CP Awareness: My Handy Dandy Tools

From a previous post you are aware that it's Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month.

As I have grown older I've had to let go of my pride and use certain tools including every day items to make my life easier.

I am blessed that I don't need any tools to walk such as a wheelchair, cane, walker etc. However, I do have a little trouble with steps.

My ex once built a ramp to our home in the back. Yes, he had some good intentions. I refused to have one in the front for everyone to see. I don't know why. Maybe my pride. Anyway, the ramp gave me more problems than the steps.  

If it is one or two steps I am okay but when it comes to more steps it is a challenge. I have handrails on our steps.

Fortunately, there are not too many places I go with a bunch of steps like our Church. There are handrails but Hubby is with me so he just holds my hand and I lead the way up the stairs.  He is sorta my support. Or whoever is with me at that time.

I have trouble bending down. I am always dropping something.  I cannot bend from knees because it's difficult for me to stand back u. If I bend from my waist it is hard for me to reach down all the way to the floor and maintain my balance trying to pick up something. A few years ago, my hubby bought me a Grip 'N Grab. It is such an awesome tool. It picks up things as small as a sweet pea and as large as a small hard cover book. I've been thinking about getting another one to put in a different part of the house and  another for outside.   I love it!

Sometimes my clothes get stuck all the way in the back of my dryer or on in the back of my washing machine.  I use BBQ Tongs or a spotted spoon!

For many years I have carried laundry baskets of clothes. I hated it. When I carry something bulky or large, it offsets my balance even more than normal and it is just plain awkward.  I had started to push the basket with my foot from the bathroom to the laundry, about 30 feet.

Then my loving husband bought this totally awesome rolling hamper. 

I am on Aspirin for previous blood clots so I bleed easier if I cut myself. Also, my hands are spastic so sometimes jars and bottles are hard to open. Although I use my Yoshi Blade knife sometimes, these kitchen shears are my tool of choice for cutting, chopping, slicking and opening jars.

So there you go! That's my arsenal of tools that make my life easier.

Share the tools you use to make your life easier, whether you have a disability or not.

As aways thank you for dropping by and go ahead if you like, and leave a comment.

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

March is Cerebral Palsy (CP) Awareness month.  I have Cerebral Palsy for in case you missed it in any of my posts or you are new to my blog.

Here are a few facts about Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral Palsy is the most common motor disorder in children.

The symptoms and severity of CP varies from person to person.

Globally there is 17 million more people who have CP. .

Cerebral palsy is a life-long physical disability caused by damage of the brain, usually during pregnancy. I am one of may exceptions. My Mom said I acquired it at 6 months of age when I stopped breathing during when I had pneumonia but was not diagnosed until I was 2.

Cerebral palsy affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance.

There are 4 types of Cerebral Palsy: Spastic, Athetoid, Ataxic and Mixed.

Spastic is characterized by muscle spasticity and permanent contractions. I have the muscle spasticity but no contractions.

Athetoid is characterized by slow uncontrolled writhing movements. Does not apply to me.

Ataxia is poor coordination and balance.

Mixed is combination of more than one. Obviously, I have this one.

There are many resources online that you can get more information. Here a few that I am using in addition to my knowledge.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine

United Cerebral Palsy

Fireflyfriends

Those of us with Cerebral Palsy often have an equal or better IQ than anyone else.

We (those of us with Cerebral Palsy) have the same life expectancy as those who don't have CP.

Most of us can walk. Some need assisting devices.

Some  of us have trouble communicating because we can't talk or have a speech defect. I think this is most frustrating. I know I can't pronounce some words and have that 'CP drawl". There are often times my brain can't figure out how to say the word offhand or pronounce it. Luckily I tell Hubby to say it and most times I can then pronounce the word. But there are other times, I just say, "Yea that's it!

My family and friends are used to the way I talk so they can understand me. Hubby laughs at the way I say things sometimes.  He thinks it is cute.

Talking to someone on the phone is the worse. It seems to me I am talking clearly but the other person is like, "Say that again" Or they repeat what they thought I said but it is all wrong. I tell Hubby that I understand I have a slight speech defect but c'mon its not that bad! He agrees and says people just don't listen but he also admits he had to listen closely when we first got together but now he is used to it.

