to this address for A COUPLE of years.

When Hubby and I moved here we had to fill out the moving form and on the address form we put Hubby, my daughter (because I sometimes get things from Social security or school) and myself. 

Ever since we moved here we've been getting mail for his ex.  It is periodically and mostly junk. It just goes into the garbage. What we think is important, Hubby either notifies her or we just send it back writing "Person does not live at address." 

Then we started getting Prevention Magazines with his ex's name on it. Those are interesting so I keep them and read them. I figured if his ex has not changed her address it's her loss. If she is not getting them she'll contact the company. Hubby doesn't seem to have the incentive to let her know.

January is when we started to be bombarded with magazines galore. I sent some back again stating "Person does not live at this address."They keep coming.

Every month we've been getting issues of Elle, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, AllRecipes, Shape, Esquire, Bazaar and Prevention.  The subscription expiration dates are in 2015.

I am not interested in any of them to buy a subscription but hey they're coming to my home I'll read the Prevention, AllRecipes and Cosmo. 

They keep stacking up. I thought about just keeping them for about 6 months and then put them all in my mail box with a big sign "(Ex's name) DOESN'T LIVE HERE!" Maybe the Postmaster will get the message but I am not confident with my past communication with them.

I don't feel like writing to every single publication. Besides if they can't keep their mailing list straight, it is not my problem.  

I have come to a conclusion of what I can do with these magazines. I will read the ones that interest me. I'll give my daughter the rest and the others after I read them., I am sure she can find someone who likes to read them and I know she likes some of them.

We will enjoy the free magazines as long as they keep coming.

Mysterious Pain

I am excited and proud to say that I finally organized my draft folder. I went from 100+ drafts to 38. I found some pretty good ones I need to touch up to publish.

I am so proud of myself!

I was on a roll for a while posting than I became distracted, sort of.

I developed this excruciating pain from neck down to my wrist. It started with my neck weeks back. I couldn't turn my neck sideways towards the back. I thought it was the way I slept. I normally sleep on two to three pillows.  I grudgingly eliminated two of them thinking that could be a cause. (I have since added one back). But then again, I wonder why after all these years I would all of a sudden have pain because of that?

Then one day I woke up with arm pain and stiffness. However, when I moved my arm, I had excruciating pain. I figured I strained it or pulled a muscle.

I also noticed if I press something, like making burger patties, the pain shot from my wrist on up. If I picked up something heavy like a jar I have to put it right down. My whole arm hurts. The strength of my hands are not as strong either.

I can't keep my arm straight or in a certain position because it feels like my arm locks on me and have this sharp pain running along my triceps. It hurts like the dickens when I move it.  There is an immense ache all of the time.

I keep thinking it will go away. It has made me so miserable. 

I am trying to get an appointment with an orthopedic doctor. Actually, the day I attempted to call and they didn't answer, it seems the pain had dissipated. The next day it was back, not as bad but it was bad enough to know.

Oh, did I mention it is my right side and I am right handed? I've been taking extra aspirin (I take one a day to prevent more leg blood clots). When I shower, I run the hot water and let it beat on my neck and arm. At certain places of my neck the pressure of the water is painful but in general I get some relief in a short time.

I have to be careful how I sleep. As I mentioned I usually have to sleep on 2 or 3 pillows. There is actually a name for it. It is called 2-3 pillow orthopnea.  I normally don't sleep on my back. I can't lay down on my left either. And now it hurts to sleep on my right.

I'm screwed, excuse the 'French".

Ever since my surgeries for cerebral palsy way back when I could never sleep on my back UNLESS I had my knees bent and crossed. That caused problems with my previous husbands and even my sister when we shared a bed as youngsters because it would pull the sheets. I would just tell them deal with it. I think it's because after my surgeries I was bed bound on my back for weeks, if not months. 

Since my partial left lung surgery in May 1993, I have not been able to lay on my left side for long. I feel like I am suffocating.

As I said I'm screwed LOL.

I don't think it is a pulled muscle. I know how pulled muscles feel and this is not it. Hubby thinks it could be a pinched nerve which is a good guess. 

You have no idea how much I hate going to yet ANOTHER doctor. 

Hubby asked me why I haven't gone to the doctor yet. I told him because I was procrastinating. I am fearful of what it may be and the treatment. I am so tired of doctors, medicine and treatments. Oh and I haven't reached my deductible yet. I guess going to that doctor will do just that plus more.

Just for fun, anyone have any guesses what is causing my pain?   I'll be sure to post when I do go to the doctor and what I find out.

Valentine's Day

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Valentine's Day!

May those who have a special someone have an awesome day. It's a day to remind each other how much you love one another. It doesn't have to be a gift-giving occasion.

For those who have loved ones that have passed away, remember God has his arms wrapped around you while your loved one is smiling down on you. Big hugs to you from me.

For those who have never found anyone special to love or to love them, maybe there is someone out there for you taking their sweet old time to get to you or God has other plans for you. Remember HE loves you!

To everyone else, all my family, friends including blogger friends……


HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Hubby and I are going dine at a local restaurant here in the boonies. Yes, we have a few of those here.

I bought him a lighthearted card and box of candy. He says when I give a card, it is always serious. Hence, the lighthearted card.

