This and That (As I Bounce Thru' Life)

I Tried Hiding But I've Been Tagged!

2012-03-08T13:48:00.000-05:00

Try as I might to hide really good, I got tagged! Yes, I got tagged by Kristina Streeter at The Streeters Unlimited. Good thing I love her to pieces!!! She is such an amazing young woman who is in love with her hubby. Very refreshing couple. She also has her own business and is entrepreneurial. Check her out!

As you may know, I've stopped tagging others when I get awards and such because it's so much work and I have too many followers to choose from.

So, my trade off is that I will answer the 11 questions Kristina has asked and then I will post 11 questions that any of you can answer. Just link it back to my blog please. Sound fair? Besides, I would love to hear the answers from many of you and it provides you with something to do when you have writers block. Deal? Deal!

So here goes...

THE RULES
one Post these rules.
two Post a photo and the eleven random things.
three Answer the questions provided by the one who tagged you.
four Create eleven new questions for the people you tag.
five Go to their blog (or Facebook or Twitter) and tell them they’ve been tagged. (I'm skipping this part!)

11 Random Things About Myself

I am currently on a Chocolate Oreo Cookie kick.
As I sit here typing, I am thinking of getting outside in the sun.
I have no idea what to make for dinner tonight so it will most likely be Stouffer's Lasagne w/ Meat Sauce (it's a good standby).
I cannot wait for Bruce to move out so I can have my place to myself (soon enough).
An old beau of mine from 34 years ago has been in touch with me daily. He plans on coming to visit me sometime in the next year! He lives rather far.
I'm recently addicted to Facebook's Slotmania. OMG.
When I was a teenager, back when soda cans were very heavy, my mother dropped one on my toe and split it open. I needed 3 stitches and still have the scar.
I cannot use chopsticks to save my life.
I am a giver in many ways.
If I don't get to see my girls soon I'm going to scream.
I always wanted to become a forensic psychiatrist so I could get into the minds of serial killers.

Kristina's Questions for Me:
1.What's your biggest pet-peeve when it comes to blogging? Captcha's/Word Verifications...They drive me absolutely nuts.

2.Are you a fruit or a vegetable kind of person? I'm a little of both I think but definitely don't eat enough of either.

3.What is your favorite kind of food? Cheese. Sliced cheese, block cheese,shredded cheese, cheese spreads, cottage cheese, cream cheese

4.What is one thing you can't live without? The beach

5.What is your favorite season? Summer

6.Introvert? Extrovert? Introverted Extrovert? Extroverted Introvert? Quiet Extrovert. I keep to myself but can start a conversation with anyone, anywhere.

7.Favorite phrase? It Doesn't Cost A Thing To Be Nice To People ...(by my late hubby!!)

8.What made you start blogging? Bruce kept bugging me to write my about my life and I didn't know how to go about it. Then I watched Julia & Julia and got the idea about a blog.

9.If you could give one piece of advice to anyone what would it be? Don't be afraid to love but don't be afraid to be dependent of YOURSELF!

10.What is your favorite thing about yourself? Tough question. Characteristically... I admire my strength especially when dealing with life's difficulties. Physically...my feet. I've got pretty feet! lol

11.If you had one day to do anything, and an endless amount of money - what would you do? First I would give my Mom a cute little cottage style house for the rest of her life. I would give my son a home of his own. I would pick up my granddaughters, we would go get manicures and pedicures, facials and then fly off to the Caribbean to enjoy the blue waters there. I would let them shop online and pick out all the clothes they wanted (and desperately need) toys, and jewelry. Of course I would also put a ton of money into investments for their future. Then we would jet to Disney for dinner and fireworks. I would also tell all of them how much I love them.

And now for my 11 questions for you all to answer!!

What is your favorite flower?
How old were you when you attended a wedding for the first time?
What is the first scary movie you remember watching?
Do you snore?
What's your favorite curse word and how often do you use it?
What's the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in public?
If you could have one moment back with someone (alive or dead) what would it be?
How did you come up with your blog title?
Where did you grow up?
What is your favorite mode of transportation?
What was the best vacation you ever had?

I'd really like to hear your answers to these questions. As I said just link back to me in your post. You can thank me later for not making you tag 11 others and do the link ups, etc. ;-)

Come See Where I Ventured To This Week

2012-03-03T13:03:00.001-05:00

This past week here in Myrtle Beach area has been gorgeous weather wise. It's been in the 70's F and signs of spring are popping up.

On Wednesday it was such a beautiful sunny day I decided to go for a nice ride in the country. I invited Bruce to come with me, which he did. We are still friends but will be parting ways soon (that's for another post). I opened up the sun roof, let the warm sunshine in on our faces and headed out to Conway, South Carolina which has a beautiful river walk that I wanted to check out. It runs along the Waccamaw River.

Apparently, a lot of other people had the same idea as the place was busy. Mom's with little children running around, senior citizens just walking or sitting. The nice part of this river walk is that there are benches and swinging benches all around it for people like me who have to sit a lot. That's a huge bonus.

We stayed there for about an hour and a half and while I sat and let myself unwind in nature, Bruce took a ton of pictures. So why not share these pictures with you! Hope you'll enjoy it.

