Heather Shrinks in Houston!

[skeopple]

I think he does know that when he is in the right frame of mind. It's a tough situation all the way around.

I do respect Heather and the way she reasons everything out; and how she relies on God only

Hugs.

[Houston Heather]

Oh, let me fix that Sharon.

First, let's take a moment to THANK JESUS for fixing my computer - I have a bad power supply and I didn't think it would boot tonight - I tried for over an hour.

I will need to go to Fry's and get a new power supply and install it. We used to build computers and we were always under the hood of one computer or another - still are at work. But if I vanish it is most likely a computer issue, and I would call Sharon or my aunt to let y'all know.

I fixed the link, Sharon, but be warned, icky hives photos in the album too.

So, I've been up for (12+7 = ?) nineteen hours. I feel good. Tired, of course, but mood rocks the house. Very level.

Ron kept me up last night - he didn't understand my gripe: when I discuss something he doesn't like, he wants me to keep it short. Like 30 seconds. When he discusses something I don't like, I have to listen or hear him ranting about "I don't live in Russia, I can say what I want."

I have been asking and asking God for guidance, and I think my answer is kind of funny. I have a stash of romance novels. I've been wanting to pull the one with the purple spine and read it, but yesterday I chose another book instead. TODAY, I finally picked up purple spine. And in the very first chapter, the heroine is discussing how angry and emotionally abusive her brother in law became after his head injury. That it isn't his fault, but it makes life very hard, because HE CAN'T SEE WHAT HE'S DOING TO HER.

I almost fell over. So, I have decided to treat Ron's objectionable behavior as an unavoidable side effect of his accident. He didn't used to act that way unless he was drunk (Before), and it's only After that he screams at me in public and all. I just need to let it roll off me like a duck and do my best not to take it personally.

Which is like saying, I only need to perform brain surgery. Anyway, it's God's problem. He's carrying it, and all my other issues. I can't carry it on my own - I figured this one out about 20 years ago during a suicidal depression. I couldn't make it unless I let God carry my load for me.

So, we went to work, at 3? AM. I gave the driver a crossoiant (sp) I bought at Foodtown. She was happy. We had a coin jam - do me a favor, will you?

DON'T EVER PUT ANYTHING BUT AN AMERICAN QUARTER, DIME OR NICKEL INTO A VENDING MACHINE. Idiots. A half dollar and a PENNY? I'm surprised it was only a small jam, as these go. Sometimes when we open a machine it rains down change, the jam is so bad. I have also had lire and pesos, Canadian money, and other coins.

I had to disassemble the coin mechanism and get the offenders out. Then I had to reassemble it. When I finished that, the other vendors showed up. I got the delivery, no bottled sodas (agh!), but everything else was as-ordered.

Due to the milkman being late, we had to work a long shift. We finally got home around 11 something, and I took a nap.

Ron had a trip to Starbucks leaving at 1 - I told him no way will I be awake. So I napped, and woke up a little after 2.

I decided to make it a Day Out. What did I want to do? I decided, maybe the mall, definitely Walmart, try on some bras and jeans.

I elected to do Walmart first. They have some really cute Misses Jeans with a little bit of sparkle and fancy stitching on the butt pockets. I'm feeling pretty confident so I got 3 pairs to try on - I wasn't sure which size I'd rate.

I also got some flare leg jeans for $9 - I knew the 10 was awful so I got a 12. They were smoking! So, 2 pairs of jeans, $24 total. Not bad!

Then I went looking at bras. I found 2 for $12. I am a 34C, a surprise to me, yet I measure and all and it says C. I attribute some of it to the Risperdal, which in addition to being an antipsychotic also increases Prolactin levels... prolactin being the female hormone involved in lactation - BREASTS. Someone I know was actually generating pretty significant breast milk on the medication. Me, I, have the odd milk expression - an odd stain in my bra cup every few years, but nothing I have an issue with.

Bigger breasts? I'm not complaining, and it must be the Risperdal. Even at 230 I was a B cup. I may have psychotic symptoms, but I have a "rack".

I couldn't find anything except a 2 pack of lined cotton bras. I need to discuss the pop-eye issue now.

Recently at work, I was wearing a regular cotton bra. Unlined. No big deal. However, a guy came up and was talking to US - Ron was there, and his gaze kept drifting down to my chest. I went home and looked at my chest in the mirror. OK. I could see why he had a case of pop-eyes.

I keep everything well covered up, because my duties involve bending over a lot, I need to keep the neckline very modest. I don't mind a V-neck, but a lot of them are halfway to my navel. Then I get the pop-eyes again.

