Heather Shrinks in Houston!

[Houston Heather]

June 1 - I get up at 3. Ron and I agreed we wanted as much time as possible for security.

We spent a long time at work... we had the repairman out. He finally got the part we needed, a blower motor. In the meantime, condensation built up inside the machine = mildew. We got a complaint... Heather went to work in her grubbies and old sneakers and made up a bucket of sanitizer (1 T bleach, 1 gallon tepid water) and SCRUBBED SCRUBBED SCRUBBED. Ron was teasing me... so much cleaning at work, and none at home. I told him "I use it all up here!" HOURS later, done.

I kept thinking of the verse from Collossians: Whatever you do, it as though working for God and not man, knowing you recieve your reward from the Lord Jesus Christ. I did a good job on God's cold food machine.

Then lots of heavy lifting, cases of drinks for Ron. Bottled water here. Bottled soda there (rotating the stock because I DETEST flat sodas). I teased Ron "Do I work out?" while I was picking up a case.. and we said together "Every day!".

I only handed out one Bible, everyone else had gotten one! Good.

Ron said I was a little up, so I took a lithium 150 with lunch.

Lunch was Burger King. I ordered a quad stacker, I got a double. Oh, well. When I opened the front door, feathers all over the floor. Oh, boy. I heard vigorous flapping. Oh, it's alive.

I look around, it's up on top of my bookcase (8 feet tall, the front of the house has 10 foot ceilings), sitting on a hardback copy of Dr Atkins. The tail is hanging down over his face. It watches me... I watch it. Ron sits on the couch, under the ceiling fan. The bird flaps over there and the feathers dust the fan, knocking a clump of dust onto Ron's hand. He freaks out and runs off... even though I tell him!

No thanks, Heather, you're on your own. I try to encourage the bird towards the open door. Nothing. I finally ignore it. It flies out within 10 seconds.

After that, I needed a nap. I laid down. I had a horrible nightmare I couldn't get off Metrolift, and then I got shot... with a gun! It was about 3 inches below the collarbone and it didn't hurt. I told the driver "I need an ambulance" and he was shocked I'd been shot. I was kidding around, saying "I'll take a bullet for you" - a disgruntled passenger had fired his gun towards the driver, but got me instead.

Very vivid. I had a dream once where I broke my arm, the right arm no less. Something happened that week between Ron and myself that almost ended my marriage.

Even though Ron's fixed, and I've been good, my period is days late. I'm a little concerned, especially in the light of the nausea. I'll deal with that as it happens. Lithium CAN cause problems to a developing fetus, but I know it's a lot safer than uncontrolled bipolar!

If I were pregnant, I'd go for adoption... and open adoption. My kid deserves the best parents I could find.

[karenb]

I don't know how old you are but it could be the start of peri-menopause. Messed up cycles are part of it. I had a bad scare once because of it.

[Houston Heather]

34? My mom wrapped up at 57. My sister started having hot flashes (she had ovaries, but a hysterectomy) around 50.

I have lost some fat, so I figure toxins stored in the fat could be screwing with me. Generally I'm very reliable but I think it's just hormones stored in body fat, messing with my cycle.

I looked at myself in the mirror, naked, this morning and I realized a good hunk of my abomen fat was gone. I hope, once my cycle starts, I drop some more pounds.

I've sure eaten cleanly today! For dessert tonight, Ron and I had a big bowl, each, of fresh homegrown tomatoes.

Edit: Yay! It just started!

[Houston Heather]

Another interesting day. Our sandwich guy "forgot" our delivery. Yeah.

On the way to Walmart after work, we picked up a very hostile, angry passenger. He was very upset.

Ron offered him one of the Bibles I carry. I told him I had them "En Espanol". The guy was delighted to get one! Ron was shocked. Then I gave one to the driver.

Gotta load up on Bibles before I got out again.. Anyway it was funny.

Tomorrow we see my aunt and uncle. My Fashion Police have told me I can get away with no hose when I dress up! Yay! I hate hose.

I was pretty medicated today, still am. No nightmares during my nap and I didn't get shot either (yesterday's nightmare).

