Heather Shrinks in Houston!

[Houston Heather]

Woke up really tired. Tired, groggy and lazy today at work. Didn't get much done, but then I didn't need to.

We came home after riding around for an hour. I went straight to bed. I slept over 3 hours. I'm still tired. I guess today is a groggy day. I get them occasionally, where I'm lucky to get the minimum.

I don't feel like cooking so I'll probably just eat a can of sardines and some pumpkin pudding. I know, doesn't it sound VILE? But that's what is appealing, and I've got the ingredients.

Maybe I'll have more energy tomorrow. I'd rather be tired than "sick".

THIS STORY MAY PISS YOU OFF OR DEPRESS YOU...
There was a case in Houston recently. A man became hyper-religious and obsessed with demons. He suddenly became a vegetarian. These are all signs of a bipolar mania - it is very common actually to have delusions and obsessions like this... this all could have been fixed with a few pills a day.

Anyway, he caught his son eating meat and beat him severely. The child has multiple skull fractures. The mother just let him do it, apparently. Me, I'd have stabbed him or whacked him over the head with a heavy object. Hell, I'd do that if someone went after Bubba!

He was the nicest guy, everyone says. The baby will be fine - just traumatized. The other child is in the custody of CPS. I think she should be... the mother not acting really bothers me. Anyways, pray for them, they need it. I hope she leaves him and only does supervised visitation. If I had harmed the cat Ron would leave me, and he wouldn't let me see the cat - and he shouldn't.

Anyway, it is a very sad and preventable case of mental illness. You know what? There is ONE difference between me and that guy. I take my pills. He doesn't. That's it, and I never forget it. I NEVER allow myself to even consider skipping a dose unless I have a puking migraine and it wouldn't stay down anyway - then I double up when I can take 'em.

Fatigue - major fatigue? Cost of goods... cost of staying happy. Worth it. So, so worth it. Happily, I haven't had any stomach problems in ages. Yay! The nausea was pretty bad at times. Apparently one of my supplements helps.

When I'm feeling more energetic, I'll list 'em all. Someone might find it interesting.

I'm hoping my player comes early today. That would be so fun. I really miss having a player, especially when I have heavy manual labor like unstacking a pallet of merchandise or getting Ron several cases of soda.

Other than that, finally a normal mood. Thank you Jesus - just tired, not up or down. I never take normal for granted!

I just need to cover up a tomato plant tonight, lows in the 30's. I need to eat, and I need to check the mail again and read the receipts to Ron.

Tomorrow is work, Cracker Barrel, and home. Should be pretty painless. I'm glad things are quieter so I don't have to worry about Ron overdoing it after the surgery.

OH, and Mike at work said he and his wife would be DELIGHTED to give us a ride home after the surgery. Good! Ron refuses to call Chuck and ask him to get the day off - he wants to wait. Agh.

My dehydrated meat arrived. Now I have ham, sausage, chicken, bacon, pepperoni, 2 beef, 2 taco, bbq, egg mix, and sloppy joe. And 2 cans of dehydrated veggie stew blend. Mostly l/c veggies, dehydrated. EAsy to mix with the meat and make a meal.

[Houston Heather]

Yay! My player came today! 4 Gigs of fun for $20.

I had my music backed up, thank God, so I didn't have to buy new tunes!

I did have smoked sardines and pumpkin pudding for dinner.

[Snowman]

Heather ~ So glad you have music again! When is Ron's surgery again? That's awesome you guys have a ride planned home after his surgery! I am also glad you didn't take a ride from that lady at the bus stop!

I hope that man never sees his children again!!! That is so sad. I'm glad you are a smart woman and take your medicine!

Yesterday it was about 70 degrees here in Pittsburgh, today it is in the 40's, we get CRAZY weather too!

My DD (who passed away in 2002) used to eat sardines alot! I don't think I have ever tried them! I do love tuna though. My DH hates tuna and always says when I open it, "hey we don't have cats, why do I smell cat food?"

I'm excited you and Ron are getting to go on a cruise! I have been on 4 cruises and love cruising!! I've been to Alaska 1 time and Hawaii 3 times!!

Sounds like you have a nice wardrobe! I am finally down to 185. I hope to lose at least another 10 by the beginning of Aug. when my DS gets married.

Take care

[Houston Heather]

Yay Snow!

Ron's surgery is April 15. The surgeon (an average-weighted fellow) has a major addiction to snickers bars so I bought him a bag of "minis".

I finally feel like I have something cute to wear for almost any occasion. That's a good place. I also have some slightly smaller, cute, little black dresses I picked up at thrift stores. If I lose, they'll fit!

I've decided not to put the load of weight loss on myself. I see myself as basically half owl/half maintanence. If I lose, great, but don't expect it. Don't beat myself up if the scale # is the same. If I gain, lower the carbs. Try to get more veggies, etc. Eat smart.