Maybe I just work with a bunch of animals, but I assume it might cause an issue anywhere? I can't exactly talk to the guys. The Bible says don't cause your brother to stumble and I take that pretty seriously.

So, I have a new term, something with a daring v-neck, unlined bras, etc, are all now POP-EYES. Because that's what I'd get if I wear them.

I looked at t-shirts, but they were either strappy tank tops (not appropriate for work, and I wear tshirts and jeans!), or pop-eye styled vnecks. I hunted around and I found some SEED COMPANY purple crewneck ts. I love these shirts. I would wear them every day of my life - if I had to choose one top to wear every day, they'd be it.

Unfortunately for me, they tend to be stocked in a "Limited engagement" style, where they have a nice display for a month or two and then WHAM nothing. I guess they want me to act the way I do, grabbing at my favorites and getting extras.

I recently tried on the Large tshirts I had stashed, and they fit great. Snug, fitted, but not a pop-eye. Good. So when I found my beloved purple crewnecks, the only thing that kept me down to 2 were the fact that - they had plenty more, and I had just opened a new one yesterday.

So, 2 of them ($5 each) into the cart, along with the jeans and bras. I was good on undies. I'm a 6 in them now. I agonized over a purple blouse - when was the last time I wore a blouse? Can't remember? Purple sweaters - decided if I want a purple jacket I'll get one of the fleece ones at Jcp.

I finally just got some brownie mix and the clothes. It came to about $60.

I walked (a good long walk) to the Starbucks and had my drink. I missed one bus. Curses. It is almost 6:20. I realize it's possible that I may have a shot at another bus if it was running late. I get out the book and start reading, and sure enough the bus stops for me.

In CA - I had buses whiz right past, even as I sat at the bus stop, because I wasn't LOOKING at them. Very aggravating when they only ran every 30-45 minutes. Here in Houston, even if I'm reading, they always stop, I jump up, wave, get on, and thank them. Wonderful drivers! Every single driver is wonderful!

So, I caught it. Bus #1 is down. Now I have to connect to my home route. Out comes the book. The bus stops, I get on.

Ron calls. He has been asleep. I tell him, the goat and I are coming home. The WHA? The goat. I called and you didn't answer, so I went ahead and bought the goat.

When I got home, it was fix me dinner, fix me popcorn, back to sleep. I didn't mind much BECAUSE I had had my day out.

Now I'm just waiting on the laundry to finish up so I can wear my cute new jeans tomorrow.

[skeopple]

I got into your pictures this try! I'd seen everything up until the 3 pics of you yesterday. You look just awesome, Heather! Keep up the good work, cuz what you are doing has you looking hot! I'm sure all that lifting you do at work helps; as well as all the walking around town.

Last winter I read 2+ cases of books from Christian Bookstore (online). They are Christian. Usually romantic, with a moral. Many scripture quotes and always a lesson to be learned. I especially like the ones that are set back in the pioneer days. But it is so hard to put a book down once I get into it

[Houston Heather]

Those are my favorites.

One of our local thrift stores, with a great mission, sells them for 50 cents. I go every few months and grab as many as they have available. I read quite a few last month when I was sick, and I like having a few in my tote bag if I'm waiting on a ride.

The lady who took my photos told Ron "You have a hottie there, take care of her!" That's what led to him actually LOOKING at me for the first time in a while. Yesterday, a contractor whistled at me as I walked by.

I'm going to take my shower in a bit. My ride should be here around 11.

I made up some gooey delights for my aunt and uncle. I found caramel chips + walnuts. I had wondered aloud to Ron what would be more popular, and he asked the excellent question: What's your best selling candy bar at work? Easy. The candy bar that is packed with peanuts and really satisfies.

What does it have, Heather? Caramel. Nuts. Chocolate. Put them in the brownies. We'll see what they say.

Ever since he got poisoned by the Bactrim last year, Ron hasn't really been able to enjoy sweets. We often tell each other it would be great if we could sell that reaction in a pill - take this and all sugar will taste HORRIBLE for 6 months - the weight loss would be amazing!

HIS, seems to be permanent, but I can't complain much. I used to worry about his sugar intake. His family has a pretty rampant diabetic history.

I woke up with a little bit of a headache from sleeping in but I should be fine in a while.

[Houston Heather]

I like to call the brownies "tickets". I give one to the driver, here's your ticket, and Ron's got a pass! That was the other clients probably won't get it.

I KNOW I shared my annoyance with the begging clients. I would give the driver candy, and the clients would beg and guilt the driver. Not cool. But if they just see me hand the driver something and call it a ticket, they assume it's a paper ticket to ride (you can either buy tickets, monthly passes, or, like Ron, an annual pass). So, I'm happy.