Ron and I are going to Starbucks, then home. I'm going to wrap up my uncle's presents and then do some laundry.

We leave tomorrow morning, go near their house and have lunch together, then come home. That will probably wipe us both out.

Foodtown will have to wait until Sunday.

[skeopple]

Those Bibles you hand out do some pretty cool things, don't they?!

[Houston Heather]

Oh, yeah.

Ron was actually hoping to offend the guy... to paraphrase the Bible again "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good!"

I was just told that my "I will pray for you daily" cards actually say "I will ask you for your newspaper". I had to take them out! Darn translation programs!

I forgot to mention, a couple nights ago I took my shower, and then realized the next day I'd forgotten to wash my hair. I wonder if that happens to "normal" people? I had to jump back into the shower and wash it the next day before work.

I'm running a little lower than I'd like on the Bibles, but I figure since God wants me to do this He'll make it all happen. My job is just getting them into someone's hands. What they do after that's between them and God.

I put in an index card with a handwritten message, I'll be praying daily for you (and I do). They get a Footprints postcard (English or Spanish) because I love the story and it's so true, stuck inside the Bible. I generally hand out New Testaments, but I have some "entire" Bibles too. If I hand out an "Entire" one it doesn't have a salvation plan so they get the "You're Special" Tract and a "Daily Bible reading plan". I find it very useful (the reading plan) and read those passages daily. It is interesting, comprehensive, and thorough.

Later on we meet my aunt and uncle for lunch! They live about an hour away so we'll take Metrolift to "close by". We call, they come and get us, we all go out to lunch. My uncle gets his present and we all have a good time. Then Metrolift home.

[Houston Heather]

I had fun with my aunt and uncle at lunch.

I woke up with a headache, it wasn't too bad but by the time we came home (about 2 hours riding) it was getting awful enough to be migraine. Then the driver and the front seat passenger start talking about exotic foods, eating octupus, the texture and all... got a little queasy. Took a phenergan and no one guessed how lousy I felt.

Passed out some Bibles, yay! Came home and went straight to bed...hours curled up in a ball. Woke up 14 hours later really really thirsty.

Took my shower, really groggy today, low blood pressure. Not hungry at all. Finally hungry around now so I just ate and took my morning pills.

We went to work this morning for a couple of hours. I did a lot but wasn't super functional. I checked my blood pressure, still low.

I'm not in any pain so that's good. Just really wiped out and exhausted. No Foodtown today. Too tired!

[Houston Heather]

Still really beat. Ugh.

[skeopple]

Lord, please help Heather feel better. She is one of your most loving children. In your son, Jesus' name, Amen.

[Houston Heather]

Thanks, Sharon.

Still kind of out of it today, I figure I'm just getting it all over with this week, and even if I'm like this it's better than being like THAT. No one wants unmedicated Heather around.

I went to Foodtown this morning, and home. I'm going to take a nap and then go with Ron to Starbucks. He really wants to go. I got him a cheese danish from the Foodtown bakery (it's an independent family business) so he'll have a tasty. Actually, I got him 3. He ate one as soon as I came home!

It's good to see him enjoying some foods, at least.

[Houston Heather]

We went to Starbucks. Came home. I took another nap.

I got energetic enough to do some packing, which freaked out Bubba cat. He thought we were moving. His first family moved and deliberately left him to starve. Everytime I do any packing, he freaks out. I tried to pick him up and reassure him, but the ceiling fan was on! He's terrified of the ceiling fan!

Ron's dress shoes fit, but he needs more pants. Walmart, here we come.

[skeopple]

Good morning Heather! I hope and pray you are feeling great and that everything is falling into place for your cruise. Have a good morning. I'm rather glad the holiday weekend is over. Too much pressure to have a good time.

[Houston Heather]

I mainly rested up. I figured, what's the best thing I can do? And did it!

Today I noticed my shorts had a looser fit. I did my pull down test and sure enough, they came off without unfastening!