I'm just juggling too much - I know myself. If I have too many expectations I'm going to screw up and drop the ball. That would be bad... and probably end up with me back in the Women's department!

[Houston Heather]

I'm going to go with present thoughts and then go back and tell you about my day.

I'm so glad I have my medication, even though I've had the big trade-off of fatigue. Before I took my PM pills, I was feeling very overwhelmed and somewhat desperate. Ron's having surgery in a week. That's a BIG DEAL.

He was very wobbly today too, he almost lost his balance a few times. It's just a bad day for walking, he has them. Bad enough that he told me "One day I WILL fall, please don't freak out". I told him, "If you fall in front of a Metrolift driver they'll freak enough for all 3 of us!" At any rate [shrug] he is seeing a neurologist - he's just wobbly. What's he going to do, use a walker?

Oh, God, the walker was a nightmare. Ron veers very strongly to the left when using a walker; I was constantly guiding him AND yanking the walker back on track. I have carried a heavy backpack while pushing the wheelchair, and it was easier than the walker.

I do think sometimes that a quad cane, with the 4 feet, in the "blindie" style of white with red feet, might be useful for him. Something with a little more support, but he couldn't "feel" where he's going like he would with the long white cane. And if I'm guiding him I help him balance (I don't know how aware he is of that). Anyway, it goes back to hanging onto me, or using the wheelchair most times. It's his body, his choice what he uses.

That sun exposure rash is still bugging me. Itchy bumps! I need to start taking my hat everytime I leave the house. And wearing sunscreen and probably a jacket. I'm on a tiny dose of Lexapro but it's been associated with "photosensitivity". I'm sure that's it. The Risperdal messes with female hormones, makes my chest bloat up 2 weeks a month, some other stuff I won't mention, raises blood sugar, and more painful periods. They're more unpredictable too but that could be stress. The Lexapro is dizziness, photosensitivity, and low blood pressure. All of them cause fatigue. I've noticed.

I've felt like a vampire recently with the sun. Speaking of the sun, my plants did fine with the cold snap. The vining squash is looking vigorous, like it'll give it's neighboring grape tomato some competition. The cucumbers are small but OK looking. Peppers look great, and are setting fruit. The nice warm weather we had a while back helped. Some of my lettuce is bolting - going to seed. Some of my onions are going to blossom, they had a very confusing winter. I may not get many edible onions, but [shrug] you never know. Just growing them near the other plants is good, regardless of if I eat them. I have a lot of clover in my backyard, and I let it grow a little bit so the bees can enjoy the nectar. Bees pollinate the good stuff like cucumbers, squash, etc. You want them around.

I need to weed and mow out back. Ack. I cooked up some cube steaks tonight, dishes, and laundry. Ron likes the button down shirts, they're a lot kinder to him when he's dressing and undressing. Good.

I have to remind myself that is is perfectly FINE to feel overwhelmed. My husband has many disabilities. I'm caring for him, myself, and our cat. I'm helping him manage a business. I'm managing my own illness - with the resultant price tag of fatigue. It makes it harder to do other things but I can think (most of the time) and I'm not the slave of my illness. I never kid myself that I've "Got it all figured out" but I feel confident in saying I never let things get out of control. Another lithium tablet; or rarely, an antipshchotic; and a long nap, will fix what ails me.

One very long day I started seeing people who weren't there. Not fun. I took an extra risperdal and a long nap when we got home. When I woke up, I was OK. I only saw "real" things.

It's OK not to finish everything. I am disabled. I don't use it as a crutch. People always tell me I'm too hard on myself, I hear that a lot in real life. I am. I keep trying to hold myself up to the "normal" stick - and I'll never measure up to that. I'll measure up to "Heather manages her severe form of bipolar disorder and her prenatal brain damage" every day... but not "normal" - never that.

I don't see how some women can juggle a job, a home, a marriage, and children, for instance. My floors need a good sweeping and my shower is scary. I've just got me, him, and the cat. The cat doesn't need much, and if I forget something he does need he makes it VERY CLEAR. A cat, sitting in the sink, pawing at the faucet, is a good reminder to fill the water bowl.

But I have disabilities. So does my husband. We compliment each other fairly well, his are mostly physical, mine are all pretty much mental. We've each got a pretty big load.

Caring for each other is a joy, but an added responsibility. Managing the business isn't too bad most days, but it's work. It's very hard when I'm exhausted, or I have a migraine, but I have to go to work regardless.

I may have a big pile of dirty dishes or clothes, but I manage the basics. I just crawled out of YET ANOTHER black hole of depession, and kept myself from falling in a mania whirlpool. It's like getting sucked into a drain, around and around, can't get out... thoughts flying around... horrible. But I avoided it.