Since I was still in my dreams, we didn't see each other this morning so I don't know if or what he got me.

What did you do on Valentines Day? How did your loved one show you how much you mean to them?

I've been thinking…

I've been thinking…

Yea, I know that's dangerous for me to do. "SMILE"

I've been thinking and wondering if those who I love and admire REALLY does know how much they mean to me.

Yes. We say I love you. We thank them. We give tear-jerker cards for birthdays and other occasions.

But do they really know the extent of how much you love them, adore them and grateful for them?

I've also been thinking how do you show this overwhelming love, adoration and gratefulness for that person?

As I said…I've been thinking..

Lesson Learned: Keep On It Until Resolved

I received a spammed Paypal email stating that my account had been compromised. I didn't know it was a spam. However, I didn't fill out the form they requested because it raised a red flag with the information they wanted. I haven't used Paypal in ages.

I immediately checked my checking account and there was a debit card transaction from B&N I didn't recall making. So I contacted my bank and they cancelled my debit card and is sending me another one. So I will have to go through changing the accounts I have my debit card attached to like my insurance, etc. I will also need to learn a different pin number. ARGH!

But you know how things keep bugging you? When something is just not right?  It bugged the hell out of me!

So I called Paypal and customer service was so funny. She checked and said with a thick accent, "Oh ma'am you did not fill out the form attached to the email correct? " I told her no. She said, "Thank Goodness because it was spam and my account was not compromised. She said she will send me an email detailing how to tell if I receive another one like it. She did.

But there was still that B&N transaction. I got on B&N chat after trying to call. The connection was garbled on the phone. The CHAT rep told me that she did not show any transaction since August 2013. That sounded about right. We went round and round I asked her if she could trace it.  She said there was no transaction on my B&N account. I told her I knew that because I was staring at my B&N account but it still doesn't answer why I have a B&N transaction in my checking account. 'She finally instructed me to fax or email my bank statement. I told her I had a problem with that because they wanted my whole bank statement. I felt compromised already and if they can't trace the transaction on their end no telling how they would keep my bank statement secure.  I told her i would have to do more research and think on it more. We ended chat. I was frustrated.

I kept thinking, there has to be a way to follow that transaction.

The day went on and I kept thinking. Finally, I remembered giving BabyGirl my debit card number for a textbook she needed for a semester but couldn't remember which semester.

I feel like I can't remember as well nowadays. I'm getting old.

So I called BabyGirl and she said it was for last semester and swore up and down that she didn't do anything on the date the transaction took place. She assured me she tore up the information after she used it. She then sent me HER B&N account to show me that she didn't use my debit account on the date the transaction went through. 

HOURS went by. It continued to bug me. 

I called B&N and finally got through. I explained my predicament. I was transferred to the Fraud Department. The nice young lady was so pleasant and understanding. She said there was nothing on my account, which I already knew and was told many times by the rep on chat. 

I had mentioned that I had given my daughter my debit card information in December for her to buy textbooks on her B&N account. I gave her BabyGirl's name, She told me to wait a minute because she was bringing up her account. While she was doing that we talked about the weather and BabyGirl. 

I told her if it was BabyGirl I was going to strangle her but was confident she wouldn't do anything she wasn't suppose to do. She said she didn't have children and hesitant to have any because of such things like this. She sees it all the time, kids using parents cards etc.

Finally, she said she traced it. What happened was BabyGirl had not returned the book. She had rented it so it was a late charge. And if she doesn't return it by a certain day, my card will be debited the whole value of the book next time. Mystery solved. I thanked her profusely and told her the matter of the book not being returned yet will be addressed and resolved immediately. She laughed and said she was sure it would because she knew I was now angry at Babygirl.

I called Babygirl and fussed at her. She said she forgot and they usually send her a notice. I told her everything I had to go through with Paypal, canceling my card which was a great inconvenience because I was having preauthorizations  coming through and making me worried. 

If she would have been in front of me I would have bopped her on her head many times LOL!

She promised she would pay me back and mail the book the next day. She apologized profusely.

I don't want her to pay me back. I just want her to send the book back. 

Thank God it is her last semester.

I see a few more grey hairs growing. 

In the meantime I had a subscription and save Amazon order about to be deducted from my account through my debit card. I notified them that my card had been cancelled and as soon as I received my new one I would add it to my account. I inquired how I could pay them otherwise.

They responded in a way I know they didn't even read it. I wrote back to them not as nicely.

As I researched more on Amazon I figured out a way to change payments to my checking account for the time being. It does look like they finally received the payment and my shipment is being processed.

Thank You Jesus!

Here I am, Elmer Fudd

First, I know I have not been participating in commenting on your blogs, those who I follow. But I am reading them! Ya'll rock!

As you may have figured out by this post, I like video games.

I love shooting games and in the past month, Hubby has bought me several for the Wii and PS3. I'm getting used to them and having fun.

He found a great deal for a game, Carabella Africa and the gun with it. So he decided to buy it. By the way, we only buy used games so we are not spending megabucks we don't have.

We get home and opened the box. I held it up like I'd be shooting.