The longer I'm married, the more I understand how my husband works. He hates to see me "suffer". I was very goofy this morning. I was staggering around and not thinking well. He said it hurt him to watch me "suffer". I told him, I'm not suffering. Suffering is when you run away from me because I'm scaring you with my attitude, or I want to kill myself.. .this, I'm a little high and numb feeling, but I'm not hurting. I was prepared to accept far worse when I signed up for medication.

I think he got it. I don't mind it, I don't mind paying a price at all. My life was hell before, if ALL I have to do is have some "dumb days", then sign me up!

I'm beginning to think the dumb days may be related to weight loss... my weight isn't down, about 169, but I lost mass overnight. My abdomen is smaller and so are my hips. I tried on some size 10 shorts, they fit well. A little snug but no panty line (my rule). I could squat and bend over comfortably, too. If I can pull off the 12's without unfastening, and feel inches of slack in the belly area, then I think I'm ready for some 10's! Anyway, the weight and the goofy mood may be related. I'm too tired to go back through my blog and try to figure it out, but I'm sure this has happened before.

I'm not toxic, that is a horrible experience. I know it's not that. Like I told Ron, the last time I felt like this my lithium level was perfect.

I tend to feel OK in the evenings so I'll finish up laundry, clean out the fridge, take out the trash, and probably start that potroast.

We went to work, worked hours...sales pretty dead. I got the milk and sandwiches. Those are the last deliveries until after we get home!

After work, Burger King. I had a good time. I put lots of salt on my burger and felt a little perkier.

After work, the hand surgeon for a follow-up. I remembered to take a copy of DANDR to Heather, his assistant. She was very curious and interested. I was happy to give it to her.

Sometime this week, I may try to pick up a few more copies to take on the trip, in case family are interested in Atkins. I hate to "tell" people, they always end up taking away something I didn't say. The book says it a lot better.

6 dresses, 6 dress shirts, and Ron's suit all fit into the garment bag! Yay! I was a little worried about that.

I need to get spray on sunscreen for Ron. While he's mixed race, his skin is pretty fair, "white" for lack of a better yardstick. I assume he will burn like any "White" guy, so I want him to have sunscreen. That means a spray on because he can't tolerate any rubbing on his skin due to stroke/neuropathy. We will be closer to the equator so I know he could burn like a piece of toast if I don't do this. He tells me not to bother! Bother! What a lousy trip that would be if I listened! I just need to make sure it doesn't leak en route. Ick.

I need new pants! Ron wants some fat pants, and his khakis are too small. Good, I am glad to see him at a nice healthy 138. I would like him to keep it about there, if possible. Ha. 6 months ago I was freaking out because he was too skinny. Good problem to worry about, Ron gaining weight. Once we buy the new clothes, I need to wash them.

Bubba is begging for cat treats, I say "No, eat your cat food! You'll get sick and I don't want another dead cat!" He's still giving me big green eyes.

Off I go to figure out dinner.

[Houston Heather]

I forgot to mention the horrible thing I saw today.

We rode with a diabetic man today. He had already lost one leg to diabetes, and his remaining leg (he wore shorts) was covered in an assortment of scars... he is obviously at risk of losing the other one. He was about 150 pounds overweight, he had to sit on the bus seat with his "legs" widely spread and his arms spread along the back of the seat in order to avoid falling forward.

When we got off at Burger King, the driver parked the van to use the restroom. The other client literally LEAPED up and cut in front of us in line. Hobbling on his prosthetic, he got to the front of the line and ordered a LARGE MILKSHAKE. I looked at him like "You want to lose the other leg?" and he changed it to a small, then made an excuse about needing a treat, thirsty, hot or something.

I just looked at him and wondered how much MORE his sugar addiction would cost society, and when he would wake up and realize he was killing himself.

It sure kept me honest!

[skeopple]

Hi Heather.

I'm glad you have everything under control. Yup, you both need sunscreen on that cruise. I'm so excited for you. I've never been on a cruise so you'll need to post lots of pictures.

[Houston Heather]

Yup! I'll probably use the internet cafe.

I've got the size 10 shorts in the dryer. My allergies are buggin' me some, but other than that I'm fine.