I take care of my husband, and myself the best I can. I may not get everything but I do get the basics, and I have to be satisfied with that. He is happy and well loved. No one else can give him that. No one. I am the only one who loves him and finds it a joy to assist him. He needs me to give him that. He needs me more than he would need anyone else, anyone with a normal brain, who didn't have bipolar disorder, but doesn't love him or enjoy his company. He needs me the way I am. If I were normal, I wouldn't have seen who he was, instead of seeing a 37 year old guy at a fast food restaurant.

Not to mention, God needs me here, the way I am now, otherwise He'd have never created me this way. Today I did a lot of education - talking to the driver about bipolar disorder and the symptoms, treatment and management. She has a brother who has bipolar with psychotic features. Tough. But I let her know, he can have a totally normal life if he gets off the "junk" and takes his pills. I guess I'm the only one who can tell her, "I've been there. Even now I'll see things if I don't get enough rest." Most "normal" people, even if they shared my symptoms, probably wouldn't tell someone about them in real life. I'm not wired that way. If think it'll help, I'll talk about it. Ron is very supportive.

So I plod on, figuring I'm right where God needs me, doing what He needs me to do. I love Ron, I'd still be with him if he were totally normal. He doesn't ask for much, but I worry about him. Then I try to remember I can't carry that kind of load, I have to give it to God.

Today we got up and went to work. Plenty of time at work.. got everything done, got the milk delivery, and put it up. Our ride was an hour late - lots of Heather at the bus stop knitting and listening to tunes. I had a pretty good time.

We finally got picked up and went to Cracker Barrel. I got my low carb chicken thing, Ron got meatloaf. He said it was pretty good. We got a great ride home and I went out back. I uncovered all my plants, threw a few bones to the neighbor dog, and did some watering. THEN I took my nap. I'm sure my plants appreciate my sacrifice.

UGH... itchy upper arms!

Anyway, I had a good nap with Bubba. Then I [scratch, scratch] got up and helped Ron with some accounting work and downloads. I watched some Star Trek - Enterprise reruns - new to me though; and did a little knitting.

I had enough energy to cook myself a healthy dinner. Ron said the cube steak smelled good, in a sad voice, so I gave him a little bite with some grilled onions. He said it was good. Generally the first bite is OK, but the second is horrible. He didn't opt for a second bite.

I ate 2 cube steaks, some cheese, and some mixed l/c veggies; pretty good eating! Bubba cat got a few bites, he was happy.

Tomorrow is my day off. I'll probably go to the thrift store again, I don't know what else. We'll see.

[Houston Heather]

Day off, I slept in 'till 8. I got a snuggle from Ron and talked for a while, then I got ready to go. I figured I'd hit the thrift store and try to get him some nice shirts.

I wanted to avoid another rash, so I slathered on the sunscreen and wrapped myself in a light cotton shawl - a rectangular style, natural cotton, with fringe. I felt good in it, and it helped keep the sun off my skin. I also wore my "boonie" hat.

I had pretty good luck with the shirts, I found 4 for about $20 total. Ron and I can coordinate our outfits and be oh, so cute. I tried walking from the thrift store to a Burger King. I went to a dollar store and got some anti-itch cream. It works well. I also got some foam snack plates. I call them cat plates because I put the smelly canned cat food on them and feed them to the cat. He loves it, and I love not having to wash out reeking remains of cat food - I just throw away the plate.

Getting to the Burger King was a big hassle and I got an attitude - I won't be going back. I went to the mall, but didn't see anything interesting. I decided to just go home.

I caught the bus and went to my Starbucks. I got my thing and did some knitting; then I went out and waited on the bus to go home. I was glad I had my shawl, it was kind of windy.

I came home and watched a good sci-fi program, then more helping Ron with the books. Tomorrow we work, then doctor and hospital for preop testing. I've got Ron soaking in the tub right now. Lucky me, I get to scrub him.

I ate dinner and took my pills, then I'm going to be early. I'm tired and I didn't get my nap. Waah.

[Houston Heather]

Boy, I'm beat, and battling a nasty headache.

Got up, went to work. Worked, called in our delivery for tomorrow (over $700), went to the doctor. They loved the "copay" (a bag of mini snickers). Heather, the medical assistant, is interested in Atkins. I'll be giving her a book.

Waited over an hour on our ride.. about this time the headache started. An hour sitting cross-legged on the sidewalk, knitting... lots of appreciative comments, handed out 6 "Learn to knit" flyers.

Finally got our ride, got some food, got dropped off at hospital for testing. Ate, then checked in. Got Ron a wheelchair, all they had was extra wide "There's enough room for BOTH of us, Heather!" size. More waiting, more knitting. "Oh, that's so pretty. What is it?" Handed out 2 more learn to knits. Drank all my diet Drs.