If I am crying or upset and talk, forget it. Even my closest family can't understand me.

I probably could write a book about it but there are too many out there. So that is a summary of what Cerebral Palsy is and how it affects my life.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. It won't offend me.

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. 

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!

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.

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

accept myself

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?

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?

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.

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. 

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!

Why Mechanics and Service Personnel Get A Bad Rap

Don't you hate it when others make you feel like you are stupid? Or you can tell they are not listening when you are trying to describe something to them.

I remember when I was growing up, my dad suggested that if I have to go to a mechanic, or buy a car etc, to have a man with me because a lot of them will try to stiff me, especially being a female and even more so because I am "handicapped." That's how they described the disabled back then.Well I still described my self that way.

Anyway….

He was right for the most part. Now, there are some honest to goodness servicemen and salesman out there. Don't get me wrong. And through the years I've become more confident and realize I don't need a man for those things. After all, my parents raised me to be strong and independent.

Also, both men and women both get ripped off by these same people.

Recently, I called the dealership service department where I bought my car to make an appointment because my glove compartment would not close. It felt like something was stopping it. The service manager, I'll call Bill asked me what was wrong and I told him the problem.

He said  it is probably something simple and I agreed. He continued to tell me to try to pull the latch and push a button. I told him it was not the latch, it was behind the glove compartment. We went back and forth with him telling me what I knew what was not right. He then suggested I get my husband to look at it. I told him he did. I was frustrated after 10 minutes telling this man it wasn't what he was saying. He was hearing but not listening. I wasn't getting anywhere. t told him fine, I'll tell my husband. However, I was going to my hometown 45 minutes away the next day anyway so I planned to stop there and show this man that I was not stupid.

When I got there the next day he checked it out, doing everything he told me to do. He was jiggling it totally ignoring the latch.

I exclaimed,"Wait! You said it was the latch!" He ignored me. I continued to explain to him that I knew he wasnt understanding what I was saying on the phone. He never responded. I was getting angry but then I knew he knew he was wrong and I was right. So I got quiet. He started talking more to himself than me, "There is something blocking it." I was thinking, "No s#$#$# Sherlock, that's what I was telling you! But I bit my tongue. He actually glanced under the glove compartment as my husband did and he said he didn't see anything.

I continued to press the point that he said it was the latch. I could tell he was uncomfortable because when I would say that he would totally ignore me.. If he had said that I was right and apologized, I would have let it go.

He then informed me that he was going to have to take it apart. Wow! That is a difference from pushing a button on the latch and I said so. He chuckled. I was not laughing.

I told him I could wait. He said his shop was full and couldn't do it that day. My blood pressure spiked. I told him if he would have listened to me and just made an appointment when I asked I wouldn't be making two trips. He just asked when I could come back. I told him I was not driving from Arnaudville twice in one week. We made the appointment.

The following week, I arrived for my appointment. Ten minutes after I sat down, he comes and tells me my car is ready. There was another customer waiting for her car that I had been chatting with. We simultaneously said, "Already?"

He pulls me to the side and said that for whatever reason the door of the filter behind the glove compartment was opened and that is what was stopping the glove compartment from closing.

Yep, I made two trips for a 10 minute job. If he had just made my appointment as I asked him to I would not have not had to make two trips.

Grant you I made the best of it. The first trip I spent time with my Mom and had my hair cut. The second time I was able to pick up my PrayersforPayton T-shirt.

Update. Payton and his family was able go home for 10 days. He enjoyed being with his brother and sister and new cousin. They did find out that his tumor has decreased so the chemo and treatments are working. They had to go back for blood work etc for a few days but they are back home again. God is working but please keep those prayers going and check out Payton's Page for the links if you want to donate. THANK YOU for those who donated and your prayers.

New Furniture

I am sorry if you got this with a distorted URL. Duh me forgot to write a title and in turn, the URL was not right. I can't cut/paste for whatever reason as when I do it is all distorted.  However, I did something right! I saved it. I just have to retype it so here I go…again. 

On my previous post I mentioned I fell on my head which provoked Hubby and I to buy new furniture. Our furniture was delivered the day after Christmas. I thought I'd share some pictures.