[skeopple]

I remember the [COLOR="Plum"]one[/COLOR] day I fit into a size 10. About 20+ years ago That is great, Heather! I'm happier than you know, for you!

[Houston Heather]

Size 10's fit great today, AND I got 2 more pair today at Walmart.

Busy day:
Sam's Club to buy candy and Lipton canned tea for work
Work, stocking, take money out of machines and count it.
Surprise! Inspection from Ron's boss because of last weeks' complaint.
Go to bank, deposit, get paid.
Walmart.
Get Ron pants. 3 pair for the trip.
Get me shorts, found 2 pair I like.
They moved everything at my Walmart! Very aggravating! I gave up on hair gel, but I got the foot powder and shampoo I needed. I only spent $38 on my stuff.
Wait an hour on our ride.
Go home.

I always buy the driver a hamburger (double cheeseburger) when we go to Walmart. The Bibles are a big hit - I keep expecting someone to say "No thanks, I have one" but they don't. They say thank you and act delighted, so I'll keep it up until I run out. When I get back, I'll need to order more!

I just realized I forgot to get Ron's flavored water, and he was right there in the wheelchair.

A lot of STARING today, I found it very annoying. Yes, he's blind. Yes, he's in a wheelchair, stop staring already!

I got so tired of this one lady (rudely) staring at Ron; I stared at her. She looked away and didn't look back, even though I kept it up for another minute just to make my point.

Someone else cut in front of me in the dressing room line, and got away with it. Grrr.

I realized I was a little TOO annoyed, so when I ate my double cheeseburgers for lunch I took a lithium 150 too. It is fast release and I already feel more myself.

I can get VERY irritable. No S88T, Heather!

I hope you're having a good one, I'm going to take a nap.

Almost done with all the details of packing.

[skeopple]

Knowing you, you'll even lose weight on the cruise! You're such a great planner and great with sticking to your plan. Just make it so that the scrumptious food buffets are not your main cause. Go for the family fellowship and the scenery. Plus, you'll be looking gorgeous in all your new outfits. We want someone to take pics of you and Ron together each night, in your formal attire. You're gonna have to bath in sunscreen several times a day.

[Houston Heather]

Well, I have a professional photographer in the family, and there's always the helpful stranger. I use them all the time "Excuse me..." They are always happy to help.

I will be making a June album on Picasa, putting up a link; then I can use the internet cafe on board and post photos from my camera! I'll bring my USB card reader, it reads SD cards.

I plan to get day and night photos. Ron and I will be dressing up nights and pretty casual during the day. I'm going to get Ron's sunscreen on the ship. I don't want to fly with a runny liquid or have to throw out an aerosol. I have plenty of lotion type sunscreen too.

Tomorrow I plan to buy another flattening undergarment. Yes, I am vain. I want to look 1000% in my photos. I want everyone to hate me and wonder how I do it as I inhale a steak. I am COMPLETELY honest as to my motives!

I plan to go thrifting tomorrow anyway, so 2 stores are near a Walmart. I forgot today.

I do intend to try some of the famous low-carb cheesecake I've heard so much about! I have gone down on my carbs so I have a little wiggle room for LEGAL things. I'll also have Dad watching every bite I put in my mouth, so I'll be eating more veggies and fresh berries as a result "See, it's healthy!".

Dad worries about me on a high-fat diet. He's convinced it's a form of suicide. He's does it because he cares. I keep giving him cholesterol numbers...

[karenb]

Yor threads always cheer me up! There is no way I'll ever be a size 10. I've learned in the last few years that I am big boned! If you go by the 'wrist' measurement I'm average but my leg bones and shoulders are big bones. Explains why I for years I had trouble getting into 'normal' clothes! Friday I go to an ENT and find out about what they call a 'nodule' on my thyroid. It could explain my lack of energy and brittle nails.

I haven't read how you got your cruise or where exactly it's going but I hope you have a great time. From what I hear about cruises there is always lots of great food everywhere! Have fun!