The drivers love their tickets, and today I asked the driver if she liked caramel and chocolate. "I love it". When I gave her the ticket, she said "You are a GOD!" Good, I want to make people smile. It's one of the great joys of my life.

It's about 35 miles from home to the place we go to meet my aunt and uncle. I'll call it the bus stop. We had fantastic trips.

I woke up with a nasty headache, I had a small pity party yesterday and ate about 1 cup of sugar free icecream. I took asprin when I got up, not much luck - then Tylenol 4 hours later (en route to my aunt and uncle). It worked.

I wore my cute new jeans and a purple tshirt. I love flare legs.

I also brought my uncle a couple plants I'd started from seed. He loved them.

We went out to lunch at TGIF. Ron had ribs, I had steak and a salad. My aunt and uncle had pasta/chicken/shrimp things. Ron took his time murdering the ribs, and then asked them to fix our pickup for later.

Metrolift obliged (and we had a straight trip home!), so we went to Whole Foods. I saw a few cans of Zevia soda. I got one for my uncle (he is cutting back on sugar, but I didn't help because I gave him a "ticket" ), and a couple for me and Ron.

They had loose organic tea - for about 80 cents an ounce! Impressive! I got some Ceylon and some Yerba Mate.

I tried one brand about 11 years ago, found it vile and revolting, but it was smoked. I have seen some interesting products containing it, and thought, "Maybe I should give it a try" - this is just plain dried leaves, so I think I'll like it. Half an ounce - 40 cents, and if I like it they have teabags with peppermint, mate, and green tea. Sounds very intriguing, and only $4 for 40, and organic? I have seen some at NMF grocery too.

Speaking of, tomorrow I think I'll try some of the red bush tea. My sister sent me some decaf tea with roobios in it, and I found it tasty. I had (getting repetitive) tried some about 11 years ago and found it revolting, but maybe if it's flavored or blended I can drink it? It does have tons of antioxidants. I think I recall seeing a chai. I would be very interested in that.

They didn't have it at Whole Foods. I got Ron some of the bulk mix he enjoys, and we hung out, drinking our new sodas (which I like a lot, Ron loved the orange and lemon/lime).

After a bathroom break, we were off to the bus stop. Metro was late, but it was a straight trip home. Yeee-haw.

I have to get up early again on Monday (ack!), so I'm going to try to get to bed earlier tonight.

[skeopple]

Sounds like you two had a fun day out and about! I love picking up little things when exploring. You are like that with teas. I wish I liked tea better. Everytime I've bought any, I try it and don't like it and toss it all. Can't waste money that way now. I'm chicken to try tea again. Darn. So many people enjoy it.

Rest up tomorrow for a new week! I weigh in on Monday morning so I've got one more day to make that Whooshie Fairy take note and come and visit me. I feel like I'm losing weight so I do know that even if the scale doesn't show it, I still feel it. The scale will catch up when it sees I'm paying it no attention!

Sleep well, Heather. I will.

[Houston Heather]

I started coughing and my throat felt tight when I did the dishes. Peanut residue? Nuts will not be coming into my home.

I took a benadryl, I'll sleep great.

My aunt gave me some Jerky. Individually wrapped Oberto's. YUM.

I love chai tea, Sharon. It's kind of pumpkin pie spicy if you like that. Yum.

Edit: Ron and I just watched a cutesy animal show. I described the antics to him. Since we each have a satellite box, we seldom ever watch the same program.

I told him, as long as it's an uplifting program, I'd love to watch shows like that with him - and we're discussing planning out shows to watch together. It's a small step, but a good one, I feel.

We don't have a lot of shared interests outside of work and the cat.

[skeopple]

Ooooooooo, that reminds me; it's been awhile since I've made beef or turkey jerky. I may have to make time to do that this week!! Also got a great recipe off 300+ thread for a baked pancake I want to try tomorrow.

Sleep well, Heather! I've got to get some sleep. I may have to try chai. DD's boyfriend said he has some of that in his grocery cupboard here. Cool! I do like pumpkin!

[Houston Heather]

Yeah, give that a shot. Get the water just to boiling, pour it over the teabag. Let it sit 3-5 min. Squeeze the teabag (I have a little pinchy thing I use), and toss.

I would try about 6-7 ounces water with the teabag. Then add one packet of favorite sweetener and 2T heavy whipping cream and enjoy! If you don't like that, then you REALLY hate tea.