Finally blood test medical history EKG, etc. It ran so late we had to POSTPONE our pickup. Always bad. Finally finish. Oh, that's pretty. What is it? Love the colors! Ron smiled. He said once he wished he could see what I'm doing when he hears all the compliments.

They said that worst case, Ron could go home in a cab if I were with him. Phew.

Waited another hour on a pickup. Met a nice lady - caring for her brain-damaged daughter, and elderly mother-in-law, her husband just had 5 stents put in! Yike! Makes my plate look pretty light, huh! She got a learn to knit flyer, too.

I saw a metrolift driver. I had told her about being bipolar and she confided a family member had it and couldn't seem to find the right medication. I gave her my doc's phone number. She said Thank you! I said you're welcome, but what did I do? She looked at the client in her cab and said "You helped my daughter". Ah. I am so glad! I am thrilled that another miserable person can live a happy life thanks to medication! Not to mention poor Mom, worried sick about her "baby". Awesome!

And Ron wonders why we're here! That made me happy. Still does.

Anyway, our ride finally came. Ron asked me what I was doing. I said, "I'm going down on my knees and making a begging motion!" The driver loved it.

We rode with a nice old lady, very chatty. Told me all about her morbidly obese son and his blood pressure problems. I heard all about a terrifying attack of high blood pressure and the resulting hospitalization and medication. I heard all about how much food she lost during the hurricane, too. She was very lonely, obviously, and thought I was just the nicest lady ever, and all I had to do was look at her with an interested expression and nod occasionally.

Ron said he wanted to scream SHUT UP at her (brain damage) but he listened to his music instead. Smart man.

Now we're home. I'm going to bed now, hopefully I'll sleep. I woke up exhausted this morning.

[Houston Heather]

I came in all ready to complain about the fact that I'm irritable and have trouble sleeping. Lightbulb! Manic... ugh.

Just in a bad mood today. I was cranky with Ron, but not awful. We each worked our own area.

On the way home from work, I had a driver who didn't seem to be very good at his job. He went in the wrong driveway. We have notes in the computer - where to pick us up. I was also waving. It took him 10 minutes and 2 phone calls from Ron to figure out he was in the wrong parking lot and had to come over to us.

I was not happy. Then he took like 3 minutes to park in a space that had openings on either side. WTH? I told Ron, I don't feel SAFE with this guy. Fortunately, this is a rare occurance. I listened to my music on the way home and did some knitting. I figured if I didn't, I'd be sendiing out bad energy.

When we got home, a neighbor child had left his/her scooter in our yard, where Ron walks. I was pissed. I put it in their driveway. Either Mom and Dad will run over it, or Mom and Dad will have to stop the car and move the toy - but either way they will talk to their kids about leaving their toys out like that. I don't care if they leave their crap in their yard, but not mine, especially when they all know Ron is blind and has trouble walking. He could have easily fallen.

If I'd done that with my bicycle... I would have had it taken away for a while.

I'm going to go eat some appleseauce and take some lithium. I feel like Heather the pit bull. Snarl!

UGH.

[skeopple]

I hope you feel better by now, Heather. Lots of tiny things all at once! Shove them aside. Be happy, please.

It's Good Friday.

Praise Jesus.

Love and hugs.

BBL, I'm going visiting around the boards.

[Houston Heather]

The lithium fixed me up. I also took my night pills around 3 PM. I may take "one for the road" tonight before bed, too.

Really tired but not as cranky. I took a total of 2 naps, still feel tired. But I'm not a "evil woman" to quote ELO.

The neighbors didn't want the thing in their driveway. They got rid of it while I was napping. They seem to cycle a different family in/out of the house every school year, so this family ought to be about up. This one has unwed teenage single mother, cousin of 2 boys, one about 12, one about 6. They seem to have a lot of rowdy boys in the family. The boy's parents are married. The girl looks about 15 and has a toddler, and is ALWAYS wearing trashy clothes. I wish I could tell her cover up a little, you'll attract a better class of guys. One of the boys told me it's her baby. Sad.

My Mom had my brother at age 14. It was very difficult for her.

One wonderful thing I can say about every tenant family that's lived there, they are all nice to the cat. Mrs. Homeowner, a teacher no less, told me she would kill Bubba because he kept staring at her.

How am I supposed to make the cat not look at her? Besides, she had a huge garage, huge driveway, and always parking in front of MY house, and getting an attitude when I asked her to move so my husband woudln't fall? I really have nothing nice to say about HER. I'm glad she's gone. She's gone because she threatened to kill Bubba, and I told her, that's felony animal cruelty. If anything happens to my cat I am filing charges, you will lose your job as a teacher because I'll be calling your principal, too. Think about that! I had just lost Baby Girl, who was poisoned by evil neighbors where I used to live.