[skeopple]

Have fun thrifting today, Heather! Do you have a suitcase on wheels? That would help with your coming and going for the trip.

[Houston Heather]

Hi Karen!

A little back history, people who know this can scroll down. In the late 60's, Dad married a lady who had been married 6 times before and had 2 children. My mother. My sister and brother are about 16 years older than me. Mom had bipolar disorder and drinking issues, a very strong family history of mental illness.

Dad's family had a very strong history of severe depression; it's gotten virtually everyone at some point or another. When 2 people with mood disorders marry and have kids, odds are 75% the child will have a mood disorder too. I got bipolar.

Mom was unfit, so Dad got custody when they split, I was about age 3. I only saw her when she was "OK", less than 2 dozen times total in my whole life. Many times she'd forget my birthday "have a relapse" or be hospitalized for another depression. He raised me on his own for 2 years. I remember loving "Mom" at first sight, she bought me dresses instead of overalls and made me peanut butter and jelly sandwiches... Dad's speciality? Peanut butter and MAYO.

Anyway, Mom had been married before. She had a girl and 2 boys. The girl, my other oldest sister is 5 years older than me. She has a teenaged boy. My other older brother is married and has 2 boys, about 8 and 10 years old. My "little" brother is 3 years younger than me, in a committed relationship, and has a toddler.

Dad always worked his butt off his whole life, one of those double triple overtime guys. He saved and saved and saved. About 12 years ago, he went in for a cardiac stress test and they put him in ICU. They refused to let him go home until he had a triple bypass. Dad started to slow down and actually enjoy life. He is partially retired (one of those guys who will never sit at home!) and he and Mom travel a lot.

Last year they came out to visit. They told us they wanted to have a family reunion cruise this year. They would buy the tickets and even pay the airline if we needed help (we bought our plane tickets). Everyone would be there.

When Mom and Dad got married, it wasn't easy. I had a developmental thing and bipolar. I was always running off in hysterics and getting migraines. After I moved out, I got delusional and said some really horrible things, over a period of years, but was forgiven even before my diagnosis. A lot of people wouldn't take my calls after what I said.

Getting invited? That is a BFD. Of course, the fact that I'm cute, cuddly, and medicated makes it even better!

SOOOOOO. I want to make sure everything is great. I was a big embarrassment growing up, and I hated it. Now, I've got cute dresses, some new flattening "I hate her!" type undergarments Like a rolling pin with a waistband! Cute t-shirts and shorts, great tops for Ron. Suit for Ron, he looks great in it. We're both winters so I have 3 black dresses and he's got the black suit.

I have read and reread "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and people like talking to me as a result. I'm more of an extrovert than Ron now... since his accident he's pretty introverted. I find that interesting how we "switched".

It ought to be fun... and I'm almost done with the packing.

Sharon, I have a rolling duffel bag. It will go across Ron's lap as he sits in the wheelchair, resting on top of the armrests. It will be comfy for him. We have a garment bag (stuffed), and I have a backpack. Stuff like my medication goes into the backpack, digital camera, "tunes", etc. I got a couple boxes of low carb bars today, too. I just had a horrible gas attack, so yup, I ate a low carb bar!

Anyway, I got a bigger backpack at Walmart. A carryon size is 10x16x24. This backpack is a little smaller than that.

I stuck my pink, smaller backpack into it, along with my Walmart junk today (I discovered a while back that aloe gel is a great hair styling product for me, it's soft and holds, I hate crunchy hair). I found a 2 ounce aloe bottle for my carryon.

I had a horrible vision of me, stuck at the airport. The cinnamon roll place. Every airport has one. The delicious aroma... and you're stressed out and hungry and... the next thing you know you're licking icing off your fingers and hating yourself.

So, I got some low carb bars. I'm having some digestive issues because I ate TWO, not smart, but I'll live. I'd rather have digestive issues than eat a cinnamon roll! Now I can say, No thanks, I already have a sweet!

I also got as many beef sticks as I could find. I had planned to order some, but they're out! I had some stashed, so they're in my backpack now.

