Monday 7-15

It is the middle of summer, the middle of July.  I think it is 88 degrees right now, which isn't too bad.  It could be in the 100s like it is for some of my friends.  I am thankful that it is not that hot and although there have been some days that were rather warm, nothing like in the 3 digits.

I tried the Valerian root last night but it didn't help.  I am not sure if it was because for some odd reason I was so awake at that time or if it was because I only took 1 at first and then another one an hour and a half later.  Either way, i didn't really fall asleep before about 5 am.  I am my normal tired today.  It has been suggested to combine some of the vitamins too such as a small amount of melatonin and the valerian root.  I will try this first and then try that.  I am going to get a book that one of the ladies in a support group suggests.  There is so much that can be done naturally instead of with chemicals that I want to try.  The book is called from fatigue to fantastic.  She says it has helped her a lot.  It has not cured her, which would make me super suspicious as there is no cure, but it has helped.  I am just looking for help.  I know there is no cure.  I figure every little bit adds up, right?  It can only not work for me.  I know my conditions, I know the medicines I have to take.  For example, I will never be able to not take the coumadin.  I have a blood disorder that causes blood clots so stopping a blood thinning medicine would not be good for me.  I also will have to continue with the reglan too because my stomach doesn't digest properly.  The last one is the synthroid because my thyroid doesn't work.  I do hope that Dr. R and I do find some headache medicine that will help lessen my headaches.  It is tiring having a headache every single day, all day long.  It never ends and hasn't for over 10 years.  This particular headache started in March of 2003 when I came down with the vasculitis.  It hasn't ended yet.  Yup, over 10 years at this point.  I can't remember not having a headache anymore just like I can't remember not being tired or having pain somewhere in my body (besides my head).

Tonight I will be cooking dinner.  Yes, that is what I wrote, don't faint, I am cooking.  I am grilling steak, then cutting it up to put in fried rice with asparagus.  With just Brandon and I this week, we won't have to cook a whole lot of food although we made a lot of rice so we could have some for the rest of the week.  Neither of us really like to cook that much.  I do plan for us to have Chipotle one night.  I don't know when that will be but one night.  The house is very quiet with just the to of us but it is a nice change.  I look forward to them all coming home but it is a nice change.  I do miss that little Maisy dog a lot already though.  She is such a sweet and lovable dog.  I simply adore her.  Not that anyone who has read this doesn't already know.  I do not miss the bop it noises though.  I must confess that.  The game is very loud and can be annoying but the joy Acer gets from it outweighs any annoyance it gives me.  Although, I can at times, ask him to play in a different room.  We didn't get any  bop it pinball in on Saturday because my headache was just too bad.

Well, it is time to cook some dinner for Brandon and I.  I am getting a little hungry and it is almost dinner time.

Valerian Root - Sunday 7-14

It has been a quiet day.  Rick had his lesson.  He is doing very well with his piano lessons.  He played through the entire piece of "Fur Elise" by Beethoven today for the very first time today.  I was very pleased about that and his sight reading wasn't too bad either.

Tilley came by to pick up a package for Maia.  I also gave her the gifts for Warren and Phoenix.  Their birthday party is next week and I have to teach so i won't be attending.  I will be going to Tilley's on Saturday for a few hours so she can go and run some errands.  I will stay with Maia while she is gone.  I don't plan to stay very long, just a few hours while Tilley does what she needs to do.  Maia will probably sleep the whole time so I will bring my nook with me.  Maia is very ill and she isn't going to get any better.  I am going to try to go and see  her as much as I can on the weekends.  This way, I will also be able to relieve Tilley and then she will be able to go and do errands or go out for a few hours if she wants to.  This is very hard on her.  She cried a bit today talking about it.

My pain level is higher today.  I am not sure why or if there is even a reason.  I just know that it is.  I am trying something different for sleep tonight.  I am trying the Valerian Root.  Tonight is the first night so we shall see how this will work.  I am hoping for better results than just the Tylenol PM that I have been taking for a while.  Advil PM didn't really work any better.  I just get so tired of not sleeping.  I know most of us with fibro have sleeping problems but I haven't exhausted all the options yet.  I have tried the prescription sleeping pills and I got horrible nightmares from the Ambient CR.  The others did nothing for me.  I was awake all night long.  I tried melatonin and that didn't work either so I am trying this too.  I hope it works or works better than the Tylenol PM.