I first got "into" tea when I was about 10-11 years old. No matter where I've lived, it was always a few miles from the local mall. I'd walk up to the mall and shop around. I found an import store (Cost Plus or Pier one), and some imported tea. I bought it and tried it according to directions, and I was hooked.

My little brother used to give me a tea tin filled with teabags every year. One year, Ron bought me a "Year of Tea" gift - 520 teabags! 52 different types of tea, wrapped up in 10 packs, from Stash tea. He has mentioned going back to the teahouse soon, too.

My washer is a little balky on spin cycle. I've begun sweet-talking it just like I would with a vending machine. It seems to work well. "Come on! Come on! Who's a baby?" cooo- "You are! You're the baby! Come on! GOOD boy! Such a good boy!"

Hey, when it do it it spins. I also have a very low repair rate compared to other vendors. 1. I like to get under the hood 2. Small issues don't bug me and 3. I Tell the machines they are wonderful and give them a good reputation. I got that from a Dale Carnagie book - you can always find one positive trait - keep praising it and give them a good reputation; i.e. Ron has a good work ethic.

So, I might say, "Wow, Ron, I really admire your work ethic. You don't let anything stop you at work, and I love how you respect me enough to give me time to finish MY jobs."

The first part is a good thing he already does, the second, I am giving him a good reputation for respecting my work time. Something he does not do, but since I have given him this good reputation he will be less likely to interrupt with small things he could do himself. I'm happy to do lifting type things, but "Bring me a bag of Hot Chocolate"? That is very close at hand, and it only weighs 2 pounds! He ain't that broke!

I don't do it too often but it's a good communication technique. I don't know if I've mentioned it, but Good Old Dale has helped me quite a bit. "How to Win Friends and Influence People". "How to Make people like you" is a good chapter and I have seen that in how my regulars seek me out now. If they don't see me, they ask for me.

So, due to Dr Pepper delivery tomorrow I have about 8 hours to play today. I woke up with another headache but the quick release tylenol isn't kidding. Headache can be a side effect of my antipsychotic. I really dislike that term, but hallucinations/delusions/paranoia are a LOT worse!

Soooo, I have $45 left, plus a $30 check. Tomorrow or Tuesday, I owe the vending company $30 I borrowed for groceries.

Yesterday, I saw a lady with grocery bags from another major Asian Grocery store. She had gone quite a ways on Metrolift. I asked her if they had good tea and she nodded. She had been badly burned at some point and was very shy, covering her head and face with a towel. I gave her a brownie when she got off.

I can get there on a bus that only runs during the week. I can either cross a very busy, no-traffic-light street that scares me silly, one I have literally seen a woman in the street down with at least a broken leg after JUST being hit by a car... and after Ron's accident I was pretty post-traumatic. That was kind of a coffin nail in ever attempting to cross.

So, I can cross that street and catch the "weekdays only" bus, (I'll call it the WO, my home bus is HO no... how about HM, and the connector will be the CO). So, I'll catch the HM to the connection point, catch the CO to the transit center, and then catch the WO to the store.

I took one of those left brain/right brain tests and came up strongly analytical. My easiest trip involves at least 2 buses. No, actually the easiest trip is the NMF grocery, and that's just one bus.

Even if I dared cross that street on foot, it would still be 2 buses. The nice thing is that the new market is on the side of the street I would use to catch the WO home, I can just catch it up to the HM and have an easier trip. Transit tricks. I may not find ANYTHING of interest, but I want to at least try. I like stretching out and trying new things.

Now, I need to get out of here. I have less than 8 hours of fun before I have to be in bed, sleeping. I'm gonna shower, check the weather, hop out of here, and have some fun! I envision NMF grocery, cash my check, go to the mall, and maybe go to the family market on my way home and get that stainless tea kettle I've been eyeing.

I'm not real excited about using an aluminium thing to boil my tea water, and the new one is only about $10. That I can afford, I can't imagine paying hundreds for a teapot!

[Houston Heather]

"How do you know if you're getting too much lithium, Heather?"
"I feel horrible, like I've been poisoned. I can't think and I feel sick all over" - now I can add "It feels like I'm coming down with the flu".

And so I begin this entry on that ominous note. I went to my favorite gas station and bought 2 decaf bottled sodas. I got a couple of bunless burgers at McD. I went to the mall and looked around a bit. I found it very, very funny that the jacket I had agnozed over getting last week, at 40% off, was now 50% off on the day I went to buy it. I was afraid of it going back up to regular price! That's all I got, the purple jacket, in a MEDIUM. It fits great.

I looked at the vitamin store and Lady Footlocker but they didn't have any new colors I'd like. My bedroom is painted a mustardy gold color, the last thing I want is to wear it around! I love my bedroom, but I have enough of gold.