I also got the flattening tummy panel underthings too. Because I want to look as great as possible. I can live with $3 each.

After Walmart, I went to "double thrift stores" - a local thrift and a Salvation Army right next to each other. I found a couple of interesting books at Salvation Army.

At the local one, some elderly ladies were camped out on a couch, reading paperback romance novels! They looked very comfy! No wonder the thrift store sells snacks and drinks now!

I found an AWESOME condition "Message" Bible in hardback. These rascals are at least $40, I got it for $1.50. My first driver tomorrow gets it, along with the "REad your bible in a year", "You're Special" and "Footprints" tracts, and the "I'll be praying for you daily!" signed index card from me. I also found some Gideon bibles, not supposed to re-sell them but I bought them to hand out. If I could get a box, I'd be thrilled. I also found an icky cult bible. Ew.

I missed the bus, saw it go by, so I ran to the bathroom and got a cold soda, then I went to the Goodwill. Ron needs a new coat, his old one is pretty ragged. He's going to take a coat on vacation, and my family would smother him in coats if he wore that one. He's just cheap, and picky.

He likes lots and lots of pockets, and looser cuffs. It was about 90 degrees today. I found TWO coats, he adores them both, at Goodwill! I was thrilled! Ron is more thrilled, and he has a nice looking coat that doesn't look like a rag bin item. He could get the coats on easily (unlike his old coat), and rated them each a 10 on 1-10.

I had asked God for a good one, and I got 2! Good! Heather's rule of thifting, only look for coats when it's above 90 degrees. I found an awesome LLBean coat - very long and warm, a few years ago, that way.

I started to fall while walking but I didn't get hurt. My knee is bruised but no pain. Thanks, God. My moods' good and I had a lot of fun.

I just need to finish the laundry and get that pot roast going!

[skeopple]

See, that's why I'm so proud and happy to have you as a friend!

[Snowman]

I went to a thrift store yesterday and thought of you! Guess what I bought??!!! I'm a BIG spender.....a 25 cent Christmas mug!! I didn't like that thrift store, first time there. Sounds like you did great though! Glad you got Ron 2 coats!!

I am so glad you didn't hurt yourself when you fell....BE CAREFUL, Heather!!

[Houston Heather]

Thanks!

Got a lot done at work, almost all the details. I have an exciting trip with the rolling dumpster planned on Sunday.

Naptime.

[Houston Heather]

I talked to a neighbor. Her house got robbed.

Eeek. And I'm out of town next week!

I was thinking about the items I value, and there's 3:
Maternal Grandma's Bible, given to her on her graduation. It's a small paperback type Bible, it looks old but obviously not "valuable".

The Bible I got when I was 8, from my church - we've been through some times!

The Bible Dad gave me for Christmas, right before Ron's accident.

Everything else is replacable. I will be bringing the small amount of jewelry I do own (silver jewelry and fake stones) on the trip. My "stuff" has a very limited value on Earth.

I'm storing my treasures in Heaven!

19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

[Snowman]

I will pray for protection over you and Ron as you two travel and your house as you leave it!

Don't know if you have ever flown before, but you can ask for help at the airport for you and Ron, if you need it! They have golf cart type cars to take you where you need to go or someone to help push Ron's wheelchair while you carry the luggage! Maybe you can check ahead of time if you need this kind of help!

Have a wonderful, relaxing time on your cruise! ENJOY the time with your family, it sounds like alot of fun!!! I love cruising, I've been to Hawaii 3 times and Alaska once!

[Houston Heather]

Thank you!

We are taking the stainless steel wheelchair with us, it will fly along with us to LA and go on the ship. Ron cannot walk far, so I'll push him everywhere we go! I don't mind, it's a good workout.

I took a whole sack of Bibles when I left the house. When we came back from Starbucks, they were all gone! At least a couple people really seemed to NEED them today, and everyone said thank you.

I plan to hit a Christian bookstore (not far, actually), half price books, and a regular bookstore to stock up on handouts. I'm pretty much out of Bibles now!

God always seems to send me more as needed.

[skeopple]

Just running past and stopped to say, "Hi".