I have a few more lessons this week since a couple of students are back from vacation.  I am glad about that.  On the days I don't have lessons, it is pretty boring around here.  I would rather teach a few lessons each day than have a few days with no lessons but it just happens that way sometimes.  This week only Saturday has no lessons so that is why I can go to Maia and Tilley's.

I am watching a marathon of Law and Order: Criminal Intent.  They have all been new to me episodes except for the first one.  That one I have seen before but the other 3, including the one I am watching now, I have not seen.

On words with friends, I was so excited, I got a word worth 108 points!!!!  I know!!!!  Isn't that just totally awesome???  I was so excited!!!  I am now ahead of my cousin-in-law, Cheryl.  I may even win for a change.  I have been playing this game for about 6 weeks now and I have yet to actually win a game.  I don't particularly care too much about winning because I am still learning how to play and what words work and words don't so until I have this down pat, I am not too worried about winning.  Most of my friends who I am playing against have been playing for a very long time.  There are a couple who play at my level but we just recently started playing against each other.

Maisy is on vacation with Bill and Heather B-T this week.  I miss the little dog.  I did get a good snuggle from her before she left and I did ask if Heather B-T was sure she was taking Maisy.  She said yes.  They will be back by Friday so that isn't too long.  If this week is anything like any other week, it will fly by.  Maisy did pee underneath the dining room table though before she left.  I will NOT miss her peeing in the house.  I will just miss the little dog.  She is such a heart stealer.  She stole mine that is for sure!

Well, it is time to check on words with friends and then watch the rest of the episode.

Saturday 7-13

Ah, a Saturday.  A Saturday with no lessons and no plans.  I was going to visit Maia, but she isn't up to a visit right now so I stayed home, which actually turned out better as I started not feeling too well this afternoon.  I am very exhausted and I just don't feel well over.  There isn't anything specific, it is just all over.  I had to take a nap this afternoon right away when I was in the middle of reading face book at around 2:30 pm.  All of a sudden, I just couldn't stay awake and my head was not a happy camper so up the stairs Maisy and I went.  I put her on my bed and we snuggled for a few minutes and then I went to sleep so did she.  I slept for 2 hours.  My head still hurts a lot but I couldn't sleep anymore.

Tomorrow, the kids go to camp.  They are looking forward to it.  I know they will have a really good time.  I will miss them terribly but camp is such a good experience for them.  Calli has attended several and she always learns a lot and has a good time.  I expect Acer will too.  In our house, summer is very busy.  Rarely do we hear the words, I am bored around here.  There is always something to do or somewhere to go.  With the overnight camps, the day camps, the kids are very busy.  I barely have time with them during the days they are home.  Today is wash and pack day so they will be ready to leave first thing tomorrow morning.  I will still be sleeping when they leave as I won't be getting up as early as them.

Acer is playing one of his many bop its.  He knows all about every single model ever made including the one coming out this fall.  He simply adores them.  Acer likes to play the bop it pinball on the internet but today I am just not up to it.  It can get quite loud and my head can't handle that much loudness right now.  I don't think there is a bop it that Acer has tried that he doesn't like.  He even has them on his Ipod.

On Acer's Ipod is this song called, "Snuggle Puppy".  It is so cute and I want to learn all the words so that I can sing it to Maisy.  Yes, I am that dorky!  I will sing to the dog!!!!!  As music flows through my head all the time, it shouldn't surprise anyone that I would sing that to the sweetest, most adorable, girl doggie in the entire world, otherwise known as Maisy.  Yes, I am sure by now, you know how much I adore that little dog.  She is an excellent nap partner too.  We took a good long nap until Heather B-T came home.  At that point, well, she went to see who was here but that was near the end.  I did feel her leave and peeked at the time.  I got up about 15 minutes later since I really couldn't sleep anymore.

Pain level is a bit higher than usual today.  It is really nice out and not very humid so I am not sure exactly why.  Anxiety is doing fine, for a change.  Actually, it is really nice out.  It is a perfect day to go for a scooter again but it is too late in the day for Acer or Calli to go with me as Bill will be home from work in a while and then we will have dinner.  After that the kids will have to finish up packing and go to bed.  It is kind of funny how we have to get the scooter in and out of the garage.  Acer has to climb on the scooter, put the key in and then back it out.  There is only enough room for him to get in and out of the scooter, none for anyone else.  When we come back, he has to drive it back in to the garage.  It is amusing because a little blind boy drives my scooter in and out of the garage.