Color stand out against the still bare trees

Cardinals are in abundance here

Daffodils in full bloom

Spring has sprung a few weeks early

You have to cross over a marina to get to the river walk

Looking upwards you can see people on the swing

The Waccamaw River

Very clean and well maintained park

Beautiful hanging moss on a mirror or water

Can't wait to see this place in full bloom

We did see a river tour boat which looked like fun for another day

Everywhere you look you feel the calm

Mother Nature

The walk has a few diversions. A deck walk up to.

Wouldn't a wedding here be beautiful? Nice place for a concert too.

Well there you have it folks. A brief tour of our outing this week. I can't wait to go back again after everything is in full bloom. I'm sure it will be amazing.

Lots of things brewing in my world so I will update you very soon. :-) Till then....Hugs and Love.

My Dad Paid Me A Visit on February 21st

2012-02-25T12:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday everyone. I have to apologize to most of you for not reading your blogs for the past week. I wish I could say that it's all because I was so busy getting out and meeting new people but that wasn't the case. I was just in a reading funk and when I am like that I don't leave the comments that you all deserve. So onward and upward today.

I have to tell you about my "visit" from my Dad the other day. Yes, you heard that right. My Dad paid me a visit. It was so good to know he was around. Wait until you hear this one.

Tuesday, the 21st, was the 15th anniversary of my Dad's passing. And as always I think of him and say hi and tell him I love and miss him. He was a really good guy and I was Daddy's Girl. Despite the hardships he put me through, in what was the toughest, scariest time in my life, I forgave him and moved on. For those of you newer bloggers, you can read about that episode in my life here in this 3 part blog post. I promise you'll be moved to tears!

http://bouncinbarbs.blogspot.com/2010/11/always-count-on-familyjust-not-mine.html
http://bouncinbarbs.blogspot.com/2010/11/always-count-on-family-just-not-mine cont'd.html
http://bouncinbarbs.blogspot.com/2010/11/always-count-on-family-just-not-mine the final piece_05.html

Anyway, on my personal Facebook page, I acknowledged my Dad's passing but not till late in the evening. Bruce popped in and wanted me to tell the story of what Dad did in the Navy during WWII. Awhile ago, Bruce and I were watching a WWII Naval documentary and they showed guys on a ship shooting machine guns in the Pacific. So I pointed to Bruce and said that's what my Daddy did. But if you know me, I talk with my hands and make sound effects. So what came out along with my words was me pretending to shoot a machine gun back and forth and making the sounds to boot. I don't think Bruce has ever stopped laughing at that one. (I am entertaining to say the least).

Tuesday, I did not feel like putting that on Facebook so I ignored it and that was that. No big deal and I went on with the rest of my day. Later that afternoon Bruce and I went grocery shopping as our cupboards were bare. When we go shopping, he carries the bags into the house while I start putting everything away. It's done and over with quickly that way. This day though, Bruce had to go to the bathroom, so he went right straight into the house. I decided that I would bring in the groceries (which I haven't done in ages) and opened up the hatch. What I saw made me just stop in my tracks and say "Oh My God". Here's what I saw laying in the back of my SUV.

That's my Dad bottom left! His Fighting 35th during WWII was written on the back

Now please understand that I have not laid eyes on this picture in years. Months ago, I loaded up a bunch of stuff for storage and this must have been in that stuff. Bruce saw it wedged down in the folds of the seat when he was putting the groceries in the back and pulled it out not thinking anything of it. At that point in time, he did NOT know that it was the anniversary of Dad's passing. Coincidence? I don't believe in them. I was meant to be the one to unload the groceries that day. I'm convinced that was my Dad's way of saying hi and that he was around.

If that weren't enough....which is usually the case the me, later that day I got an email from Classmates dot com that said my high school yearbook (1977) was available for viewing. I lost my yearbook in 1978 when I went to Idaho. I asked everyone I knew that had one and they lost theirs over the years as well. I tried contacting the high school but the school merged years ago with another and they had no old yearbooks. So for 34 years I've been trying to get a hold of it. Sure enough, I went onto Classmates and someone had scanned in the entire year book from 1977. I couldn't believe it. I saw my picture and showed it to Bruce. and as I was scrolling through, I saw a picture of our football team scoring the winning touch down at the Thanksgiving Day game against our rivals. Here's the pic...

See that bottom right picture on the page? See that tall guy clapping in the background. That's my Daddy. He worked for the school system grounds dept. and had to work the game that day guarding the gates. I did not recall ever that he was in that book. I think I slid off my chair. What are the odds that I would see my yearbook, 34 years later with a picture of my Dad on the very anniversary of his passing? I'd say slim to none. Dad was just saying hi and letting me know that he was around. I love it!!

Oh and here's a blast from the past. Until next time........

Want to Come Exploring With Me? You Know You Do

2012-02-20T19:19:00.000-05:00

Pssst....want to see what I found? It's been a secret for almost 2 years. That's almost how long I've lived in this area and I've just discovered this. So while there are a bunch of pictures here I'll explain them as you walk with me. Click on each one to enlarge the photo. You'll be glad you did.