I want to remind you I am not a photographer. I did crop the pictures but you may see some things in disarray or dusty. As a matter of fact, we put the new entertainment center in front of the old one as we weren't sure how everything was going to fit. Rest assured it is all nice, clean and in order.

Dresser. I finally have enough drawers that I need.

Entertainment Center. 

Cozy and Comfy Reclining Love Seat

End table with two drink holders

Our surprise USB and electrical plug sockets. YEA!

My respect strengthened for furniture movers. Imagine every day lugging other people's furniture to their homes, maneuvering around other furniture and in doors making sure nothing is scratched or broken. And I am not talking about just the furniture. I mean the home's other furniture, floors and doors. They were very careful.  Yes, they have a few machines to get it out of the truck but once it gets into the home they have to move it.  I asked them if they work-out. They chuckled.

Now our home is pretty much finished as far as furniture. It took us three years but hey we've done it.

By the way, we did not throw out the evil chair that flipped me. It is in our living room with our other chairs that I can sit in when I am in that room.

New Year Changes/PrayersforPaytonUpdate

It's a new year. I hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday season. I wish everyone a happy and safe 2015!

I didn't make any resolutions this year but do plan to change things.

First, I have finally moved away from CVS pharmacy to a Good Neighbor Pharmacy here. I've written a letter to the corporate office explaining why. Here it is:

It is a New Year and new changes to come.

I wanted to inform you that you are losing two customers which equates to $1364+ a month from prescriptions and even more from nonprescription products. My husband had also switched to you because of me. Although, he has had no real issues with his prescriptions he is leaving with me.

I have had problems through the years and more so in the recent months. I even talked to the district manager, Breanna at one point. I have sent several emails and complaints. A few issues were resolved like friendlier staff and slightly more efficiency when I went to pick up my prescriptions.

However, other problems were consistent such as when I refilled my regular meds.  At least one med was not available so having all my meds refilled at one time was impossible and irritating.  

Another problem was a few times my doctor would call prescriptions and your employees said they didn't get it. My doctor's office said they sent it. It was a vicious cycle and sometimes it was 2-3 days before I received my meds.

Last month was the last straw when I was sick and had two new prescriptions from a doctor's visit. I was coughing up a storm and anybody could see I didn't feel well. The pharmacy tech said they were backed up and it would take 2 hours. I told her as I have done many times previously that I lived 20 miles away in Arnaudville and wasn't feeling well enough to go home and come back or wait around for 2 hours. After bantering for a few minutes, I took my prescriptions and walked away. I asked for the manager, Gerard Bell which took a good 5 minutes for him to come out of his office. I told him my problem. I also emphasized that problems were ongoing although I am sure he knows as he probably sees the complaints.

Let me tell you I do not want anyone to lose their jobs. I just wanted good customer service and get my meds on time.

As I told him, he looked like he wanted to run away or just didn't know what to do. He finally said he was going to go see what was going on. I followed. The girls told him the same thing. It was shocking to see the Pharmacy tech telling Gerard in a very disrespectful tone that they might be able to do it in an hour but no promises and when they get behind they didn't want to hear Gerard complaining. If I would have talked to a previous boss like that I would have been fired.

At that point, I once again, didn't feel valued as a customer and my patience reached its limit. I told Gerard they just lost a customer and I took my prescriptions and left.

I went to a Good Neighbor Pharmacy I had never filled a prescription at and got my meds in less than 15 minutes with a smile and sincere thank you.  

One more thing, the online refill process sucks. It was very seldom that it was correct. There were also a discrepancy. I realize that it is a technical issue but that needs to be fixed. Also, I consistently told them NOT to put me on automatic refill or reminder but lo and behold I would get automated or even sometimes the pharmacist would call asking to refill my meds. No one ever listened. I DID NOT WANT AUTOMATED REFILLS OR REMINDERS.

I know CVS is bigger and have more customers but service should not be compromised regardless. The few years I've been with you I never once felt like a valued customer.

I wanted to tell you some of the reasons why I will be transferring all my business away from CVS and you can NOT count on me as a good reference. As a matter of fact, I will tell others to stay as far away as possible.