Now, a good purple, or turquoise? I can never have enough. I would be awfully happy to just wear shades of purple and turquoise. No tshirts were purchased in the commission of my day out.

I went to Starbucks, where everyone knows my name. Kind of like the old "Cheers". I hated that show because people always avoided me and never sought out my company.

Today it was hot, sunny, and moderately humid.

So, I got my drink, drank it, and left for the bus stop. After an hour of waiting, I called Ron. "The bus is supposed to come every XY minutes, and I've been here over an hour. Two of them should have come by now." He called. "The bus broke down." "What about the OTHER bus?"

Oh, it broke down too. Right. It's a good thing Ron called them. It's coming in 10 minutes...

Ron was very sweetly worried. Did I have a drink? No? Was it hot... kindof. Did I want him to call me a cab? No.

The bus came. Just to pull his tail, I called him and said the bus passed me up. I haven't heard that kind of language out of him in years!

I had to tell him, I'm teasing you. I'm on the bus right now. I AM ON THE BUS. I was kidding. He calmed down and said he was all set to go on the warpath. He laughed too.

Since the route was totally screwed up today, I didn't dare go to the small grocery store. God only knows when I would have gotten home and I need to be in bed in an hour.

I got off at the transfer point, and walked to NMF. By this point, I had been out in the sun for approximately an hour and a half. I was extremely hot and dehydrated - which progressed to mild lithium toxicity. I noticed I was running depressed and had taken one right before the waiting at the bus stop fiasco.

And after all the nice things I have typed about them!

So, I only had $20 left. I was miserably sick. Still feel awful. I got some supplies I needed - a little bit of tea, some cold drinks, some electrolyte stuff, and a can of heavy whipping cream. A household item found in grocery stores is good for lithium toxicity. I got it and used it. I should be feeling better soon.

When I'm toxic, it's a scale of
Ick
Ew
Ugggh
Urrrgh
OOOOH.

This is just at an Ew level. My headache is better.

I would have been dead years ago without lithium. I remind myself every time I get toxic. Yes, I feel like hot crap on a stick, but I'm likeable. I am not the slave of my moods. I'm the boss of emotions - they're not the boss of me.

I would rather be a little toxic than be "sick" with bipolar. UGH.

[Houston Heather]

I redid my goal to 160. I will be very happy there.

I am also feeling a thousand times better. No headache or grogginess... much better. Tomorrow, for my Day Out, I will be carrying a quart of electrolyte stuff - the blue Powerade Zero.

[Snowman]

YOU look really good in your new pictures, Heather!!

You are so faithful at coming here to write and that I commend you for!!

skeopple ~ I don't like tea either, never have, probably never will!

[skeopple]

Snowman, I'm still going to try the chai the way Heather recommended. Gotta give it a try.

Heather, you had a great day! I'm sure you're sleeping by now. You'll probably be finished with work and back home again by the time I get up tomorrow; you tough cookie you~

[Houston Heather]

I didn't sleep well. Ugh.

I did throw some Mate in my tea this morning, and I made tea instead of drinking Diet Dr PepperS. I had one. Anyway, I feel very warm and vigorous right now, so Mate is a good "upper" for me. You have to be very choosy with the brand, most of them taste like cigarrette butts. UGH.

My scale says 174, tape measure says 32 inch waist. Not happy, but not flogging myself either. Back to clean eating! I have gotten sloppy.

I have hardly eaten any veggies. This morning, I had some cooked collard greens (nuked, then added olive oil) along with my sausage patty, then when we go to Burger King I'll have a side salad instead of onion rings.

No flogging today, just motivation to eat clean. I can do this, I have done this, and I will get to goal!

I will go to a hysterically funny-sounding Food Market. They have several in Houston so I feel OK typing the name "Thang Hung".

Maybe I just have a filthy mind?

[skeopple]

Glad you caught yourself before the scale and measuring tape took on a mind of their own! Good attitude just using that data to readjust your eating!

The name of that Food Market got my day off to a hysterical start alright. Oh my gosh, that's hilarious. Dirty mind? NO. Sense of humor? YES.

[Houston Heather]

Yeah... it was pretty wild. Today, Wow, busy!

First off to work. I gave the delivery men brownies. They love me. It was very obvious from the irregular shapes and plastic ziplocks that they were homemade. I think I gave our driver one, too.

Anyway, got a lot done at work. Go Heather! I got paid today, so I did the pull in addition to helping Ron and getting deliveries. I counted it up and hundred packed it (the ones go in packs of $100 with George Washington all facing the same way). We did the deposit. I got paid.