Well, I am tired now and I will work on my words with friends.

Now the kids are arguing over what is going the notetaker of Acer's.  I love it when they get along and not when they argue.  They are getting along again for a few minutes.  Ah, the life with children!!!!!!!

Friday 7-12

I had a meeting with the group that will be helping to pay part of my hearing aids.  They will pay 60% of the cost, which is totally awesome.  I have to figure out how long it will take for me to be able to save the balance, which is the 40%.  It should be a few months and then I will have good hearing, something I haven't had since I was 13 and I had that horribly long ear infections in both ears that I never told my mother about.  Yeah, I have cautioned Calli to never do that.  Even if she is worried about telling her mom or dad about something that is wrong with her, she must tell them immediately.  She said she would.  I think I am a good example of what can happen if you don't.  Anyways, in a couple of months I will be hearing sounds I haven't heard since I was a child.  It will be weird.

Calli is reading to Acer right now.  It is a good story.  I have been listening too.  It is a mystery story.  Acer loves to have people read to him.  Last night, he wanted me to read to him before bed.  I read 2 small stories and then he went to bed.  I like to read before bed too.  We are all readers in this house.  It is a lovely thing to be in this house.  Acer likes to read also.  He has read a few books to me.  I get such a joyous feeling when I hear him or Calli read.  It makes me smile.  Calli reads very well out loud.

It is beautiful outside today.  I actually want to take my scooter out and go for a scooter.  Maybe Calli will want to go for a scooter walk today after Acer's lesson.  It is just that beautiful.  The temperature is perfect along with the humidity level.  It isn't too humid and too hot.  I haven't scootered in a while either.  We may even be able to bring Maisy.  She loves to go for walks.  Maisy and Q both love to go for walks.  I don't need to go for a long one, just enough to soak up the sun and the beautiful weather.  I will ask after Acer's lesson.  Acer might want to go to.  Who knows.  One never knows in this house.  I do like my scooter even though I wish I didn't need one.

I don't expect that I will still need it even when I am thinner.  It isn't the fibro that causes me to need it so much as it is the arthritis.  With the arthritis that is, as my doctor has said, riddled through my lower back, I cannot stand for very long nor can I walk very long or very far.  When I have lost about 30 more pounds then I plan to start walking more outside of the house.  My goal is to go to the top of the street and back without needing the scooter.  I figure that maybe I will be able to go farther than I can, but as for walking for miles like I used to, I know I won't be able to do that.

I have a few students today.  Acer is one of them.  Ryan has been on vacation for 2 weeks so he is back today.  I am glad.  I miss my students when they are not here for their lessons.  I don't have that many so I do miss them when they are gone.  Robyn is ill today so she won't be coming.  She has a summer cold and is planning to go to the doctor this afternoon.  I hope she feels better next week.

Well, Mr. Acer is anxiously awaiting for the bop it pinball on the computer so I am going to have to end this now.  He is most impatient.  I don't blame him.  He loves bop its a lot.  We hear bop it games all day long.  Acer even makes the noises himself when he isn't playing the games.

an evening of Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix 7-11

I love the harry potter books and movies.  I remember being on vacation when the 5th book came out.  I so wanted to buy it but I didn't have enough because I bought a bit of Anne of Green Gables stuff.  That was alright.  As soon as I got home, I discovered Momma already bought me the book!  So had I bought it, I would have had 2 copies.  Momma loved doing surprises like that for us.  It didn't matter to her we were adults.  We were still her children and she loved surprising us.  With me, it was usually books or music.  I also, liked to surprise Momma with treats.  For several years in a row, at Christmas, I surprised her with tickets to a musical.  The last one we saw was the "White Christmas" at the Fox Theatre.  Momma and I really enjoyed it.  I cannot count the amount of musicals we saw both on TV, in the Movies, or live at a theatre.  I miss my musical theatre partner so much.  It isn't the same without her.  I do want to see some but I don't really have anyone to go with anymore.

Tonight, Acer wanted me to read him stories at bedtime.  I was planning to go to choir but he wanted me to read stories so I didn't go.  It isn't anything new.  It has been so long since I have been there.  I was feeling alright except I did have a bit of a bad headache too.  I was proud of myself because I told him I would read 2 stories and I stuck to it.  He tried to get another but I stuck to 2.  That hasn't happened before.  I usually cave and read another if not 2 more.  Well, tonight I didn't.