He blurts out laughing saying, "You remind me of Elmer Fudd without the hat." He imitated me with his hands up like he is aiming a gun,"Where's that wabbit??"

I was sorta confused until he explained. Then I burst out laughing too.

Sometimes I'll be doing something just normal but he'll laugh or smile. I ask him what is so funny? He just says"You. Some things you say or do is just funny." I become perplexed sometimes.

I remember once he laughed at something I did and I LET it hurt my feelings until I realized he wasn't teasing or insulting me.  He says sometimes the way I say something is cute or funny.

So I figured if I can make him laugh, that's all that counts! I know we adore and love each other immensely.

Do you do something to make your loved one laugh that makes you wonder sometimes?

It's A Snow Kind of Day!

Yessir (or Ma'am)! Deep South of Louisiana has snow today. Schools are closed. Government agencies are shut down. I guess we don't get mail either.

I know my friends up north who deals with snow regularly think schools closed? Government shut down? Yep! See! In these parts of our great USA, we are not used to snow. 

The "experts" here say it makes for hazardous driving ( People can't drive in clear weather), afraid of power outages etc. 

I personally think it is crazy to close down Government agencies. C'mon. They just had MLK off. 

Here a few pictures taken from the inside of my backdoor. 

My steps. So glad I didn't have to go down them today.

My poor little car all alone in the snow. The little circle next to it without snow was where Hubby's car had been .

My driveway from back door. Sorry couldn't get a better shot. I'm  lucky to get these in the COLD.

To all of you who deals with snow every year. I do NOT envy you. When everything is covered with snow looking all serene, is fine but otherwise, ya'll can keep it. 

Why Are Handicapped Ramps Curvy?

As I mentioned in my last post, Hubby and I are wanting to build at least a garage. We are also weighing in a porch/deck as well. We also need a driveway. We had no idea how much everything will cost. So we're going one step at a time. 

I was just wasting time surfing and looking at garages, decks, porches etc.

As I surfed through the many pictures I came upon some pictures of handicapped ramps. They were curvy. I have seen many varieties before but this one was like a maze.

We are not planning on building a handicapped ramp. I already had one with my ex.  It was more of a pain to walk up and down the ramp than steps. Ex was planning for the possible future I may need a wheelchair. (Another story I don't even wanna get into.) I do not use a wheelchair. So there is no need in my situation. 

Also, I have this unfounded phobia that some criminal will see the handicapped ramp and think I am vulnerable and try to break in or something. I did say UNFOUNDED.

I had thought about my question before but it was like a fleeing thought. I didn't put much thought into it. The one I had was a straight one sort of like this one below except the slant was higher.

The ones that got me thinking was like this one. You can find this on www.deckthis.com

I wondered why a handicapped ramp would be like this. How can a wheelchair turn that sharply? Maybe some of you can answer that question. How do you maneuver a wheelchair through the maze?

I pondered and it just didn't make sense.

So I asked the guy who I mistakenly sent the "OOPS Letter" mentioned in my last post on Facebook.

He immediately responded. I love his prompt responses. You don't get those much nowadays from businesses.

Anyway, he responded, 

"It hast to be one foot in length for every inch in height! Most ramps are too long to go just one direction! In the picture above if it went straight it would have stopped in the middle of the road."

So there you have it, that's why handicapped ramps are curvy. 

We learn something new every day! Or I did anyway!

An OOPS Forwarded Email

Hubby and I have been searching for contractors to build a garage.When it finally warmed up and stopped raining, we went to a business in the middle of the afternoon. They seemed to be closed. Their chain fence was locked and no one was there.

I returned home and wrote an email asking what their hours were and told them we had visited his business but no one was around.

Surprisingly, I received a response within hours from the owner apologizing. He had been on a job site and gave us the hours and his phone number. He also offered to come by and give a free estimate.

I decided Hubby will be doing the calling so I forwarded the email and of course the crazy silly person I am, I made some comments meant for hubby only and signed it Sweet Pea, the nickname he has for me. 

Hubby got it and the business owner as well. Before I forwarded it, I somehow left the businessman's email on there As yahoo was taking its time to send I realized the error..but it was too late. 

LMAO!

I immediately sent the businessman an "OOPS", disregard and apology email.

He probably laughed his butt off. He didn't respond.

It was not graphic, thank God. But still embarrassing somewhat. 

So next time you send your loved one a text or email make sure it is only to them.

Have you done something like this before and wanna share? It would be funny.

People are So Ignorant, I Swear

I get an email to join spring.me which is….

I don't know what you would call it. People ask questions on any topic and others answer.

I was surfing through the questions and one hit me. I don't know if I am reading it wrong or taking it the wrong way but the question was 

"This is the handwriting of MiniNini (her name is Nina). We can all agree that she's either fucking retarded or has Cerebral Palsy. I haven't laughed at handwriting this much before."

Here is the picture:

My first thought was are you kidding me. 

I wanted to blast this person. BTW, they hid under the user name Anonymous.

The responses  of others were even more ridiculous and made no sense.

At least we know the writer was talking about science.

I had to refrain myself from writing a long response but then reconsidered. People like that really does not get it and I'd be wasting my time.