So have a great 2015 as I am sure you will since I won't be complaining but remember you have just lost at least $1400 a month and two customers.

Secondly, ever since we had DirectV we've had problems such as billing. Also, when we record shows on TIVO, most of them are messed up, even when the sun is shining. Ain't nothing worse than sitting on our couch ready to watch recorded shows and we put it on and it is all garbled. We just don't feel like it is worth the money. We researched alternatives. Since we live in the country, we have few choices, DirectTV or Dish or antennae Then January 1, DirectTV pulled ABC off the air saying they are negotiating and it is ABC's fault. Well ABC says the same thing about DirectTV. This hastened our decision. We have ordered an antennae, Roamie TIVO and subscribed to Amazon Prime. We already have Netflix. We will be canceling DirectTV and we feel so much better. BTW our expenses for TV will go down more than half!!

I think those two changes will lessen our aggravation for 2015. It is so nice to be able to do something about it.

Side Note about Payton: I want to thank all of you who have helped out in donating, buying shirts and bracelets, prayers, etc. I have such special friends and blog readers who stepped up. The family says THANK YOU. I also say thank you but I knew my friends and blogger friends rocked! I regretfully have to ask to keep them in your prayers.

Payton went through a treatment on his eye and a round of chemotherapy treatment on the 17th. It was pretty rough for the little dude but he was able to enjoy some of the Christmas. He is tough! He had a hearing test because loss of hearing is a side effect and it was normal. 

His siblings were able to make it for Christmas but it was so hard on him for them to leave. Honestly, I sometimes read updates and my eyes tear up and my heart gets so heavy.

And to add to the family stress, his mother's sister died unexpectedly. This family has gone through the ringer. They are strong and will get through this with our prayers and support.

The good news is they were able to go home for 10 days on New Years Day!!

Thank you for stopping by….

Falling On My Head Gets Us New Furniture!

Merry Christmas to all! Here's a  recap of my life the past few days.

First and foremost: I have made a page dedicated to my little cousin. Payton who has cancer. It's a page of information where you can find all the ways to help him and his family. There are T-shirts, bracelets and ornaments for sale where the proceeds go to help the family with expenses. I am sure they would appreciate a simple card letting them know you are praying for them if you can't spare money. There are many pictures and updates on his Facebook page. This week, the little guy has been getting his chemo. It is so heartbreaking to see pics showing the effects.

My life has been crazy as usual. Of course, I had to catch a bug everyone has and it takes forever to get rid of. Mine is in form of bronchitis. I am doing better. 

Then night before last I was in Hubby's Papasan chair watching TV. I was in his chair because it is the only chair besides an office chair in that room. The office chair hurts my butt and back. I was moving up from a slouch and flipped out of the chair with the chair landing on top of me. It was like a backwards somersault with my head hitting the desk. Needless to say I saw stars. I think I actually had a slight concussion. A big bump formed on my head. I  felt like a Big Mac truck hit me. I strained my neck, my arms and legs.  Ahh, my life!

Needless to say yesterday we went buy furniture for that room. We bought a reclining loves eat with an end table and a new entertainment center as well as a dresser for me. 

Lately, I've been telling Hubby I was so tired of that entertainment center. Some knobs fell off. There are dents and some of the paneling were falling off. My folks bought it for me and my ex when we bought our first home way in 1990. That entertainment center went everywhere with me and I loved it but it is time to get rid of it. The dresser was actually BabyGirl's but when she moved out she left it so I just used it. But the track is off and there is wear and tear. I'm sure someone could fix it but I think it is time to just replace it. 

We will be putting the Papasan Chair in the living room with my lovely chairs my friend Peggy have given me a while back. The living room is sorta our WII Room and my "women's cave" sorta and the media room is my Hubby's sorta "man cave".

I feel bad putting Hubby's chair out of his man's cave but the room is too small for both the love seat and the chair. After that fall, which was the second in recent months, we had to do something. I was either going to kill myself or give Hubby a heart attack. Besides I have trouble getting in and out of it all the time.  All of our furniture will be delivered Friday!

I want to do a shout out to Kelly Womack at Home Furniture who helped us tremendously.

Even with sickness etc I was finally able to send out Christmas cards the way I wanted to this year! Yippee!!