Maisy and I took a ride to get gas this afternoon.  She is a good little passenger.  She really is.  She stays on the passenger side most of the time.  If I open the window, then she comes over to my side to see what is going on but other than that, she stays on the passenger seat.  I love that little dog.

I was purposely driving Calli crazy this afternoon.  There is a song called "Snuggle Puppy" that is on Acer's IPod.  It is such a cute song.  I only know part of it but I was singing over and over the part I know.  She was like, ugh!  We did have good giggles about it though, which was my goal.

I have been having trouble sleeping, which I know so many of us have.  It has been a problem for years like so many of us but lately, it just seems to be even worse.  I have tried ambien, rosarim, and other sleeping pills.  I have also tried melatone and Tylenol pm and Advil pm too.  I now have a list of other herbs and supplements to try.  Yesterday, I slept about 15 hours, well, I was in bed for about 15 hours and it seemed like I didn't sleep at all.  I wake up every night about 2 then every hour until about 5 or 6 then again about 9 before I finally get up anytime between 11 and 1.  I am thankful that I live in a house with people who do not give me a hard time about how much I sleep or the hours I keep.  Both Heather B-T and Bill are very much of the thought that if I need the sleep then sleep.  I did have to take a nap 2 hours after I woke up and I got up at 1 pm.  I slept for about an hour from 3 to 4 so I did feel better.  I am getting tired again now but as it is 9:45 that is not a bad thing.  Tomorrow I have to get up at 11:30 for Elizabeth's lesson at noon.

I am meeting with Michigan Works tomorrow.  I need a letter from Heather B-T for them and then I have everything I need.  It is to help me get hearing aids that I need.  I am finally breaking down and getting them.  I didn't realize how much I needed them until Heather B-T and crew moved in.  I cannot hear her at all when she calls me from upstairs or downstairs if I am in the dining room.  I just can't.  I am hoping that I don't get worse headaches though.  I am nervous about that.  We shall see, I suppose.

I have been losing weight these past few months.  I am glad about that.  I am off the Amitryptiline medicine that helped me gain weight.  The medicine I am now has a side effect of losing weight and decreasing the appetite.  I am also working on portions and eating properly too so it isn't all medicine.  I am working hard too.  I also take safflower oil, cla, and omega 3.6.9.  I don't know how much of the weight loss they are adding to but I am taking them.

Overall, the pain levels don't seem to be changing all that much except for, of course the headaches and my right hip pain.  The right hip hurts a lot as well as the right lower side of the back.  I don't know if it is arthritis or the kidney or who knows what.

Well, I am going to play my words with friends as I finish up the last hour of the movie.  I love Harry Potter!  I will say that Anne of Green Gables is my all time favorite character EVER and her books are the best ever but Harry Potter is second.  They are amazing too just not quite as amazing as Anne of Green Gables.

Independence Day 7-4

It is Independence Day, July the 4th!!!!!  Independence is something that I think every parent wants for their children too.  I would have to say, I was semi-independent.  I never moved from my childhood home.  When I was in my mid 20's and graduated from University, my friends were ALL having issues with their roommates or roommate boyfriends, just tons and tons of drama.  I asked if I had to move out and Momma said no so I didn't.  Good thing too because within a year, I had gotten very ill and was pretty much bed ridden at that point.  When I got a bit better and could live on my own, I didn't want to move so I didn't.  That also was a good thing too because, well, I got the vasculitis and it took 6 weeks for doctors to figure out what was wrong with me.  I never really recovered from that.  Then Momma started with the Alzheimer's Disease so she needed me as much as I needed her.

Here in our house, I am once again pretty independent.  I pay my bills and teach my lessons.  We split the house chores between all of us.  Independence is so important for people and to live in a country where Independence is not only encouraged but the goal is a wonderful.  Momma really wanted all of us 3 to be Independent but none of us counted on me getting so sick so young.  I do think that despite my being ill, I am pretty independent.

I temporarily forgot that Calli was 13.  I kept telling her she was 12.  Whoops!  Nothing like forgetting how old the teenager is!  Acer is 8 1/2.  I was speaking to a Mom who's daughter took lessons a couple of summers ago and her daughter is now 8 1/2 too.  That 1/2 is so important to the kids.  Me?  I don't want to add anything to my age that is for sure.  Heather B-T's birthday is tomorrow!  Calli is giving me gray hair.