Instead I answered: 

I don't know who Nina is but what if she does have Cerebral Palsy or mental retarded? It is not funny and you are cruel. It shows how immature you and all the commenters are. And yes, I do have cerebral palsy. Lets just hope and pray no one you love acquires cerebral palsy by an accident.

I read or hear ignorance just about every day and learned to just let it all roll off my back. But there are those, like this, gets to me. I will think about it for the next few days to weeks and get angry all over again and wished I could just meet them face to face and have a long discussion about their ignorance and lack of compassion.  

Surprisingly, no one else responded to that question or my comment.

What have you read or seen that makes you angry and takes you a while to let it go? Am I overreacting?

My Household Entertainment

This is what Hubby and I do on Saturdays. Stay in jammies and play PS3 and Wii games. LOL!

I almost did not post the pic.Why you wonder?

 I normally don't like taking pictures, especially waist down. I don't know exactly why. I know part of it is I don't like the way I stand. This picture doesn't show it too much. 

My hair is a mess, 

And as you see I am in my pj's. 

My Handsome Lovable Hubby is in the background watching me. He just smiles. I ask what is he thinking and he says "Nothing" but hmmm….

He is probably thinking, my silly wife. LOL!

I had trouble getting PS3 motion controller to calibrate all week.  Hubby was finally able to.

After some archery, tennis and bowling I am tired. It is amazing how these games can wear you out.

Being on my feet even for a short time is a challenge as well. When I am having fun, I ignore it as much as I can and take little pit stops and sit for a minute or two then I continue on until I can't really go on.

So this is how we entertain ourselves and each other.

Sometimes I enjoy just watching him play some of his games. 

That's one thing we differ, the genre of games we like and play. He likes cars, sword fighting, boxing. I like shooting like Doom, trivia, arcade like games. However, both of us enjoy one car game and the Sports games.

So for those who didn't believe I wasn't feeling better, here's evidence that I am!

What does your family do for entertainment?

On A Mission: Helping a Friend Find Love

I will be starting a mission soon. I know it is an out of ordinary mission. Some of you will say, "WHHHAATT?" Please say prayers that it will be accomplished.

I have talked about one of my best friends, Jeff. He is divorced and has been alone for a while now. His kids are grown and on their own. He served in the military and was injured. He is on disability. He has multiple problems such as diabetes, chronic pain, asthma, extreme shyness and  panic attacks in crowds. He walks with a cane. He lives in Illinois and the girl will have to move there if it becomes serious.

We both were single at the same time and I finally found that special someone. I want the same for him so desperately.

He's had one woman who moved in with him . But it did not work out. It seems he tries to find someone online but the results are mostly scam artists and overseas. He had an online 'relationship' for a long time with one woman who was from overseas but she disappeared.

So my mission is to find someone for him. I will be the one trying to sort out the psychos before they waste his time or breaks his heart.

He approves this so I am not doing it behind his back. Actually, I offered for years with him declining. I totally respected his wishes. However, he has finally said yes!!

Here's my tentative plan. It will certainly be trial and error.

I will make a different email just for this. He will have access to it.

Then I will make a profile to post on some dating websites. I am still thinking of how I am going to do it. I am researching.

I am asking you my friends and bloggers, if you know of a woman who is looking for love and you think she will like my friend and eventually love him and spend the rest of their life with him please tell them about this mission.

Also if you have any suggestions I am opened to them. Wish me good luck!

Spitting

Yes, my topic is spitting. 

I hate when people spit. I think every single time I see someone spit, someone is going to walk on that spit. 

YUCK!

My daughter used to have that habit. She claimed it was phlegm. I told her to spit in a Kleenex. She would spit out the car window. I kept telling her one day it would fly back and hit her in the face.

Lo and behold, it happened. It was hilarious. She toned down the spitting, out the window anyway. 

I think she took after her father who would spit a lot. I would fuss all the time.

Did I say it was gross. Well it is!

It seems a lot of sport players spit. It's like a habit. Every time I see them spit, "EWWW" comes out of my mouth.

It makes me shiver.

For in case you don't know. The New Orleans Saints played the Philadelphia Eagles in a play off game. The saying was our Saints couldn't play in the cold and outside as we have a dome. We did win, it was touch and go but we did. That's all that counts.

You know every sports team has fans. Most of us are decent and take the loses as well as the wins graciously.

There are also some who are just down right crude and nasty. 

I am sure you can find any fan from any team doing something stupid or disrespectful. 

But here is  a video to show such nastiness from the Brotherly Love City!

Real sportsmanship eh?

I wonder sometimes when I see someone spit, if that phlegm or spit has some kind of germ that can be contagious. 

I am thankful my child is old enough. But imagine your small child who is curious bends down and sees something. It is spit. He or she puts their hands on it? They want to put it in their mouth?

Yea, I know. It is outrageously gross.

If you need to spit, go spit in the toilet in a bathroom or bring a handkerchief or Kleenex to spit in.

Crazy Dream

Yea most of my dreams are crazy and weird.

This one was my mom and dad didn't have a bathroom and I needed to pee! I asked her where did they go and she said she waited for night and went out side to do her business. 

I was so confused in the dream. They acted like it was normal. 

It would start over again, and again and again.

My brain is so weird.