We went to Burger King and ate, then Ron left me and went home. I took the weekdays only crosstown to downtown (a big hint, I don't live in downtown Houston ). I walked a block or so and waited on my next bus... that will take me to Whole Foods - I decided Whole Foods sounded more fun.

I only waited a few minutes - all GREAT trips today. The driver who took me downtown is very professional and kind. He's an older guy, too. I called in a compliment and the representative agreed when I told her about the last time: "What a damning indictment of the ridership, that the guy didn't know how to take a compliment!"

If you call in a compliment on a driver, a sincere one (and they double check by asking when you got off and what time; matching it to the route, bus number, and driver name), they can get "Driver of the Month". They get a nice jacket, a cash bonus, recognition, and the best parking space in the lot.

So, I called one in on J - I have ridden with him several times.

Oh, I almost FORGOT!

Yesterday, I had a very strong impulse to buy 2 little bottles of clove oil. It's good for toothache, until you can get to the dentist. I bagged them up in little ziplocks with some Q tips. Dip the Qtip in the oil, bite on it, horrible taste in your mouth (like 20 million cloves), but the pain's gone. I've done it more than once.

I had an overwhelming impulse to put one of the baggies in my backpack today. Something small like that, I ride along and don't fret about it.

Today, before we got to Burger King, our driver kept rubbing his jaw. "Man, this tooth is KILLING ME!" I lit up like a Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving.

You have a toothache?
Yes.
OH, boy! [rummaging in my bag] I knew God wanted me to carry this for a reason! [I handed over the baggie with instructions]
This is for me? To keep?
Yup. I knew God wanted me to give it away.

He was thrilled. He was wearing a John 14:6 baseball cap. Tell me, God didn't put us with this man! Ron handed over our dentist's card, and I wrote the number of our dental discount program (serious discount) on the back.

I'm glad I was able to do what He wanted!

Anyway, I got off in the "Kirby District" - a very tony area of Houston. I headed over to Whole Foods, mainly interested in sweetener, tea, and bath products.

Sweetener was too expensive for me! I found a lot of tea and got myself some good stuff. It all fit in one tote bag. I also got some rosemary-peppermint bodywash and shampoo (less than $10!), and some trial sizes of lavender and grapefruit. They would be good for travel.

After that, I headed outside. It was pouring. I offered a nicely dressed gentleman one of my umbrellas and got a very baffled smile. He found me interesting, as I packed everything into my tote bag. Ooh, lightning outside.

Anyway, I told him I get them at Dollar stores, etc. but he said no thanks. I tried. Again, an awesome transfer. I watched a couple of laborers wrestling with a tree in a 100 gallon pot, positioning it. Then the bus!

I had no idea where I needed to go to transfer to my crosstown. Ron called right then and asked if I needed anything. He got me fixed up, the driver dropped me at the right spot, and another driver pointed me towards my street!

The longer I live, the more I realize people are WONDERFUL. Oh, and so funny!

This Latina lady on the bus that dropped me off after Whole Foods, going downtown? She gave me a bilingual tract! I said, it's OK.

She offered it again, and I pointed at my chest, and then skyward as I said "Jesus salvando!" (Jesus Saves!) "Momento," I said, as I dug through my bag. "Here!" I gave her a Spanish gospel of John.

"You're an evangelist" she said.
"I go where He calls me, and He wants me handing out Bibles!" It motivated her and she got everyone on that bus with a tract! Dynamic duo!

I had ANOTHER brief wait, just long enough to suck down some diet pop, and then here's my ride. I rode it to Thang Hung.

They had way, way, more teas than my local market. They also had an adorable stainless steel teapot for $8. It's big enough that I can fit my giant teaball into it.

Ron is blind, and his right side does not work well. What would you buy? The stainless, or the porcelain? Easy!

I got a little tea - some Pu-erh loose tea - it's very good for upset stomach and digestive issues. I got some bottled tea, it was all in Chinese but the nutrition label said "Oolong tea" (which I love) and 0, 0, 0 all down the carb counts.

There was a fast food place, that Ron hasn't had in a while. I called him and got him some takeout. Then I rode up to "my" bus - the one that runs right past the subdivision.

I did something nice for a bus driver... before I bought my own dinner to go. The bus was just late enough that I caught it a minute or two after I got over to the stop. Awesome.

The torrential downpour even waited until i got home.

Ron and I ate dinner together, and I got all the disaster kits packed up for shipping tomorrow. I figure that's why God gave me the money last week - to cover the shipping!