Right now, Castle is on.  It is running a marathon.  I love this show too.  Since the kids were in the room, I muted the sound.  This is an interesting episode.

Well, I think I am going to watch the marathon and play words with friends.  Heather B-T and family are getting ready to go to a celebration of Independence Day!

Tuesday 7-2

It was a relaxing day after all.  I thought I was going to have 8 (yes, 8) lessons today.  This is more than usual, believe me!  Well, I had 2.  The rest either canceled or came an hour late and I had another lesson at that time or forgot about the lessons.  I was worried about how I would handle the day as I usually only have a few lessons a day.  I used to routinely teach 8 to 12 lessons a day but now, I just can't do that.  It is too tiring for me and I ache too much after teaching that much.  You wouldn't think so as I teach music, but it takes a lot of energy to teach music and I get tired really easy.

Heather B-T's friend, Deedee has moved back here from Spain and was visiting this afternoon.  It was a lovely afternoon.  The kids got along really well and they stayed for dinner.  The kids were a bit nervous around Q and Maisy, but they did okay with them.

I am much more relaxed now that the results are good.  I had a nice visit with Kathy during lunch and after.  Acer had to show her all his toys.  She went upstairs and got the tour of Acer's toys.  She really enjoyed Acer showing her his toys and talking to Calli.  I think the kids really enjoyed visiting with Kathy too.  I am planning to go and see Kathy next month sometime.  She will let me know when will be a good time.

Rizzoli and Isles is on right now.  I love this show.  It is the new season.  Tomorrow, Bill will be bringing home Season 3 of Rizzoli and Isles for me to watch over the week.  I don't have any plans on the 4th except for the one lesson I have in the afternoon.  I don't really ever have too many plans on the 4th.  When I was young, it was a day of extra work around the house.  I remember one year in high school, I had permission to go to the beach with a friend on the 4th but at the last minute Momma changed her mind.  I was so upset.  She bought a new shed and wanted us to put it up on the holiday.  I could go to the beach after I was done.  Well, we didn't get done until the next day.  I was so upset and angry at her.  Unfortunately, this was something Momma did a lot.  It was definitely one of her not so good qualities.  We all have them, but that one used to really make me angry.  I never really knew until I was out the door or at the activity if I really could attend or not.  Despite all that, I still miss her so much.  Sometimes it seems like yesterday that she passed away and sometimes it seems years and years ago.  Sometimes it still physically hurts that she is gone and sometimes it is just hurts in general.  Overall, I am doing better than I was but I don't expect to ever stop missing her in general.  From what I have been told by my friends who have also lost their mothers, I probably won't.  Most of them still miss their moms a lot.  I was definitely a Momma's girl that is for sure.  I guess when I was small I was a Daddy's girl until he left and then I became attached to the hip with my Momma.  That is what she told me anyway.

Well, on to playing Words with friends and reading.  I am still on the 3rd book of the O'Malley series.  It is just so good!

The Results 7-1

The results are in and here they are: I do not, at this point have cancer.  There are clear cells present but nothing to worry about at this point.  The mass has not grown too much in 5 years either.  It went from 2.7 to 2.9 so that isn't too significant.  I am pleased with this.  It needs to be monitored but that is okay.  I can deal with the monitoring.  I am just glad I don't have cancer.  I was very worried and I know Kathy was too.  Heather B-T drove us and we all went into the doctor's office.  I had both Heather B-T and Kathy come incase it was positive and I needed to really pay attention on what to do next.  Heather B-T and I did read up on clear cells and since my mass is only 2.9 and not 7 centimeters, we are not too worried about it.  If it grows, then we will worry about it.  I do need to have the mass re-checked in 3 months but that is okay.  I will have it done.

I don't have any lessons today.  Monday is usually a light day anyway but Bob needed to reschedule until tomorrow since he had to work this afternoon.  It won't be a problem to have his lesson tomorrow.  It will be a bit busier but that is okay.