My Life The Past Two Days

I hope everyone had a nice safe New Year's Eve and day.

New Year's Eve we were in bed by 10:30. There were fireworks that sounded and felt like cannonballs. It was irritating as they popped them from 7 pm through 1 AM. Midnight was like we were attacked by bombs and grenades. Thankfully, I was sleeping and it woke me. However, after I figured it was fireworks I turned over and went back to dreamland.

New Year's Day we made it to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's home. We had the traditional black eye peas, rice, coleslaw and pork chops. It was delicious. We watched the Rose Bowl Game.

AND the LSU TIGERS won the ROSE BOWL Game! That was exciting although nerve wrecking. It seems our Louisiana teams want their fans to be nervous wrecks. But it is still fun!

My doctor's NURSE PRACTITIONER called me to let me know my gall bladder ultrasound was normal. I continue to be nauseous now and then. I've been aching like a big mac truck hit me. I just feel like crappola. She told me I had to wait a month to see if the Prilosec is going to work.  If I am not better, I need to call for a follow-up appointment. I don't know with who. Haven't seen the doctor except for the few minutes before he did my endoscopy. I am not keen to seeing the Nurse Practitioner  again because she has been no benefit to me.

Anyway, today I had lunch with my BABYGIRL. It was cold and windy but it is going to get worse. Dipping into the 20-30s the next week. I know all of you people up north think it is nothing but it is COLD here. 

I hate the cold. I wish winter was over!!

I told Babygirl we better have lunch before I go into the hibernation mode.  She offered and I allowed her to pay since she received many gift cards at one of our favorite places, Subway! We had a nice lunch and chat.

I was hardly able to eat much of my sandwich. The bout of nausea washed over me as I made my way home. I had to prevent myself from vomiting. Sorry if this is gross to some of you. It's my life. I get home, threw down my purse, ripped off my jacket, shoes and hat and flopped into bed.

I took deep breaths as one of my doctors told me to do when I am nauseous years ago. I fell asleep for a short nap. I woke up gratefully without the nausea.  Appetite is gone but I will try soup tonight.

2014 has not started like I would want..but it could be worse.

I hope every one has a healthy safe 2014!

Last Post….

of 2013 that is. I gotcha didn't I? 

Another year is coming to an end.  I look back at this time last year, MyHubby and I were "Homeless". The home buying process was coming to an end and there were delays of getting it on our property.  We spent Christmas and New Years living at my awesome Mother-in-law's. 

God works in mysterious ways because since then I think my MIL and I have bonded in certain ways. I think she has learned I am not totally disabled and am capable of taking care of her son. I have learned that she is only a concerned mother and she is full of more wisdom than I can imagine.

My health was overall stable until my hospital visit this month. It hit me hard. But I am still kicking. The tendinitis is still bugging me but oh well.

I used to make New Years Resolutions but I find them useless for me. 

Anyway our Christmas of 2013 was memorable. Christmas Eve, we shared it with Hubby's family. We went to the Memorial service in remembrance of his dad and all others who had lost a loved one. I think it is a beautiful event.  After we enjoyed a nice dinner at my brother-in-laws home and visited with his nieces and mother.

Christmas Day, we went to my niece's as my sister is remodeling her home so my niece volunteered. She was a great hostess. We again had a great meal. I was able to meet my second great nephew. Now we have 3 small children in our family again. It was fun to see them.

The oldest is 2 year old Andrew who is very busy, energetic and all boy. 

Then there is cutie pie 1-1/2 year old all girl Lillian, happy, quiet and rather do her own thing.

Jonah is the youngest 5 months who is also a happy boy who wouldn't cry with anyone who picked him up. I got the chance to hold him, kiss him and squeeze the cut little cheeks (Softly). 

The blessing was everyone was there. Sometimes someone was offshore or off to another place. This year all of my family was together. 

Oh and I met BabyGirl's boyfriend for the first time. I gave him a subtle short talk about not hurting my daughter. He took it well. I wasn't able to talk to him one to one like I would have liked to but if he is around I'm sure I'll get to know him more. He seems like a nice wholesome guy.

After we left there we decided to go see if my BFF, JoAnn was home. She lives right down the road from my sister and niece. My niece lives a few doors down from my sister. 

The few times I had gone no one was home. They didn't even know where we lived. But our friendship is like that. We may not talk to each other for months or even years, but we continue where we left off. Miraculously, she was there with her crazy husband and her Mom who I hadn't see in a long time.

JoAnn's husband and I get along great. We pull tricks on each other and jokingly insult each other. I am thankful my best friend finally found this man. She deserves the best.

They have an X-box for when her grand kids go. We checked it out. It is pretty cool. It is better than the Wii and PlayStation that we have. I laughed until I cried watching MyHubby and Joann play a game. It was so funny to see their faces and movements. Ahh that will be a memorable time.

We came home later than we expected but it was all worthwhile. 

We are going back to my brother-in-law's New Year's Day to have a meal and watch some LSU football!!!!! GEAUX TIGERS!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I wish you a safe and Happy New Year! Be careful if you go out New Year's Eve or Day!

Paying For Daddy's Meal

Since the few previous posts were rather drab, it's time to make you chuckle.