First off, I've driven on this road down to the dead end at least 100 times. It's the road that runs along the beach. You go to the end, turn around in the loop and head back admiring the beach houses. The dead end is nothing but rental units/condo's as you can see here in the next 2 pictures.

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The curious Scorpio that I am, I just happened to notice this little blue strip of a sign on that post that said public walkway. I wondered what that led to because there was nothing but condo's there. This particular day was a perfect beach day in winter and I was feeling pretty good so I decided to park the car and see just where this walk went to.

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Now, follow me. Stay close behind. You never know what lies around the next bed in the south. Could be snakes, could be sink holes, you just never know. But I'm feeling adventurous so let's check it out together! So far this walkway is completely invisible from the street. It's covered and beautiful. It rounds a bend up a bit. You with me?

OK...I see a walkway up ahead. It's flat so that means no stairs for me so I'm going in. Stick close by me.

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OMG...Do you see what I see? It's a completely new area of the beach that I've never seen before. How deceiving. Look at how beautiful this is.

Uh Oh....Danger sign ahead. Absolutely no swimming or wading. That means there are rough currents and rip tides here.

Look at these waves through the sea weeds on the small dunes. And there's another beach across this inlet. This beach is the nicest part of Cherry Grove Beach that I've seen yet.

Look to the right and you can see the buildings that sit on the street and block the view. This is incredible. I can't imagine how Columbus must have felt!

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Hey, did I say you could take my picture? You're sneaky. But lets focus on the beach.

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Check out this house that is hidden among the palm trees. I'm claiming squatters rights to it. It looks abandoned and is literally falling apart. What a waste. I want to live here.

So what did you think? Did you like our exploration and new find? They are saying the day after tomorrow will be 72 and sunny. You know where I'm going to be. Care to join me? Bring Heineken!!

Guest Post at Janie Junebug's House

2012-02-17T11:51:00.000-05:00

Love and Intimacy

Before I begin writing this guest post, I want to thank Janie at Janie Junebug's Journal for inviting me to share my personal story in her series on Love and Intimacy. It's been a long time since I was a guest at someone else's house so I want to make sure I mind my manners and wipe my shoes when I come in. I'm bringing a bottle of wine for the hostess with the mostest and I certainly hope I don't disappoint her followers. Thank you so much Janie!

Some of you may be familiar with my blog already. For those that aren't I will give you a quick idea about my life. I am a widow. I was married to thee most awesome man on the planet for 23 wonderful years. We were true "soulmates" if ever there were. He passed away 6 years ago from liver cancer derived from Hepatitis C. Rich was 21 years older than me. I was a single mom of a 6 month old baby when we met.

Janie asked me to write about what love and intimacy felt like to me during my marriage. First I want to state that I married Rich just six (6) weeks after our first date. Crazy huh? We were co-workers for 5 months at that point and became really good friends at work. During those 6 weeks, it was a whirlwind. We were together at work, and then couldn't wait to be together on our off time. We couldn't stand to be apart and when we were, we were on the phone. I was a very mature 22 year old and loved Rich's maturity. He was divorced 10 years and had 2 children.

One day Rich mentioned that he thought we should get married. I choked. I called him an asshole and stormed out the door. My view of marriage was only what I was exposed to through my parents marriage. And that was a disaster! Marriage to me meant screaming, yelling, name calling and unhappiness. Why would I want to do that to myself and Rich by getting married. So after calming down a day or so, we sat down to talk seriously about this. I couldn't envision my life without this man somehow. He was so awesome with my son and loved the thought of having another child to raise. Rich assured me that he would never hurt me intentionally. He would never raise a hand to me. He would always be good to me and he would love me with all he was. I told him I wanted that but I was scared that I would fail at giving him the same thing. I remember he poked a finger in my chest and said "you are so full of love and there's a whole lot more in there that has to be let out". I told him I'd think about it. I never looked back. We were married shortly after that.

Throughout the years, the feeling of always wanting to be together never left. We took time off from each other to rejuvenate once in awhile. And we couldn't wait to get home to each other. We called each other every day at work to check in. We were honest with each other and we did not hide our feelings. If things bothered us, we said something and then worked on it. We compromised in everything we did. We were open and honest in the bedroom as well. We were so proud to say that we never, ever stepped outside of the marriage because we were happy and content. Not many people can say they were faithful for 23 years.

Rich and I respected each other and didn't judge each other. He was far from perfect and so was I. But we just blended so well. He taught me so much about how to love and not be afraid to let those innermost feelings out. I was so guarded because I'd been burned by my sons birth father. I kept thinking the other shoe was going to drop. Finally, I got the message that this was true love and I could let it all hang out. I taught him what it felt like to be loved. He was orphaned at 2 years old. He never had true love. Even
in his first marriage. I gave him a confidence that he was worthy to receive love. That he was truly the greatest guy in the world for me. I encouraged him in everything he did. I wanted him to be happy inside. I think I succeeded.

For 15 years, Rich had a barrage of health issues. I stuck by his side each and every emergency room visit, hospital stay, doctors visits, medicines, needles, you name it. He kept telling me that he understood if I wanted out. I would tell him to "shut up" and then laugh. There was no way I could live without him. I loved him with all of my being. It was part of the deal.