Rather than play nice, they moved. The owner rents the house to family members every year. The family members (except for rowdy little boys always going in my yard) are always polite, quiet, park in THEIR space, and don't bother us.

Thank God they rent the house! I wouldn't want Mrs. Evil to move back!

Anyway, got up, went out to eat, came home, another nap. I'm doing some knitting and TV and that's it for the day.

Bacon's done! Not quite yet.

Anyway, I'm goofy today because Ron woke up in the middle of the night and wanted to use the microwave. He couldn't get it to work because there was a problem with the door. He kept beeping touch tones which woke me up.

I always wonder, how does he think that WON'T wake me up? Agh.

Anyway, all done for today. Sunday will have severe thunderstorms, so I'll go out tomorrow. I'm going to introduce Ron to my new Starbucks in the early afternoon.

[Houston Heather]

Bubba and I have a new routine.

When I sit in my chair, I move over to the right side. It's a recliner size, and, as I've told everyone, "There's enough room for the two of us in the chair now".

He climbs up and sits on my left side, by the arm. I pet him as desired and we hang out together. Not in my lap, and he lets me knit. He gets up and down as He pleases.

Of course, it's playing hell with my allergies. I'm allergic to cats!

I've known that for years, though.

[Houston Heather]

Slept in today. Laundry, dishes, cooking.

Went with Ron to the "new" Starbucks. He likes it. It's very easy for the driver to find, unlike the old one. He rode home in the Devil Cab - cab number 666. You think I'm kidding, but I'm not. I felt a little odd loading him up, but he got a straight trip home.

I went to one grocery store, decided I wasn't interested, and rode the bus up to FoodTown. They don't put chemicals in their meats.

I got $30 worth of stuff, and a few little things for Ron (hot pockets, etc). I got 2 kinds of laundry detergent, fabric softener, pounds of pork chops and skillet steak, my favorite processed turkey leftovers (mmm!), soda, more soda, etc. Fun stuff.

I came home and put it up, Ron got the flight info, which we'd both lost - ack! I fixed Ron a hot pocket and mowed the yard. Came in, shower, cooking him some gumbo now.

All I need to do is stir the gumbo and put it in an ice bath before I stick the whole pot in the fridge. Tomorrow I'll scoop the grease and cook some rice for him.

I got a lot done today, actually. Some "day off"

[Houston Heather]

Ron's in love with the gumbo. Easy for me, I don't have to cook him anything for days.

All my plants look good, and Spotty the Pit Bull said hello. He gave me a licking and I gave him some doggie biscuits. I like him, he's cute. I wouldn't want him in my yard but he's a good boy.

I fertilize my plants every month or so, they love it. It's about time to get 'em again. Since I use organic stuff it releases slowly. Lots of rain today but nothing severe (not yet! ).

Yay, all caught up on laundry, dishes, yard work. I get paid tomorrow. Today I just relax and take it easy.

Tomorrow we run to Sam's Club, get some merchandise, and take it to work. Fill 'em up, take the money out and count it. Go to the bank, Heather gets paid. Yay!

More wind and rain now...

After I get paid, Walmart. I can make my deposit, too. Tuesday is just milk delivery, get ready for surgery. Wednesday, surgery. Thursday is a day off. Friday we go to work, get our delivery, stock 'em. I'll have to police Ron so he doesn't overdo.

I have plenty of tasty meats to cook. Mmm. God knows I have plenty of produce, too. It ought to be very easy to put a meal together.

[Snowman]

Heather ~ Since your all caught up with your laundry.....come do mine!!

Stopping by to wish you and Ron & very [COLOR="Magenta"]HAPPY EASTER!! [/COLOR]

I'm making Easter dinner today for DH, MIL, DD & her boyfriend.

[Houston Heather]

Snow, did I ever mention where Frosty hid during and after the hurricane?

In my washer. It took me 4 days to get him out.

[*Pear*]

Heather, wondering if you would share the gumbo recipe and the pumpkin pudding recipe?

You are doing so much better than I am. I have been on a carb bender lately since I started my new job. Its sooo stressful. I need to figure out some good easy snacks to take to work to keep from eating the wrong things.

[Houston Heather]

My favorite work snack = bacon!

I'm happy to share, but the gumbo isn't low-carb.

Pumpkin pudding:
1 stick unsalted butter
1 15 ounce can pumpkin - the plain kind, just pumpkin
4 eggs, beaten
1 t cinnamon
I like 3 T splenda

I melt the butter in the microwave, in a big 1 quart pyrex measuring cup. Then I stir in the pumpkin, cinnamon, and splenda. Then I add the eggs.