Let me tell you about my Daddy. He has always been a loving and supporting father. He has worked hard and continue to do so even retired. He is busy busy busy although he had a stroke at a young age, around 1984. I remember around that time because I was working. Ever since then he has an aneurysm and many other problems and is not in the best of health. Due to a combination of his medical history and working in a very loud hoist building at a salt mine for many years, he is hard of hearing, especially in a public venue with a lot of people talking and noise.

At the beginning of each month, my Mom's sisters and brothers get together at a local restaurant. Somehow MyHubby and I have infiltrated their get-together. It's the only time I would see some of my aunts and uncles. I enjoy their company and the food. No one has kicked us out so we try to go every month although it is an hours drive one way.

My Daddy's birthday was at the beginning of this month. My mom was at retreat at the time of the monthly dinner. So MyHubby and I decided to treat Daddy.

We arrived at the restaurant first so we told the waitress to put Daddy on our bill but don't tell him. We knew he would refuse and give us a hard time. 

After the delicious meal, the waitress started giving out bills. Daddy was watching her intently. As she was walking away after giving everyone their bills I heard Daddy loudly ask her where was his bill. She completely ignored him. I don't know if she just didn't hear or totally ignored him for our sake. 

I saw his eyes follow the waitress. When she came closer he jokingly asked if he was eating free. She laughingly responded, "Yes you sure are!" 

He likes to joke as well.

He thought she was joking with him and he said, "Oh okay." He was not convinced and was really confused.

Everyone had their credit cards and cash out and the waitress eventually picked them up. 

Again, Daddy stated to her that he still hasn't received a bill.  She chuckled. "Maybe you don't have one."

I saw the look of confusion on his face. Maybe he just couldn't hear her clearly or he was really confused.

As she passed out the receipts she was chatting with us and skipped Daddy. Daddy said, "Everyone got their bills but me."  She just laughed.

I could tell it was time to tell him with the look on his face of growing agitation and it was already done so he couldn't argue with us. 

Hubby was sitting next to Daddy with me next to Hubby. I told Hubby to tell Daddy not to worry about it. It's paid.

Daddy said, "Oh really? Who?" 

As I said, Daddy has many medical issues and his memory loss is one of them. I can tell him one thing and the next breath he will ask or say something about what I had just said.

He said, "Really?" He scans the room.

I gestured to him and mouthed, "Don't worry about it."

With his hand to his ear, he asked, "What?"

I can't yell over the noise so tapped Hubby to tell him it is paid for already.

Hubby turns to Daddy, "Don't worry about it, your meal is paid for."

Daddy finally gets it! And starts refusing. I walked up to him and scolded, "No, just hush.  It's done. Happy Birthday!" I never hush my Daddy by the way. 

He continued to dig in his wallet. I said in his ear, "It's all paid for Daddy!"

He asked, "The tip?" I confirmed it was paid for too.

He thanked us and I am grateful he just took it in stride. I think he was relieved that his mystery was solved.

We did give the waitress a little extra for playing along with us.

My parents don't often let their kids pay for anything and it is nice to just have them LET us pay once in a while.

Does your parents give a hard time when you want to do something nice for them?

My Latest Mantra

I've been sitting here thankful I didn't have to go anywhere. Early this morning I transferred from my bed to Hubby's chair in Media room. I grabbed remote and watched couple of hours of TV. Got up, took meds, grabbed Ensure, heated brunch in microwave and plopped again in Hubby's chair.

I ate, shuffled dishes back to sink in kitchen and washed, saved dishes Hubby washed, and shuffled to my chair and between potty breaks this is where I stayed.

Oh I did pick up the phone and order something for our Christmas meal that I'll hopefully pick up Monday after my follow-up appointment.

I stared outside, it's a gloomy day to fit my mood. The wind was so strong I thought our roof was going to fly away.  I was thankful I did not have to get out in this yucky weather.

Then I sat and thought. I thought of stuff I should not be thinking about. I thought of what the new year may bring. At least we'll start our New Year in a home. We were homeless living with my MIL until our home was ready.

I thought about where I am going? Where will I be? I've told Hubby several times lately, it's like I am in a rut.

I guess God solved that giving me the medical crisis. It's not the kind of resolution I was thinking of but I guess its his answer. 

Maybe its an example of watching out what you wish for.

Hubby told me that he regrets not bringing me to the doctor that Monday, it could have avoided the hospitalization. He may be right. But looking at the bright side, he says, I did get to see a few people I had not seen in ages, otherwise. He is right. 

Oh yea, I think I need to post that blog post. Gawd I can't remember anything if my life depended on it.

At the end of a year, a lot of people who had a great year wants to continue into the following year. The people who had a dreadful or semi good year wishes for a better year.

Well I'm all wished out. Even if I wish simple things, it never comes true. The hits just keep coming.

I know there are many people who are worse off than me. There are others who have no food, shelter or family.  I know I am having my very own pity party.

My latest mantra is, "I just wish it would stop!"

What do I mean by that? Your guess is as good as mine. 

No, I'm not on a suicidal mission so no worries. It shall pass.

I just want a life for one year throwing NO curves. 

If you made it this far, thanks for stopping by and reading it through!