When he was given a terminal diagnosis and told he had 2-3 years left, we became even closer than ever before. We talked openly about death and dying. He cried when he got scared and I comforted him. I cried thinking about life without him and he would comfort me and hold me. He assured me that I was a strong woman and that he was so proud of me and that he knew I would be OK. I promised to carry out his last wishes and did just that. He made me promise that I would go on with my life because I was still so young (45 at the time). I didn't want to even think about that but I realized that he needed to hear that from me. It would make it easier for him to deal with his death if he knew he didn't have to worry about me. So I promised and I'm so glad I did. Rich said to me, "Make sure you find a man who treats you well but just remember that no one will ever love you like I do." And I have never doubted that for a second then or now. No one will ever love me that way and I will never love anyone that way again either and it's OK. I feel Rich's love with me every day of my life.

I had no guilt when I began dating. This is the physical world that I am in. Two and a half years after his passing, I moved from Connecticut to South Carolina to start a new life. I've been down here for 4 years now. It's been a rocky road for me but I feel Rich's love and I know I am capable of surviving on my own. He's with me every single day and he's my strength.

I am so very blessed to have had the love and intimacy of this wonderful human being for 23 years. It is my wish that everyone get to experience this once in their lifetime.

PLEASE NOTE: Janie Junebug's blog was formerly known as LOLA at WOMEN: WE SHALL OVERCOME. She changed her blog name and identity and had to make her blog private. You can email her at dumpedfirstwife@gmail.com for access to her blog. It's worth it, believe me.

Happy Valentine's Day To Me

2012-02-14T10:08:00.000-05:00

While I'm not having a romantic Valentine's Day, I'm still going to share in the joy I have received in the mail that makes it really feel like Valentine's Day to me. I haven't gotten a Valentine's Day gift since Rich was alive. So I'm loving this.

Anita from Going A Little Coastal is the most amazing crafter. This lovely lady in Florida can turn a stick into a masterpiece. What you or I may see as junk, is a work of art for her. Her blog is full of projects she has done and lots of great pictures. She also loves to take scenic pictures in her Florida area called Niceville! Love it.

Anita finally has decided to open her Etsy shop Skyland Drive with lots of goading from her blog followers! She's too talented not to have people wanting to buy her creations. She's slowly adding things to her site so I keep checking back to see what's new. She's also on Facebook too.

These beautiful lavender scented heart sachets jumped off the page at me. I needed something lavender scented because I need to de-stress considering the current living situation. As you can see, Anita wrapped these sachets with love in a beautiful package and bow. The only bad thing about my blog is that you can't smell these gorgeous quilted hearts. I hung one on the scroll work in my headboard and the scent helped me drift off to sleep. The other is next to my reading chair and I can smell it as I type this. There is a choice of hearts too.

Please go check out her blog. She's an awesome writer too with a good sense of humor. Tell her Bouncin Barb sent ya!

So it's a Very Happy Valentine's Day To Me!!

Bowling with Grandma

2012-02-12T13:39:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all of you for your really awesome support and kind words with regards to my last post. I will be doing what I need to do and have a game plan. I've got to look out for #1 now.

I am also excited because I am going to be a guest blogger this week. I'll tell you more when it goes live. Stay tuned. Same Bat Time. Same Bat Channel!

That said, I thought I would put something fun and light up today. A couple years ago, I went to Connecticut for Destini's birthday and we took her bowling. Here are a couple videos of her and Kali bowling. As you can see Destini is more concerned in what's going on in the other lanes while Kali is trying her best. Like I said, night & day!

Anyway, here they are. Enjoy and hope they make you smile. Lord knows they do me!

Destini's turn

Kali's turn

The Light Bulb Went Off

2012-02-09T14:31:00.003-05:00

Source: AOL Image Search

As I sit here looking across the room at you, I know now that you don't love me.
What took me so long to realize that? You never did.
You liked me when I was skinnier and younger and full of life. You were that way once too.
The difference is that I still love you even though you have gotten older and heavier too.

One thing I have learned through all of this is that you only look out for yourself.
You grabbed on to me because you weren't strong enough to get this far on your own.
I know what not having a place to live is like and I willingly agreed to let you stay until you financially got on your feet.

Then you went through the motions and I mistook that for love. That you still cared and wanted to work it out.
Until I read the emails. You are planning to leave when your case goes through. Your court date is March.
You're "outta here" one email said. Another said that I was a "big mistake".
This big mistake saved your ass.

Come March, if your case doesn't come through, you're going to have to leave regardless.
I might be kind-hearted but I'm not an idiot.
As I look back over the last 5 years you never had anything good to say about your exes. Could they all have been that bad? Doubtful.
I dug out the memories of the lies you told me that I buried in the back of my mind while giving you a second chance.
I wrote them all down and when you read them on a piece of paper the list is pretty long.

The really sad part is that we get along so well together.
Our days our filled with laughter. Smiles.
It's all an act by you.
You are unable to tell the truth.
You are too weak to be honest with others.

Then I read that piece of paper with the list again.