You'll have about 3 cups of mixture. You can pour it off into 4 (3/4 cup) portions or be greedy like me and make 2 (1.5 cup) portions. If you do the larger portion, microwave it for about 5 minutes, until it looks done. It should be firm all the way through. Let it cool and eat!

REALLY good eaten cold, with whipped cream.

Ron's Gumbo:
4 ounces dark roux (I buy Cary's in a jar, about $2 for a pound)
2 chicken thighs, with bones and skin
8 ounces good quality link sausage.
1 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 t black pepper
2 quarts tap water, in a large saucepan.

Bring the tap water to a boil and dissolve the roux (roux is a browned oil/flour mix), stirring frequently. Add other ingredients. Cook about an hour, cool quickly, and refrigerate. You want to cook it down by about 2 cups.

Scoop the grease off the top when it's cool. Debone chicken and remove skin. Reheat and serve over white rice.

I had a very interesting day. We went in, sales are dead. Oh, well, don't have to worry about taking 2 days off! Mike said his wife can give us a ride home from the hospital. Chuck said he is definitely TAKING us there. Good.

We filled 'em up, I got my pay, and we went to the bank. The same guy dropped us off and picked us up at the bank. Then more trips, then Walmart.

They brought back my FAVORITE clothing line! The seed company t-shirts, skirts, tops, everything. I loaded up. I also got another "magic undergarmet" It is amazing how much they help flatten out my tummy! I got a couple of cute tshirts, and skirt with matching top and wrap. In MAGENTA, my favorite color ever.

Since I went to Foodtown I didn't need much food, so I just got a few little things like bacon. While picking up Ron's frozen TV dinner, I heard one woman telling the other "Carbs don't matter, just look at calories". I started laughing so hard I hit my head in the handle to the shopping cart.

I explained why.. lost 60 pounds, cut clothing size in half, kept it off, a lot healthier... etc. Up until "I don't eat sugar" then they switched off like light bulbs. Oh, well. When they're ready, they'll know how to do it. They said I "looked great now" which was a very nice compliment.

I was very credible except for the Banquet Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn meal I had in my hand. I had to explain what portion of the cart had MY food (the cauliflower, broccoli, cheese, eggs, etc).

I had plenty of time to do my business and found my favorite clothing line again! I pretty much toasted this week's budget but I don't mind. I plan to go down to Induction levels for the next month or so prior to the cruise. It sure can't hurt, and will give me some leeway if I want something higher on the carb ladder (but not white potatoes, flour, corn, rice, or sugar).

Anyway, now I can get really cute all cotton mix&match outfits that are very cute, modest, and appropriate to my style type. Yay! This really made my month, in case you haven't noticed.

Tomorrow we're going to work, and then the "new" Starbucks. Afterward Ron will go home, I'll go to the thrift store. Then home for me. I plan to go back to Walmart soon and pick up some more shirts. I was running a little low on cute t-shirts.

I gotta file sales tax online, and then naptime.

[Houston Heather]

Sales tax isn't happening. Texas isn't advanced enough to have online filing of sales tax.

I did have a nap, not a very good one, and I downloaded some tunes. I ate smart, too.

[*Pear*]

Thanks for posting the recipes. I think the gumbo could be low carb without the rice and homemade roux (made with a low carb thickener, can't remember what its called, xantham gum?).

Love the pumpkin pie recipe.

You are having so much fun shopping lately, I love it!

[skeopple]

Have yourself a blessed day, Heather. Going to take Mom to her doctor appointment this morning but wanted to touch base with you first.

Lord, please be with Heather and Ron has they face surgery tomorrow. They are deserving of your guidance and strength. Give the medical team and staff the knowledge to complete a successful operation. Give Ron healing strength. And please grace my friend Heather with peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

[Houston Heather]

Thank you! I'll take all prayer!

After Ron's accident, we even had a Hindu praying for him.

Well, I did it again. I was at the thrift store, and I saw a 24W. I laughed and said "Too big!" The other lady looked at me and I explained. I held up the unflattering item next to me and she gaped. She admitted she has a sugar problem, but at least she KNOWS now. I never expect anyone to go home and induct, but if/when they're ready they know what works.

Ron had trouble sleeping last night due to accidentally drinking caf instead of decaf at Starbucks yesterday. He was a little groggy this morning. However, his player arrived today. He almost stepped on the box when he came home. He's exclaiming over the sound quality, and asked me to put up a link: Amazon.com: Centon 4GBMP3-001 4GB moVex MP3 Player (Black):...
About my day: Went to work, had 3 hours... got everything done except putting in the crackers. Sales are pretty dead, how many times have I said that? Anyway, we got it all done. I got the milk and all that. Fill 'em up. I brought Ron a bag full of junk food at his request.

After work, we went to Starbucks. We got a straight trip, and I planned to go to the thrift store, so I brought my cart. Good thing. While at Starbucks (Ron can get around in the new one just fine by himself, and went home alone), I got a call from Mom.