Update Medical Status

So here I am once again. I did a disappearance act again. My Hubby dropped me off at my Mom's Sunday night so she could bring me to the doctor since Hubby had taken off the week before to be by my side in the hospital.

Let me just say this. My parents and I have been through ALOT of stuff through the years. But my mom and I are close because she has been by my side every minute I needed her to be. We've been through a lot of stuff together through the years. I cannot comprehend what I would have done without her help. I am blessed that I can count on her. I can tell she is aging and she is into a lot of things but she will drop everything for her kids, grand kids and great grand-kids. I am so very lucky to have an awesome mom like her.

Not to undermine what my Dad does for me. He is just in a different spectrum. He was the one making the money to supporting his family and taking care of my sister when Mom was busy with me. I know also if I call him and tell him I need him, he will be there. As a matter of fact, the day I was admitted to the hospital, my mom was held up with a grand kid but he came see about me, although I vaguely remember it.

Anyway. Hubby was reluctant because he wanted to be there but I told him he needed to work. He took the time off for me for three days last week without hesitation.  So the next morning Mom brings me to the Gastrointestinal Doctor's office. I, once again, did not see the doctor but the Nurse Practitioner. She only repeated what she said in the hospital. She told me to go back the next day to do a gastroscopy. She said they may need to do a esophageal dilation which I figured already.

For a gastroscopy also known as EGD, upper endoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a tube is inserted through the mouth into the stomach and upper intestine.

We weren't expecting it to be so soon but relieved it was. MyHubby was going to take off work again but my Mom told him she was going to be there regardless if he was there or not. I told him he did not have to be there. I would not hold it against me. He had been doing a lot of back and forth already. I told him he could just sleep at home again and go to work while mom takes me to do the test. He could come pick me up the afternoon after the test.  I know he felt like he was being pulled and didn't want me to feel neglected by him. We promised he would be notified of the results and after it was over. It wasn't like I was having surgery.

The next morning I had to be there for 10:30 am without eating or drinking anything after midnight. There was a full waiting room. I handed the filled-out paperwork the Nurse Practiticioner gave me the day before. We waited and waited.

On the paperwork they covered themselves stating to arrive expecting to be there for most of the day. They weren't kidding!

Their process was they called you, went over the paper work, collected whatever money you may owe, tagged you with a name bracelet and sent you back out to wait some more.

When it was my turn to be tagged, I was NOT on the schedule.  To make a long frustrating story short, luckily I had the brochure with me with the date on it. They finally tagged me and sent me back out. I figured this was going to take longer because they had to call my insurance.

I blame the Nurse Practiticioner for not doing her job.

Anyway, at 11:55 am they finally called me. 12 noon they wheeled me into the room. Finally, I see the Doc for a few seconds while the Nurse inserted my IV. (She had to stick me twice, I am so tired of being stuck!) The anesthesiologist came explaining he is going to push some sedation medication into the IV and I'll fade out. He put the syringe into the IV port and the next thing I knew I was waking up at 12:36 pm. There was a clock I could see so that's how I know the times.

The test resulted in a few findings:

1)  Confirmation of gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining.
2)  Esophageal ring: Not stricture: A narrowing at the end of the esophagus that was inflamed.
3)  A small hiatal hernia.

They dilated my esophagus and changed my Nexium to Prilosec and I will continue my Flagyl until it is all gone. I am going to see him or the NP, most likely Monday for follow-up.

MyHubby came pick me up after work. We came home and I was wiped out. I climbed into bed around 8:30 pm.

I can tell it will be a slow recovery from my hospital stay and procedure. Please pray that I get the strength and patience with myself to listen to my body and slow down as I did this morning.

Christmas was weighing on my mind. I left this morning and went to Wallyworld. I found the two Santa Gifts I needed and picked up my Prilosec along with a few items. I could tell my body was telling me to stop.

I made it through check out, got to my car, put my items in trunk, drove to Wendys, which is on my way home and picked up a potato. I came home, grabbed the bags of cold stuff leaving the other bags for Hubby to get when he gets home. I ate my delicious potato. AAAhhh!! REAL FOOD! Then I literally plopped into bed and slept for a few hours. I am done for the day.

I need to let go of my pride some and allow Hubby to make dinner tonight. You have no idea how hard that is to do.

Anyway that is where I am now as far as medical.

Hospitalization: Reason for Disappearance

Hey Everyone! Yep! It's littlecajunme!

It has been one hellish week. I saw a lot of comments to be published and a lot of blog posts. I am so sorry I have been unresponsive to these as well as private messages, emails, etc. I don't know when I will be able to catch up so I can't promise a certain day but do know that I will eventually. I love every one of you and don't want anyone to feel ignored. After you hear my explanation I am hopeful that you will understand. Thank you!

For the past few weeks my tummy has been bothering me, but it came and went. I had planned to make an appointment with my GI doctor. 

Last Saturday and Sunday I was feeling drained and my tummy had some dull cramping. 

Sunday, Hubby and I ate pizza while watching the Saints game. It did not stay in my tummy, if you know what I mean. I will not give details. I started dry heaving thereafter.