You have lied.
You tried to cheat but got busted.
You told people that I was a psycho.
You continue to look me in the eye and lie to my face.
Maybe reading your emails is wrong, but it was so right for me.
I needed to see it all in writing.

The light bulb has gone off.
My world just got a whole lot brighter!

Source: AOL Image Search

The Beauty of Trees

2012-02-07T11:31:00.002-05:00

I THINK that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree... by Joyce Kilmer

One of the things I've always been fascinated with are trees. Big old trees. Ever since I was a kid.

When I lived in Basking Ridge, New Jersey right up the block from our restaurant/apartment was an old church with a 600+ year old oak tree in the cemetery. I used to go for walks there and then stare in wonder at the tree. It was mammoth and needed cables and poles to hold it up. I was in awe at what that tree withstood and what century it dated back to. This was in 1986 so at that time it went back to the 1300's. Fathom that one. Think about what the history of the world was back in the 1300's when this tree was just a sapling. How many battles it must have seen. How many hurricanes it withstood. Horrendous lightning storms. Not to mention blizzards. Just fascinating stuff. Here's a picture of this tree. I would suggest clicking on it so you can see it full sized.

When I moved down here to South Carolina, I discovered the Live Oak tree. It's probably the most picturesque tree that I photograph often. With the beautiful moss draping down I'm reminded that I am now living in the true south. With the incredible hot, sticky, humid summers we have here, trees are a blessing for the shade they give us. It's about 10 degrees cooler in the shade. For that I'm thankful. Unless I'm at the beach under an umbrella and cooling off in the water, you will find me seeking a tree to sit under. Here are some pictures of how beautiful the southern trees are. Notice how unique the trunks grow and twist. Mother Nature is the greatest artist I know.

Charleston, SC

Little River, SC

Savannah, GA

Night and Day

2012-02-05T11:45:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm writing another post about my granddaughters. Hey it's something isn't it? The posts aren't exactly flowing lately. So I'll take it any way I can get it.

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me if Kali and Destini were twins (fraternal) I could buy you all a drink. While the girls are 11 months apart, they certainly do seem like twins. Especially when they were younger. Destini was a blonde at birth and didn't start going brunette until she was about 4. They are just about the same height and have many similarities including their zany sense of humor. Where'd they get that from I wonder? (hee hee).

Here are a few examples of how much they are alike.

You get the picture right? There are however, many differences between the two.

For example:
Destini loves to read - Kali doesn't
Destini loves school - Kali hates it
Destini tattles on Kali - Kali not so much
Destini loves peanut butter and hates jelly - Kali loves PB&J together
Destini hides her tears behind a tough exterior - Kali is very sensitive

And here's another example of how the two are different. I received two thank you cards (one from each) in the mail the other day.

Destini - "Dear Grandma - Thank you for the slipper/boots, the umbrella, the pens, the toys and the clothes. Love, Destini"

Kali - "Dear Grandma - Thank you for the stuff. Love, Kali"

Night and day I tell you.

How Did Your February Start Off?

2012-02-02T12:45:00.000-05:00

February....

Can be a bitter cold time of year. I remember horrendous snowstorms and blizzards happening in February during my life in the northeast.

Why did I move to South Carolina?...

Well, because February might bring this...

or this...

And then to make February even happier, the mail brought me this...

A calendar with Kali's 5th grade school pic on each month

Destini's 4th grade school pic

Destini's painting. Can you find the surprise in it?

Kali's painting (including a dog pooping...don't ask!!)

February 1st was a glorious day here in my world! Warm, sunny beach days always make me very happy but when I get a bonus of pics from the girls, well then that is heaven! Winter? Pffft.

More Critters Find the Doolittle's

2012-01-29T13:16:00.000-05:00

Do you remember all the animals that used to flock to our last home? We had stray cats, tons of deer and even woke up to 2 donkeys in our front yard once. I call Bruce Dr. Doolittle because wherever we have lived, animals find us.

Here at our cottage, we immediately inherited our neighbors Huskie. She never goes home. She's here all the time. We even find her laying outside our slider in the rain. She loves the water we give her, the cheese slices that somehow magically appear from that thing called a refrigerator and the Beggin Strips we give her. She's so beautiful and we have a ton of pictures of her.

She's got a name. Miko. But we gave her our own name. We call her Pretty Girl because that's what she is.

Last night about 2:30 in the morning, Pretty Girl was barking her head off in our yard. Then I heard a hissing, screeching sound so I knew she was onto something. I woke Bruce up and he shined the spot light to find a raccoon had climbed up our bird feeder and got himself stuck inside of it. Pretty Girl was not happy and she wouldn't stop barking. So, we had to bring the dog inside with me and Bruce went out and got a picture. We figured it would get itself loose eventually and she was gone within 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, here's a few pictures of said sleep interrupter! You do have to admit it's a pretty cute critter!