[Houston Heather]

I do wonder, looking at the clove oil incident, if God can speak to me more because I have the hallucinations and all. You'll never convince me otherwise, I know God was telling me to do it all.

It will be very interesting to see the impact I've had when I go to Jesus.

I also told Ron, there will be a thousand Metrolift vehicles in the parking lot at our memorial service!

He once told me that when he died, God told him the next time Ron "saw" him, we'd both be there.

[skeopple]

[Houston Heather]

An interesting day. Go to work, fill machines, get the milk.

I felt very odd bringing in my cart with 5 Priority Mail flat rate boxes . I told a couple of postal workers, you have to appreciate the humor. I bring the boxes here, but YOU can't do anything with them. I have to go to my local station and mail them there, then they will send the boxes BACK TO YOU to process!

It's exactly what will happen, and we had a good laugh. Someone called my name at work, the head of maintanance and, as I told Ron, "The Bug Man" - I'm the diplomat . I got Mr Bug into my stockroom and the other vendor's, and he left.

My throat got kind of tight stocking the peanuts, but a benadryl made it better. My allergies are pretty bad right now. I'm allergic to mold in addition to cats. I'm not giving up the cat.

Anyway, after work, the cart, 5 boxes, my backpack, and I all went out to the bus stop. We got a good straight trip to Taco Bell, near our local station. They call themselves the ___ Station, so I'll call it the station.

Anyway, Ron ate 3 taco-things. I ate the top off the pizza and part of the bread before I caught myself and WISELY threw it away! Then my cart, boxes, backpack, and I went to the post office.

I did all the address labels and finished the last touches on the packing. I stuffed a few bags of cookies I had brought from work into the various cartons. I saved a few, though.

Then I got in line and waited a while. I have a rule. Don't look at my watch when waiting, it just makes everything longer. I waited a while. And a while longer. Then I was helped.

The clerk was very nice, especially when I held up a bag of cookies in each hand and said "Chocolate, or vanilla?" It took a minute to convey that I wanted to give them to her, for her to eat. She took the chocolate (vanilla was a big hit at the thrift store), and chatted as she did her thing.

Away went my boxes, back to the processing center where I'd started today. I did put a few fun stickers on the outside of the boxes.

Then, I'm off. I managed to fold up the folding metal cart (!!) and get it into a tote bag. It was quite uncomfortable, it kept jabbing my ribs.

I headed over to a wonderful thrift shop. They are a charity and I like their mission. Plus, they always have my favorite inspirational romances. I picked up a few.

Now, about a year or two ago, my uncle gave Ron a gift - a book-on-CD of an RC Sproul lecture. He's a famous Christian teacher. Anyway, Ron really enjoyed RC's style and told me so.

Today, I saw "Sproul" out of the corner of my eye. They had books on tape. LOTS of RC Sproul. The book of Hebrews. The book of Ephesians. A book entitled "Pleasing God" , I snatched up 6 (after praying about it), and they were awfully bulky. Good thing I had the dreaded cart and my extra tote bag!

I also snagged some nice Bibles. I already gave 2 away.

I am dying to nag Ron about reading the books, but I have to remember "God draws people to Him." All I had to do was bring them home and give them to Ron. God will do the rest.

I considered going to the mall, but I had so much bulk (I had to unfold the cart and load 2 tote bags onto it, plus wearing my standard backpack which doesn't fit on the cart), I decided to just come home.

I did hit my Starbucks first.

A young man - about 19, was hitting on me at the bus stop until I mentioned "My husband". It's a little disconcerting. At first I thought he was a scammer, but no. Genuine interest? -shrug- I guess he likes short haired brunettes in purple t-shirts.

I came home. I am really tired and going to bed early.

[skeopple]

Wishing you a good nights sleep after a very busy day, Heather! I don't know how you physically do all that walking, toting, and cart pushing! Glad you're strong!!!!

[Houston Heather]

Ron woke me up and my PC kept turning itself off.

I got frustrated. I turned on "The Message" - the Christian rock channel on the Sirus satellite we get with our Direct TV. Yay! A hard rock program!

Then I sat down and looked at the Bibles I got today. You will love this and you know what's going to happen as soon as you read it. I found a bilingual French/English Bible. Many of my Metrolift drivers are African immigrants and learn to speak their native dialect, French, and then later on English.

I just know, just like that Clove oil, that God is sending someone my way. Honestly, if I had known it was French, I might not have gotten the Bible! Somehow I had it in my head that it was Spanish.

I did score 3 nice entire Bibles in Spanish! They're in good shape, too.

Then I "did" my Bibles. I can just see you scratching your head, wondering "How does Heather do a Bible?"