Monday morning I called my GI doctor. He has an office in Lafayette, nearest me (about 30 minutes one way) and one in New Iberia, where most of my other doctors are (55 minutes one way depending on traffic.). Of course, the earliest appointment in the Lafayette office would be Dec 18th. The earliest in New Iberia would be the Wednesday so I grabbed it.

I was weak, my tummy was hurting and I just didn't feel good. I dry heaved almost nonstop. Literally! I have a history of dehydration after nausea and vomiting. All I was keeping down was water which I considered good because it would continue to hydrate me, or so I thought.

On that day and the next day, we were trying everything to maintain my strength. I was in bed the whole time except to potty. MyHubby was really concerned. (He even told me later that he had tears seeing me this way. I feel so bad for that. UGH!) I was concerned about myself but shhhhh..I'll never admit it.

He bought me Popsicles and it came right back up after consumption. He cooked mashed potatoes which sometimes calm my stomach. It didn't come back up but I was only able to eat 1/4 cup. I  continued to dry heave until I got to the doctor. 

Hubby took off work for my appointment. He had to literally pick me up (He didn't bother trying to change me out of my jammies) and put me on the back seat of the car. On the way, he suggested we should just go to the ER. I told him we're going to the GI doctor, who could figure it out. Against his better judgment he brought me to the doctor's office.

He carried me into the office and sat me down. The receptionist saw me and must've told his Assistant. They called me right away while there was a room full of patients waiting. The Assistant told us to go to the ER. She said I was very dehydrated and malnourished. There was nothing they could do there. I would need fluids and tests. "SIGH!!"

Yes, later on I put my big girl panties on and told MyHubby he was right.

MyHubby picked me up, carried me to the car, laid me back onto the back seat and drove around to the hospital that was next door. He drove to the ER door, got me out of the car and carried me into ER where the ER personnel took over.

Thank God I don't weigh much and he is a strong man!

I was a little incoherent. And the rest of the day was blurry. The people MyHubby said arrived in ER  to see about me is like they were in a dream. I don't remember what neither one of us said. I wasn't even sure if it was real. 

Nurses inserted an IV with anti nausea med and fluids and the dry heaving FINALLY stopped. They poked and prodded me. My blood sugar was very low among my electrolytes.

I was admitted and bedridden with IV, cardiac monitor and urine catheter.

The following days were full of pokes, and prods, beepers, people walking in and out. Some were like vampires taking vials of my blood. I slept in-between everything. I remember thinking I just want to sleep!

By Thursday I was doing pretty good and was being discharged. Someone made a boo boo  and ordered a regular diet. I ate a portion of it and it came up again. Discharge was postponed until Friday night.

There is a lot in between I want to share with you in those days but will do at a later date. I am pooped.

The cause of it all is a mystery. The diagnosis kept coming up as "maybe gastritis," dehydration and malnourished. As MyHubby said the only thing that was take care of were the symptoms. There was never a definitive diagnosis.

I do feel better somewhat. I am keeping soft foods and Ensure down. It's progress.

I was not walking for several days. When I was finally out of the bed it was like learning to walk all over again. It felt like 2 lead weights on my legs. It's hard for me to get from Point A to Point B with LESS then the little balance I already have. So FREAKING FRUSTRATING!

Add weakness, aches and pains from the whole ordeal and you get one sickly half-grumpy little person 

I keep the grumpiness to myself with the exception of a discussion with an insurance representative who won't approve my anti nausea medicine. In the end I can't get that med because doctor is ER doctor and they need a fax to get prior authorization. Yes that is right. I have to get prior authorization for a prescription a DOCTOR who wrote it! I told her they better hope I don't get nauseous because if I do, I will be coming after them when I recover like a bat out of hell! I enforced it with "Don't think this is a threat, it is a freaking promise!"

I have a follow-up with my GI doctor on Monday and a follow-up with Family Doctor Wednesday. 

Such Joy! Not! But I continue on trudging.

Anyway, I hope this is a sufficient explanation of my disappearance. 

Christmas Memories--My First Bicycle

I have been trying to catch up with some of my blogs I follow. One of them, Pam on Mommacan.com has been blogging about Nostalgic Christmas Gifts. It is fun to go back and remember toys as a child. Be sure to check out her blog!

I started thinking about my favorite gifts I received as a child.

The one that comes to mind the most was when I received my very first two wheeled bicycle. You see I was told I would never be able to ride a bicycle because of balance issues from the CP. But I did. I had learned on my sister's old bicycle with training wheels. If you want to know the story how I learned to ride a bike, go here.

Anyway the Christmas I received my very own two wheel blue boys' bicycle I had pneumonia and couldn't go out to ride it. It looked similar to this.

We were living on Avery Island in a small two bedroom house. There was a straight shot from the kitchen into the living room., barely enough to ride the bike up and down. However, that day my parents made an exception of allowing me to ride a bicycle in the house. I still remember that day of excitement and pride.

Looking back, it was so weird how I got on the bike.  Instead of swinging my leg back over the seat to get on as every other child I knew did, I would stand on the side of the bike and move my left forward over the bars to get onto the bike. I know it is hard to imagine but it is called improvising.

I think that was my most favorite gift all!

Stay tuned about my other memories of Christmas.

If you like, share your favorite Christmas memory with my followers and me.