I Got An Answer To This Question

2012-01-26T17:11:00.000-05:00

Today was my follow up visit with the doctor to discuss my blood tests. She was testing me for diabetes, thyroid condition, rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease. Why? Well, in addition to all the regular pain I've had for years, it's been getting worse especially in my lower back, knees and outer hips. I've also developed an intense itch on my arms, legs, hands and torso but no rash. I keep myself oiled and moisturized regularly so no patches or flaky dry skin showing. I have not been able to sleep well at night for months now. My irritable bowel syndrome has flared up to beat the band these last several months. If you poke me with a finger it hurts like hell and I bruise easily. Tenderness in my back, neck, shoulders, hips, sacral area, and knees. My pinched nerve in my right hip has been at it's worse lately.

Because my auto immune numbers were elevated, she wanted to check my blood levels to do a process of elimination. Thankfully, all of the things in my blood were very good. No diabetes, no liver disease, no thyroid disease, and no signs of rheumatoid arthritis. Only osteoarthritis. That part was a relief but then the question of "what is going on" is still unanswered right? Wrong!!

She asked me again what my symptoms were. Itching, IBS, joint pain increase, lack of sleep, tenderness in multiple areas of my body. She then looked at me and said these were classic symptoms of fibromyalgia since all the other tests came back negative.

Finally, an actual diagnosis! Not just a "bad back" or "bad knees" but a reason behind it. I did mention the possibility of this to my doctor in Charleston but his response was "we don't know what that is actually". So he treated the symptoms but without an actual diagnosis. Now I have one. I came home and went online and read up on this condition and it was like reading about myself.

How do I feel? I'm happy to have a name. I'm happy to understand why all this is happening to me. And most of all I'm happy that it's nothing life threatening. It's something I do have to live with which I already knew. It is chronic pain but at least we are moving forward. I have a new drug to try and hopefully will get some relief. It also is supposed to help me sleep! Yay! Happy Dance if it does that!

Thanks everyone for your support and thoughts while waiting to get results. It truly meant a lot to me. Hugs!

The Vampires Got Me...Now We Wait

2012-01-20T14:17:00.000-05:00

After a massive headache from no caffeine, I left 4 vials of blood behind at this new clinic yesterday. Now I wait another week to see what they find, if anything.

From there we ~~floored it~~ drove to get coffee and something to eat since I had to fast for 12 hours prior. Then it was home for a nap since we were both up until about 4:30 in the morning. I was very glad to have Bruce come along with me even though I didn't ask him to. He just did it and I know he's concerned as well.

Things have been pretty good between us for awhile now so I'm hopeful that they stay that way. I'd hate to see it end since we get along so well and laugh all the time. But, my eyes are open and I'm taking it one day at a time.

Kali was in a winter chorus recital the other night. She said she enjoyed it but that I probably wouldn't know some of the songs they sang! I so wish I could have been there to see her. Maybe something will come about so we can get up there in the near future. Destini didn't talk long but the way she said "I Love You Too" when we hung up was music to my heart strings!!

The reason I called them was to remind them it was their Great-Grandma's birthday but they told me they had already called her which made me so proud of them. They remembered and I'm sure it made my Mom's day a very happy one. She just adores those girls. Who couldn't?!

Not much else planned for the weekend. It's going to be 70 here tomorrow. Woo Hoo. Meanwhile I'm just fiddling with my computer and getting back all the settings I had before and some programs downloaded that I lost. I'm loving Windows 7 so far. And it's running so well! I

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Double Celebrations Today

2012-01-18T14:04:00.000-05:00

I love my laptop.

Woo Hoo. The mailman delivered it today thankfully. I was beginning to sweat. I hugged it. Bruce took a picture of that! I think I might have had a tear in my eye..haha.

I missed you!

Another reason to celebrate today is because it's my Moms' birthday. I sent her a card in which I told her how much I admire her for her stamina, her spunk and her willpower. She likes it when I doodle on her envelopes so I wrote on the front "86? - No Way". When I called her this morning she started laughing and said "Barbara, I hate to tell you but I'm 87". I guess last year was tougher than I thought!! She is 87 today. Which makes me even more in awe of her. She told me she was dressed in purple because purple is a sign of royalty! Yes, my Mom is conceited. It's all about her! But at 87 by God, she's entitled to it.

Happy Birthday Mom! Wishing you nothing but good health and a continued sense of humor! I love you.

Not a good picture of me but it captures my Mom perfectly!

Love Pickles...But Don't Want To Be In One

2012-01-17T12:16:00.001-05:00

It's true. I love pickles. Dill, kosher, garlic dill, bread and butter, gherkins, just to name a few. My Kali loves them too! We often share our pickles when we eat out. But that's as far as my love of pickles goes. I hate being in one.

I received my notification that I'm going to be signed up for Medicare on May 1st. Part A only covers hospitalizations. Part B which is what covers 80% of all the rest of necessary medical care costs money. There is also an annual deductible that has to be reached first so that's more money out of pocket. $100 a month more will be taken out of my disability check if I take it.

If I don't, I have to wait quite awhile to sign up for it again if I so choose. If I do take it I will have $100 a month less to live on. Right now I am barely surviving on what I make. There are plenty of days when we don't go anywhere because we can't afford to. I have the basic el cheapo TV package, electric bill, internet (which is a must), no house phone - just cell phones with basic cheap packages, and bare minimal car insurance coverage. I have no debts. I'm just paying the bare essentials. Bruce helps out with the rent and food.