Kathy and I went to lunch today.  We went to Chipotle.  It was the first time I had been there in about 3 weeks.  I used to go weekly but not anymore.  I am working on eating here at home more.  It is better for me and it saves me money, which is something I need to do too.  I plan to visit Kathy this summer in August for a couple of days.  We always have a good time.  I stay at a hotel because there just isn't enough room at her house for me to stay.  I try to stay at a place that has a pool so the kids can come and swim.  That is always a good thing.  It is nice to have the kids have a pool and come and swim.  They swim and Kathy and I chat.  Kathy left shortly after lunch.  It was so funny before we went.  Kathy pulled out her phone and was having trouble reading it so I handed her my reading glasses and they helped her read the phone.  She was not too happy about that so right after lunch we went and got her reading glasses.  They are similar to mine as far as the prescription goes but a slightly different style.    Hers also comes with a case just like mine do.  I also got some more tea as we were almost completely out.

I put the picture of Maisy in one of my Disney frames today.  She looks so adorable in the Winnie the Pooh frame on the piano.  She is such a cute dog.  I tell her all the time what a good girl she is and how she is the cutest little girl dog in the world.  I think she realizes that she has me wrapped around her little paw.  I just love Maisy so much.  I had no idea I would get so attached to her but I sure have.  I even have her sleep on my bed when Heather B-T and Bill aren't home.  I know, me!  Miss, I don't want a dog on my bed!  Well, I do!!  That little girl sleeps on my bed when they aren't home and I am not ready to get up yet.  She likes to sleep at my feet.  She sleeps on her back and it is so cute.  Her little paws are in the air and oh, it is the cutest thing!  Kathy FINALLY got to meet Maisy today.  Maisy was a bit nervous at first but then she came around to Kathy especially after Kathy gave her a treat.  We all giggled when Maisy stood on her hind legs to get her treat!  She looks like an Ewok when she does that!  Yes, I love that little dog so much.

I am going to take the Easter stuff down (finally) off the 2nd piano.  I know, I know, I should have done it a long time ago, but I didn't.  I couldn't find a box to put them in.  I wanted a plastic box not a cardboard box and I kept forgetting to go to the store and get one or when I got to the store I would forget to get one.  Now, I have one.  I have had it for a couple of weeks but I still haven't done it yet.  Well, I need the space for Maisy's picture so I have to do it today.  I also want both of Mom's pictures on the 2nd piano instead of one on each piano.  The one on the piano that I use the most gets pushed back and I am afraid that it will fall behind the piano and then no one will be able to get it because there is no way to get stuff from behind the pianos so I need to move the one picture.  I also want to put up the rest of my beanie babies that I am keeping back on the piano.  They look so sweet up there.  I have lots of Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals that belong on the piano when it isn't Christmas or Easter.

It is a bit chilly today but I don't mind.  I have a really cute hoodie sweater that goes with all my dresses.  I did buy myself a new top today.  It was super cute and lacy at the top.  It is tan and I think It will go very nicely with the blue skirt or the coral skirt.  I do have to take the turquoise skirt and the coral skirt to Nancy to fix.  I need to do that this week if she is at work.  The seams are on the outside and I don't like that at all.  I want seams on the inside.  A few years ago, that was the style but I don't like it so since there is so much work needed to do with it, I am taking it to her.  I also will need to get some fall dresses and winter ones too since I do not plan to get any pants.  I like skirts and dresses so much better.  I also plan to make me some skirts and dresses.  I like sewing with people not so much on my own.  Star wants to do some sewing so we are going to do some together.  Last year, Aggie and I made her costume for the yomicon weekend and this year she is making it herself!  I gave her a sewing machine when she graduated high school and she is sewing the costume herself.  She helped me sew hers last year.  I wonder what she will make this year.  She is definitely going to have post a picture on facebook.

Well, time to go and put the stuff away.

The Day Before! 6-30

I had Rick's lesson this afternoon.  He is taking piano now and doing very well.  He took voice for about 1 1/2 years and then decided to switch to piano.  He has 5 pieces he is working on.  I love the songs he is working on.  After his lesson Maisy and I spent some alone time together.  We had a bit of snuggle and I tried to nap because I was so tired all of a sudden but after about 15 minutes I couldn't sleep so Maisy and I came back down.

Yesterday, when I got home I commented on facebook about how wonderful the tea party was and one of my friends, Laura, wanted to know who the beautiful redhead was!  That was my friend, Star.  Well, she wants Star to be the model for her 2nd book in the trilogy.  I was very excited about that, so was Star.