First I got the index cards and wrote a little personal message: I'll be praying for you daily. Then I signed my first name. I thought, hm. Could use something. I looked in my concordance under "pray" and found James 5:16, which you notice I put in my signature "Pray for one another... the effectual prayer of a righteous man avails much." I like it and put it on the cards, just James 5:16. I wrote out about a dozen cards, grabbed a stack of Bibles ( I really DO have one!), and stuck the cards inside.

Then, depending on the Bible, I put in a little salvation tract. I like the "You're Special" or the "Ticket to Heaven" - I have that one in spanish. If the Bible already had a salvation section, I skipped the tract.

People tend to read the area around the inserts, so I try to put them in the "good" spots. So, index card in every Bible. Then, maybe a salvation tract.

Every Bible get a "Footprints" bookmark (English) or a "Huellas" (Spanish version of Footprints) postcard. I love the little story and find it very inspiring.

Optional, for entire English Bibles, I will put in the "Read your Bible in a Year" tract. I like it and I think a new bible reader would find it helpful. If I encounter a mature Christian I will occasionally offer it to them, and it's accepted.

Tomorrow, I'm going to the Christian bookstore and getting some more "stuff". Mom made a point of mentioning the Bibles I hand out when I told her about God's gift to me last week. I guess you can say I'm reinvesting at least some of it into souls!

You can't go wrong investing in salvation.

[skeopple]

to you, my friend. And your Christian witnessing!

[Houston Heather]

I have a 10 bible challenge today - can I give them all away?

I weighed and measured: 171.5, 31.5.

I am pretty much calling goal at 160 and 31 inches. I am happy with how I look, Ron is too, I look healthy.

I gotta take a shower.

[skeopple]

...........healthy is what we're searching for..............looking good is a bonus!

Have a great day, Heather! and Ron too!

Hm, 10 Bible challenge; that's quite a testimony!

[*Pear*]

You're so inspiring with your Bibles. Wish I could be as brave as you are.

I wanted to ask you about your discount dental program. Is it free? DD needs to get her checkup and I just hate how overpriced dental work is. I have a free prescrition discount card, was wondering if there was a free dental discount card out there.

[Houston Heather]

It's alive!

My PC died for a bit. I don't dare say much 'cause it could die again any miniute. I will be mobile blogging here: Heather knits, the junk food queen

Bad thoughts are pretty bad - seeing doc for a new pill next week. I need it.

Handing out lots of Bibles, always to a gracious reception. "Oh, THANK YOU!"

Gotta get more tracts tomorrow.

Hives acting up since I ate that bready thing a few days ago. AGH. Won't do that again, no matter how warm and freshly baked it may be.

Time to go copy important data before it dies again.

[Houston Heather]

I got everything copied. Yay.

I hope I can sleep without nightmares now.

[Houston Heather]

Ha. Computer knows it's going to the shop. It booted.

Ugh... not bad days but I'm pretty worn out.

1. Having wierd thoughts and hearing things that aren't there. Gets OLD. Last night was the first night in a while without horrible dreams.

2. Handing out lots of Bibles - I'm pretty much out now. Every Bible I took to work was taken home by someone. That's a good thing, but I need more! I may do that today, energy permitting. It is pretty today but supposed to be really gloomy and awful tomorrow.

3. Things have been OK with Ron. He is being a good sport about fixing my computer - it would be easy for him to complain about it, but he wants to make me happy, and that's a good thing.

4. Battling a persistent depression with a little aspect of manic in there - mixed episode. They really, really, suck. Taking my pills, trying to stay busy.

I will be mobile blogging until I get old Sparky back, or a new one. I need to update my operating system, I probably have a virus on the hard drive, and something power-related is going out on a regular basis. It was a huge deal today when it loaded up on the first try.

I already miss you guys!

Edited to add: I have been getting a lot of nice compliments recently at work.

One lady said "You won't gain it back again, will you?" I love my postal workers.

"Not THIS time! That one bite WILL hurt."

[karenb]

I hate it when DH talks me into getting a new 'updated' computer. My address file is still on my old computer. Last xmas I just sent cards to people who sent cards to us!

The other day I painted my kitchen countertops and one person whom I really liked did some research about bad outcomes on the product I was using. If it had been anyone elst I would have posted some snide remardk but I've always been nice to her and liked her so I'm kind of bummed. She a sweet if niave person and going thru a lot of family problems right now so I didn't say anything. Bummer. Just *****ing!

[skeopple]

Best wishes on a speedy computer "recovery"!

Heather. Take a deep breath.

See your doctor.

Be well.