"Your flight home is booked on the wrong day... and we're going FORMAL one night!" [long, agonizing scream here]. Ron changed the flight and we got a credit for $122. Cool. I have dressy. Do I have formal? NO. [long scream again]

As I told Ron, good thing I'm going to the thrift store. I know God did it. I found a really cute dress, a little tight in the BUST - AGAIN! I am not a freak. I am a B cup. It fits great in my waist and hips, but I guess "average" women with a 32 inch waist and 42 inch hips, do NOT have a 40 inch chest. It was pretty close and only $6 so I got it. It's see through black lace over a silver metallic, in a sheath style. Worst case I'll have really gorgous dress for a fashion emergency.

The one that WILL work is a nice, dressy, fitted long black dress. It has a saucy, yet "conservative" lace cutout below the bust. I'll get a photo up. It zips fine and I'm a little bloated with PMS. Fortunately, the cruise is a week AFTER my cycle. That dress was only $4.50 and it doesn't look it. Yay!

Now I'm pretty well set for clothes. Oh, and I got Ron a really nice blue oxford shirt, not the pale blue, but a nice navy. Ron and I look better in strong colors. I look awesome in black, so YAY I have a nice black formal. I plan to pick up some more separates at Wally world, but I'm not freaking.

After that, I went to the grocery store and got Ron some of his "berry water". He loves it. He can't drink after midnight but today and tomorrow, after he gets home, he'll have something he likes drinking.

I blasted my tunes all day, they help a lot. Good, uplifting, metal and rap. Hey, I'm not the only one who likes "Alternative" Christian tunes. The Sandi Patti stuff just puts me to sleep. No offense to any Sandi Patti lovers, like Ron, you'd probably pay not to listen to my tunes!

Later on, I'll take out the trash, pick up a bit, and do some dishes. I'll make pumpkin pudding and eat it with WHIPPED CREAM. Ooooooh. I'll save the other half for breakfast. I'm taking an extra lithium tonight. It'll help me sleep better and I'll need all the help I can get. That's the kind of comment that gets my doctor praising my intelligence.

Most likely, more later.

[Houston Heather]

Yay! Chuck got tomorrow off!

NO HASSLES getting there or home. THANK YOU, JESUS.

[skeopple]

I'm sure by the time I'm online tomorrow, you and Ron will be at the hospital. I can't remember what time of day you said his surgery is? Best wishes; for both of you! It's great you have direct rides from people instead of transport bus or cab. Praying for a stress-free day and successful surgery. Hugs.

[Snowman]

Heather ~ I'm praying that all goes well with Ron's surgery tomorrow!

I am so glad you guys have a ride to the hospital and back tomorrow! Your new dresses sound so nice!!

[Houston Heather]

Thank you!

He had the operation this morning. He's doing fine but he's being really cranky. I don't mind that he's frustrated with the dressing, but I do mind when he gets his whole "derisive" thing going on of looking down on me. Sarcastic comments and all.

What have I done all day today? Help him. I'm not even asking him to say thank you, I would like him NOT to mock me or do the whole eye-rolling, big sigh routine.

Thank you for getting up at 4:30 AM Heather.
Thank you for getting me a wheelchair at the hospital so I didn't have to walk.
Thank you for taking it back to admissions.
Thank you for remembering to bring my photos, so people know I'm not just disabled.
Thank you for bringing candy for everyone.
Thank you for remembering my medical history. I can't always remember the details but you answered every question.
Thank you for helping me get undressed, and staying with me while we waited for surgery.
Thank you for explaining things to me.
Thank you for waiting during my operation.
Thank you for calling everyone to let them know I was OK.
Thank you for making sure I got my MP3 player after surgery.
Thank you for helping me get dressed.
Thank you for going with me to Walmart to fill the prescription.
Thank you for getting me ANOTHER wheelchair at Walmart.
Thank you for waiting at the pharmacy window.
Thank you for reading me The Pill Book entry on my medication.
Thank you for taking me to the bathroom.
Thank you for all the times you fixed my sling and ice pack today.
Thank you for suggesting I eat the thing I did for lunch. I loved it.
Thank you for going to Sales Tax and getting the form I needed, while I waited comfortably in the car.
Thank you for getting Chuck and I drinks when you were in the office building. I drank half the water on the way home, you know.
Thank you for putting my pain pills in a ziplock, so I can get them easily.
Thank you for getting me pillows and an ice pack, so I can rest comfortably with my hand elevated and cold.

In 2 Colossians, it talks about doing your job as though you're serving God, not man, knowing that Jesus will reward you. A verse like that helps a lot today.

Edit, naptime.

I have to realize that I can't get my worth from how others respond to me, even my husband, because I will never really get what I need.