Unless I'm missing something, I don't see how I can possibly afford to have any health coverage. Now, I'm getting a decent amount from disability because of the years I worked and made good money. How are people who are receiving less than I am paying for insurance? My guess is they aren't and are taking their chances.

So I am in a pickle. Do I lose another $100 a month or take my chances and go without any coverage? I make too much for any kind of assistance now. So there's no rent or food supplements available.

Anyone have any suggestions? I'd love to hear them.

Still In Limbo

2012-01-14T11:56:00.001-05:00

For some strange reason I cannot open up a majority of posts since Blogger announced they did something with comments. Doesn't it figure?

It doesn't help that I'm on a worthless piece of crap laptop either. Still haven't gotten mine back. Leave it to a man to ship a laptop ground and not priority for a difference of less than $1.00 in price. If it's not here by early next week I'm going to be pretty pissed.

So I apologize that I can't open up posts to read and/or comment. Frustrating.

My bloodwork came back showing that there is an elevated level of inflammation in my body. Inflammation can be from arthritis, cancer, autoimmune diseases, etc. Yes I have arthritis but the pain and stiffness is getting much worse very quickly. So, I've found a medical center close to me that charges you based on income if you have no insurance. That's a blessing. I'm scheduled on Thursday this week for a complete physical and more extensive blood work. Hopefully it's nothing serious but I've got some other symptoms popping up that need to be looked into. I'm positive and staying that way until I'm told differently.

Anyway, that's my update for now. Of course Monday there is no mail here so that's just another day without my laptop. Can you hear me sobbing? I'm going to hug it when it arrives.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend wherever you are.

I'm Just Waiting

2012-01-10T11:11:00.000-05:00

No news on my blood tests yet. That's a good thing I would think.

My laptop (that I've had separation anxiety from) has been repaired and my files and pictures are all intact! Apparently Vista blew up on me so I've been given an upgrade to Windows 7. Can't wait to see what that's like. It should be shipped out today so I should have it by Friday. I've got pictures on it that I wanted to post about. The really good news is that it only cost me $50 plus shipping. Woo Hoo.

This spare laptop that I am using is just about out of RAM so it's slower than molasses. Eventually I will add more memory to it but that's an expense that is not important right now.

Each day is closer to spring and longer days. That makes me very happy.

See you soon!

Cancel The Search Party

2012-01-07T10:24:00.001-05:00

I'm not lost! Just kind of hiding out.

Sorry for the lack of participation in both writing and reading/commenting. I'm just blah.

The loss of a friendship and some health issues have caused me to be quiet here. Just waiting for some blood test results to tell me whether I have cause to worry or not.

As Arnold would say...."I'll be bock".

Love you all so please don't leave me yet!

There Is Hope Yet!!!

2012-01-02T11:00:00.001-05:00

I don't usually seek out my horoscope. I believe in astrological signs and personalities that come from your birth sign. Yet reading the same horoscope for the millions of people who share the same sign as me has never been something I follow.

However, if you have been following me for the last year and a half, you will certainly see why I had to share this horoscope for 2012 with you all. I'm hopeful. I'm verrrry hopeful!!!!

Scorpio Outlook for 2012

Scorpio

10/23 – 11/21

Year 2012 Overview

Scorpio, 2012 is your year of reckoning! You worked yourself to the bone in 2011, and now you've hit a major impasse. You've got until October to continue experimenting with what you want out of life; after that, big decisions must be made. Saturn is about to take up residence in your constellation for the first time in nearly 30 years. This planet rules karma, time and integrity, so each of these will be key themes throughout the year. Your values will be tested during the last quarter of the year, so get all your ducks in a row by then to avoid the stress of Saturn's inquisition. The good news is that a weight is about to be lifted from your consciousness, and all the background melancholy you may have felt over the past few years should lighten up.

A major eclipse pattern takes hold of your stars in autumn 2012. November's total solar eclipse in Scorpio is sure to rock the very foundation of your life, so get ready for some major shifts in your relationships. Your life will definitely not be the same by the time 2013 rolls around. You're a butterfly and a phoenix - expect to shed some major skin this year.

This could also be one of the most socially driven years you've ever seen. With Mars activating your house of friendship and goals in the sign of Virgo, expect a majority of your energy to be engaged with a barrage of social situations. It's all for a good cause, however, and will translate into your bigger life goals; in fact, a good portion of the parties you attend will have some sort of work component behind them. And with glamorous Neptune moving back into your pleasure sector in February, life will suddenly become very art-house cinema for you.

Out With the Old Crap

2012-01-01T11:05:00.003-05:00

I've always believed in positive thinking. Really. Honestly. I try to live by that rule and that's how I stay upbeat.

New Years Eve, my laptop blew up. The dreaded blue screen of death. I have to send it out for repair. We have a spare laptop but it's old and slower than molasses so my posts and comments may be sporadic. Just sayin'.

And then while we were out my power steering pump starting making noise to beat the band. As soon as we got home we saw a puddle underneath. So we'll see if it's just a hose or if the whole pump needs repair.

Never so glad to see a year get over with as 2011.