Tomorrow is the appointment for the results.  I am getting a bit anxious now but not too bad.  My anxiety has been doing pretty well for the last few weeks after it being super high for no reason at the beginning of the month.  It was like, once there was a reason for higher anxiety, the anxiety went down.  I know, weird, isn't it?  My anxiety is just like that, weird.  Kathy is in town this weekend.  She is at her parents house tonight.  I will see her tomorrow.  We will have lunch after the appointment.  I know that the kids want to see her too because they have told me so.  I don't know if they will be coming to lunch or not.  I will find out tomorrow.  I am happy to see her even if it is not a good reason to see her.  I am always glad to see her even if the reason is sad or not a good reason.

The sun is so pretty today.  There is a nice breeze outside too.  Maisy and I did enjoy our time outside.  She was just groomed on Friday and I need a frame for the picture of her for my piano.  She looks so adorable in the picture.  She did really well for our drive.  She didn't try to get in my lap too much today like some days.  Some days, she wants to ONLY be in my lap and that is not good because she can't be.  It is too hot to drive if she is in my lap.  Today she was happy in the passenger seat.  I simply adore that lovely little dog.  I tell her all the time how much I love her and how sweet she is.  I also tell her she is also the cutest little girl dog ever.  I think she is aware of how much I adore her or as aware as a little dog can be.

I am watching Law and Order: Criminal Intent right now.  I have missed most of the episode but it is really just for something to watch as I type.  I tried to call Kathy but she is either on the phone or it is turned off.  It wasn't a big deal because I will see her tomorrow.  Bill is getting things ready to make dinner.  I think he may be grilling dinner but I am not sure.  I am just sitting at the table to stay out of the way.  Sometimes, it is just the best thing to do when others are busy in the kitchen.

I was watching Soldier of Fortune.  It is rated R so I watch it when the kids aren't around.  I wasn't in the mood to watch it this afternoon after about 15 minutes.  It is an action movie, but since I was watching it right before I got really tired, I had to turn it off when I went upstairs.

Well, I am going to play the words with friends for a bit.  I am now on book 3 of the O'Malley series, "The Truth Teller".  It is the book about Lisa and Quinn.  I have read them before and truly really enjoyed them so much.  The are books by Dee Henderson.  She is an excellent author.  I love all her books.  They are filled with just the amount of suspense and romance.

Afternoon Tea 6-29

I went to a surprise birthday tea party this afternoon.  It was a lot of fun.  It was for my friend, Star's mom, Paula, who is also my friend.  3 of her friends were there as well as another friend of both Star and Paula.  We had many good giggles all afternoon and into the evening.  It was a beautiful way to spend the afternoon/early evening.  Paula was completely surprised by this.  Star really surprised her mom with this one.  I am so glad that she did.  It really put a smile on her mother's face.  Star's grandmother passed away last month and both Star and Paula are still in the beginning steps of grieving so to have a little celebration of Paula's birthday was a good thing for Paula.  It is hard to have a birthday so close to the death of a loved one.  We both are so proud that we are Momma's girls.  Star is a momma's girl too.  Neither one of us regret any of the time we spent with our mothers, not one moment.  We also spent most of our lives living with our mothers too so both of us (and Star too) are very close to our moms.  Star is very close to Paula just like Paula was to Marion.  Marion was a wonderful woman.  She really was.  I had lost touch with the family for a few years and it was right after Momma died that I got back into touch with them.  They were very sad to hear about Momma's passing and that she had Alzheimer's.  Marion and Momma always got along so well.  I really enjoyed meeting 2 of Paula's friends who I had never met before.  Colette, Paula's best friend and Star's Godmother, I had met many years ago.  She is a beautiful woman.  Annette and Marguerite were very nice too.  Like I said, we share many a good laugh and a wonderful afternoon/evening.  Now it is nighttime and I am getting more tired.  I think it is almost time for bed.  This day was good.  Nina had her lesson and then Maisy and I ran a few errands.  I had to go to the bank, get something to eat and drink and also a gift certificate for Paula's birthday, all this through drive thrus, otherwise, I wouldn't haven't taken Maisy.  It is just too warm to leave her in the car plus I am not comfortable doing that whether or not it is too warm.  She is just too precious.  If I have to get out of the car, I won't bring her. She was not too happy with me because I wasn't bringing her until Brandon came up and played with her while I escaped.  Maisy then went happily downstairs with Brandon and spent the afternoon with him until Heather B-T and Calli came home.  She seemed happy to see me too when I came home.  She was at the groomer's yesterday and her coat is so smooth and soft now.  It was pretty soft before but now it is super duper soft.  She looks so sweet with the little red, white, and blue bow in her hair.  They took a picture of her there and Heather B-T gave it to me.  I am going to get a frame for it and put it on the piano.  I now have my own picture of Maisy.  I have some on my phone too and on my camera, but this is an official from the groomer's photo so that makes it even more special.  She also got a report card and they said Maisy did really good.  I had no doubt that she would!  She is such a good girl (okay - except when she pees or poops in the house).  She did pee in fear today but only a little bit. I cleaned it up right away.  It was because Nina's father came in to look at my schedule.  Maisy is afraid of some men.  Sad, but true.  She does love Brandon and Bill so that is good or we would have a bit of a problem in the house.