I have to realize that I am a valued, precious child of God. That He has me doing an important job and I'm doing it well. That I have only to please HIM and the rest will follow. I am not a good wife when my husband says so. I am a good wife. If he chooses to recognize it, excellent, but if I only feel valued when he says something I'm setting myself up for disappointment.

My job is pleasing God.

[skeopple]

Bless you, Heather. It sounds like you are tuckered out. What a busy, busy morning. I'm grateful surgery went well and that you are both back home now. Did you get any knitting done while you waited? I whispered a sweet prayer for you this morning. Maybe I should have shouted it? I think Ron appreciates you more than you know and that he is under the influence of meds and pain. I wish you well and a happier day's end.

[Houston Heather]

He's frustrated his good hand is immobilized. He had to ask me to unfasten his pants.

Now he's running around half naked... guess which half? There's a sight.

Whatever was in those white pain pills has him nicely mellow. He was very mellow and groggy when I last saw him. Good. He's supposed to keep the hand iced today, and elevated through tomorrow.

I did get some inches done on my knitting. Handed out 2 "learn to knit" flyers to OR nurses (the snickers called to every nurse within reason, summoning all to bed 3).

Tonight ought to be pretty easy (don't have to worry about the pants ). Worst thing I have to do is 1. cook up some meat and 2. put away the garbage cans. Not bad.

And we have tomorrow off. Afternoon, I plan to thrift shop and hit my Starbucks while Ron, conked out on his little white pills, snores away in bed.

[Snowman]

So glad that's done and over with!! You had a busy day. Try to take it easy this evening, you deserve it!

Yes Heather, you are doing your job well!!

My husband was cranky today too! He was working on DD's car and that makes him cranky!!

Take care of Heather too!

[Houston Heather]

Oh, I'm cooking some TASTIES. for dinner.

Skillet steak, pork chops... garlic, onions, and lard.... OH yeah.

Funny. Sometimes our 95 gallon trash can is too big for us, and it takes us 2-3 pickups before we fill ONE, much less both.

All the time in CA taught me to take care of the environment when possible. I use reusable bags, public transit ('cause I HAVE to ), etc.

Anyway, the garbage cans REEKED. We are lazy. Ron's window doesn't have a screen. The house is all one floor. So, we open the window, flip the lid on the trashcan, and throw in the trash! Awesome.

However, there was an "Old Mystery Meat Decaying" aroma in the vicinity of the cans. Ron kept complaining, I told him - I'll get it once trash comes.

Today, at 5 AM, I took out the trash. Garbage came today and took it away. God love 'em. You know how SCREWED we'd be without our garbage men?

So, it was empty. Since I had to put up the cans I decided to clean them out. They now smell of "Festival Citrus Cleanser".

When I told Ron, he GUSHED with gratitude. Not a word about earlier, but OH, THANK YOU FOR CLEANING THE GARBAGE CANS! I LOVE YOU! THANK YOU!



I gotta laugh.

I did tell him "I understand you feel cranky because your hand is "blind" - it's like you went blind and lost the use of a hand, am I right?" He agreed and did tone it down a bit.

He ate a Hot Pocket for dinner and was happy.

[Houston Heather]

I cooked up my meat. Foodtown meat, good stuff, no chemicals.

Iron skillet. Lard. Low heat. Good seasonings. OH, good.

Ron ate pork ribs today, and he enjoyed them. As I cooked up the pork chops, I thought maybe he'd like some. I offered him a bite. He said OK.

I cut up the pork chop and removed the small amount of gristle and bone. That went to Bubba cat, who is still licking his lips. I took it into Ron.

Good, but needed salt. He is very sensitive to salt flavors since the Bactrim so I figured I'd leave them unsalted. I sprinkled a little on the meat. He slaughtered that pork chop all over again. Lots of MMm! MMM! Lip smacking, real lip smacking. So NICE to see! Yay!

It was very easy for him to eat, with the meat cut up, which I'd honestly do anyway. Good. I do try to feed him real food when possible.

I "ought" to do some weeding tomorrow, but I'm not feeling the love. I tried to put more money on my bus card but the company is being a butt about it. I'll have Ron call tomorrow. Good thing I still have about $10 on it.

Anyway, I plan to go out and have fun if Ron's feeling OK. I'm sure he will. He'll be really happy when he gets the feeling back in his left hand! The doctor injected a long-acting nerve painkiller into his arm. It could last up to a few days, and is driving him BUGGO. I told Ron they probably do it mainly to keep the patients behaving (hard to overuse a hand you can't use), and ALSO for pain control. He isn't hurting and that makes me VERY happy, just seems like a normal night, except for the bandage and the numb fingers... which is kind of like saying Mrs. Lincoln loved the play until her husband got shot!