Happy New Year Everyone! 2012 is going to be good right? The first day of the year is going to be 70+ degrees and sunny. So that's a good a great way to start it off!

Good Golly Miss Mollie...Thanks!

2011-12-30T10:21:00.000-05:00

Many of you may remember that Mollie over at OK in UK named me the Bloggy Godmother. It's a title and job that I hold in the highest regards. I wave my wand and send hugs and upbeat comments to all my beautiful friends here.

2011 has been a very difficult year. While I finally got my disability approved, I'm still in a financially tight situation and have to watch my pennies closely. Christmas was a bit of a downer for me since I couldn't be with my girls and my son. But, I got through it.

Apparently, Mollie could feel sadness in my words with some of my recent posts and so she decided to cheer me up yet again. She got a new bamboo tablet for Christmas and has been playing with it artistically. She's created some great drawings of herself and some characters.

One of these drawings on her Illustrations and Doodles tab was made especially for me. She knows me so well! Two favorite things for me are beach and Heineken. Thanks Mollie and let me tell you this....I'm still smiling from ear to ear! Love you!

Passing on a Funny Email I Got

2011-12-29T03:02:00.000-05:00

Some of you may know that I very seldom ever open emails with FWD: in the subject line. That's how all kinds of junk end up on your computer. Today however, a friend of mine that I haven't heard from in awhile sent me an email so I opened it. This was too funny and I just had to share it with you. Hope you get a kick out of it.

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MY NEW BOYFRIENDS !!!

I am seeing 5 gentlemen (give or take) every day!.

As soon as I wake up, Will Power helps me get out of bed.

Then I go to see John.

Then Arthur Ritis shows up & stays the rest of the day.
He doesn't like to stay in one place very long so he takes me from joint to joint.

After such a busy day, I'm really tired & very glad to go to bed with Earl Grey.

What a life!
Oh, yes, I'm also flirting with Al Zymer;
or whatever his name is. I forget !

and I'm thinking of calling JACK DANIELS, Jim Beam, or JOHNNY WALKER to come over and keep me company.

Now remember:

Life is like a roll of toilet paper.....the closer it gets to the end,

the faster it goes.

So have fun, think 'good thoughts' only,

learn to laugh at yourself, and 'count your blessings!!!

Happy Birthday Tom

2011-12-28T11:42:00.003-05:00

Today would be my brother Tom's 65th birthday. I thought I would share a post I wrote about him last year. My wish is that anyone holding grudges with family reads this and learns just how short life really is. It's so stupid to stay angry for years and years. Anyway, Happy Birthday Tom!

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originally posted in 2010

As I continue writing my blog Bouncin' Thru Life I mention my brother Tom often. He is my oldest brother, 14 years my senior. I was a small child when he moved out west and for 10 years I did not see him. This is what drew me to drive across country once I was old enough. We spent a year together in 1978 and it was incredible. Some of the things we discovered we had in common were enjoying life, laughing and unfortunately stubbornness.

Tom moved back to NJ after I was married and had my son. We spent a lot of time together through the years and before our Dad moved in with us in 1995, he lived with Tom for 7 years. Our family is not the closest unfortunately. Always some kind of feud between us kids and/or our parents. My Dad passed away 13 years ago and that was when Tom and I stopped speaking.

Without going into details it was pretty ugly. Over the course of the next 13 years Tom's health deteriorated. Diabetes, Hepatitis B, and bad asthma wore down his lungs and body. He was also diagnosed with advanced throat cancer a few years ago and beat it after major surgery and radiation treatments. Tom told the rest of my family that he didn't have a sister anymore. She was dead to him. That was sad to hear but I always asked about his health and updates from our Mom. Never once did I wish him bad things. Instead I would just send positive energies to him in my thoughts and prayed he would be OK.

In the spring of this year Tom had a massive heart attack but was brought back with CPR and had a defibrillator inserted to keep his heart from stopping. At this point I felt an overpowering urge to call him. Figured the worse thing that would happen would be he would hang up on me. I called the hospital and he answered the phone. We talked for a bit but he was pretty weak and he thanked me for calling and told me to stay in touch. He went home but complications with his lungs and kidneys caused him to go back in again. At this point the doctors told him not to make plans too far into the future as his heart, lungs and kidneys were seriously damaged. I called him again about 2 weeks later and while he could talk it was apparent his breathing was poor. He explained to me what the doctors said, joked a bit, and said a few things that reminded me of his wacky sense of humor. Again he thanked me for calling and told me to call again. When I hung up a flood of relief came over me because I listened to my heart and put all stubbornness and stupidity aside.

Three days later, Tom passed away. A sadness came over me but strangely enough I was relieved that he was not suffering and that we had mended our broken fence. Farewell Tom. I love you. Please give Grandma, Dad, Grandpa Leo and Rowland a huge hug from me.

Rocky...finally a picture

2011-12-28T11:39:00.001-05:00

I didn't get school pictures yet.
I didn't get Birthday pictures yet.
I didn't get Christmas pictures yet.

But I finally got a picture of Rocky the new beagle. And some of you wanted to see him so ask and ye shall receive.

He's cute and Kali and Destini love him. That's all that matters.

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