Well, I need to text a friend my contact info since she lost all contact info on her phone.  I also need to check up on my word with friends.  I haven't played all day.  I may not play tonight.  I don't know.  I will see.

2 more days until I know.  ugh, this waiting is hard!  10 am on Monday cannot come fast enough!!

A lovely day 6-27

I can see the beautiful carpet rose bush my mother planted when I graduated with my master's degree from the dining room window.  It is the one bush (besides the Japanese Maple Tree in the front yard) that will be staying in the landscape.  The others will come and go as Heather B-T pleases.  She said that that one will stay as a memory of my mother.  Not too mention it blooms every year and it is simply gorgeous.  I love roses best of all.  I love pink roses best but it is fitting that this particular plant is red as that was Momma's favorite type of roses.

I am hoping that the results of the biopsy would have been posted today but no such luck.  It is the wait and see mode.  Kathy is coming in from Kalamazoo this weekend to come with me on Monday.  I am so lucky and blessed that she is missing work to come to such an important appointment with me.  How cool is that?  Heather B-T will, of course, be there too.  I will need the support of the two of them to hear the results.  If it is not cancer, we will all sigh a sigh of relief and if it is, I will need the 3 of us to hear what to do next.  With me being partially deaf, I am nervous that I will not hear everything I need to hear when it is said.  This is too important to miss anything.  I am not nervous or worried too much because at this point it is either cancer or it isn't.  If it is, I just want to know the plan and get going on it.

Shelly had her lesson today.  She is from India and has a doctorate in Eastern Music.  She is applying for music at Oakland University.  Personally, she shouldn't have to audition, I mean she has a doctorate already but I am not in charge so we are working on preparing her.  She has a lovely voice and is such a sweet woman!  We had a brief chat about dance as she also does Eastern Dance.  I loved dance so much.  It is my dream to dance again someday.

I have been losing weight this past few months.  I am down 22 pounds since about April.  I am no longer on the Amitriptilin medicine (sorry - I can't spell it properly) for headaches so I am not gaining anymore weight.  The new medicine doesn't make you gain weight, it helps you lose weight and as I have about 165 more pounds to go, I am happy with this new trend.  It also curbs your appetite, which I find very, very useful.  I don't crave things very often so that is good.  It also is helping me with portion control, which is something I have been working on for a year now.  I am doing pretty well overall with the food cravings and portions control.  I am glad that for once, the medicine I am taking is helping me to lose weight as oppose to gaining weight, which is what Lyrica and the Amitryptilin caused me to do.  Yes, I was overweight to begin with but I gained 80 pounds on Lyrica and 20 on Amitryptilin so that is an extra 100 pounds that I really didn't need to gain.  Now, however, I am on the proper track.  The new headache medicine seems to be working better too.  My bad headaches aren't as many during the week as they were and they don't seem to last as long.  I am hoping that they will continue to improve this summer so that I can be able to go back to singing in the choir at church.  I do so miss it.

Saturday will be a tea for one of my friend's mom's birthday.  I want to get her a gift card and meet my friend for tea.  I like seeing her every few weeks.  I know that Calli and Acer really like her too.  Star is a very nice young lady.  She is 26 now and on her birthday said that I have officially have known her for 20 years now, which is true.  I met Star when she was 6 years old and was starting piano lessons.  I didn't see her during her later teen years and early 20s but we reconnected a couple of years ago.  I am so glad for face book for that because that is how I reconnected with her.  One of Natalie and Hannah Muglia's friend, Gabrielle, was friends with Star and I recognized her name so I clicked on her name and sure enough, it was the same girl!!!!!  Anyways, we are friends again and that is a good thing.

Acer and I are having tea while I am about to read "the Mouse and the Motorcycle".  It is his favorite book.