Life With Briana

19th Referral Day Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

(At 19 years old, my sweet girl obliged me and posed for a photo holding her referral photo. Next year will be our last year taking a photo. I told her that I hoped to get to 20 years of pictures and then we would be done.)

Nineteen years ago (June 6, 2007), Doug and I received the phone call that would change our lives forever. We had a baby girl waiting for us on the other side of the world. A few hours later, we saw Jiang Ai Juan's beautiful face that day in pictures for the first time. (She was around seven months old in her referral pictures, she was ten months at the time of referral, and we met her a few days before her 1st birthday.)

I truly cannot believe it has been nineteen years.

Here are her referral pictures...

Seeing her for the first time (our referral video is in the sidebar of the blog under "Travel and Referral")...

Below are pictures of Briana holding her referral picture each year on our referral day anniversary ~

1st referral day anniversary...

2nd referral day anniversary...

3rd referral day anniversary...

4th referral day anniversary...

5th referral day anniversary...

6th referral day anniversary...

7th referral day anniversary...

8th referral day anniversary...

9th referral day anniversary...

10th referral day anniversary...

11th referral day anniversary...

12th referral day anniversary...

13th referral day anniversary...

14th referral day anniversary...

15th referral day anniversary...

16th referral day anniversary...

17th referral day anniversary...

18th referral day anniversary...

And now, our 19th referral day anniversary...

Briana is truly the best gift we have ever received.

Here she is with her glasses on (because that is how we really recognize her!)...

Happy Referral Day Anniversary to us!!

Final SCAD Sophomore Update

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:58:55 +0000

Girlfriend is officially a junior now! She has survived two years of college and now she is home for the summer. Before I blog about our May, I just wanted to close out Briana's sophomore year in a post.

Before she came home for the summer, she had two more events to attend (and of course finals to complete).

First, she attended Momocon with her school friends and had a blast...

Briana went as Vanellope Von Schweets (recycled costume from years ago) and she ran into another Vanellope at the convention!

Then, I mentioned in my last post about Bri that she submitted several pieces of her foundations artwork to an art competition at SCAD called "Beyond The Dot" and that her Hobbit book was accepted.

After fighting a lot of horrible Atlanta traffic to get to SCAD to attend the ceremony...

We finally arrived.

Our girl and her piece displayed...

I'll get right to it - she didn't win anything.

This is what I said on FB...

"Doug and I attended the award ceremony yesterday for the art competition (3D category) that Briana was accepted into. Unfortunately, she didn't win anything. Usually, I wouldn't be bummed about that. But when I arrived and saw all the buzz that Bri was getting around her piece, I started thinking she had a good chance of placing (kind of seemed like more than other 3D pieces). Her professor told her afterward she was super close to getting third place (a panel of professors were the judges). Thanks - I guess? It's hard because art is so subjective. I am thinking maybe her piece wasn't as technical as ones that placed. Not sure. Bri was very gracious about it and seemed totally fine. I think I am feeling the sting over it all. I guess it's a mom thing."

I was disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I saw a lot of spectacular work displayed in lots of different categories. But, I didn't think the pieces that placed ahead of Briana in her specific category were as impressive. And yes, I am totally biased because it is my kid. But truly, I didn't think they were. Again - art is so subjective.

Here are some pictures of the event...

After the event, Doug, Bri and I went out to dinner at Nan to celebrate her being in the competition. Delicious...

We said our goodbyes knowing we would be back at SCAD in a week to grab most of Briana's things for move out.

Briana had a class on Thursday evening, not allowing her to leave like last year before everyone else checked out on Friday. So, Doug and I went on Thursday morning to grab almost all of her things and take them home, so she could just wake up in the morning, strip her bed, grab the rest of her things, check out and drive home Friday morning.

Thursday morning...

After loading up my car, we took Bri out to lunch at the HobNob Tavern and ice cream at Kilwin's...

And then Friday came. Briana was SO ready to come home. I asked her to take last day of school selfies since I wasn't going to be there...

She checked out and was home by 11:30am. We were so glad we did what we did with getting her stuff a day early because I heard that move out day was a complete chaotic nightmare.

I mentioned in my last post that Briana's living situation for next year kind of imploded. The roommate/friend Bri shared a bedroom with this school year has decided not to return to SCAD in the fall. And unfortunately, the other two dorm mates ended up being very less than ideal people to live with (you just don't really know until you live with someone). They don't want to live with B next school year and the feeling is VERY much mutual for B.

So, Doug and I have made the decision to allow Briana to move into her own apartment close to campus in September. She still plans to move in with her good friend senior year, but for now, she will live on her own. I just cannot watch her try to coexist anymore with people who just don't understand how to be clean, semi-quiet and respectful in a very small, shared space. And I don't want random people selected for her dorm again (all of her closest friends at school already have their living situations set for the fall).

Briana has done remarkably well dealing in less than ideal living situations for two years now (she made straight A's this quarter) - but no more. She has paid her dues. She deserves peace, quiet, cleanliness and personal space - and if Doug and I can try to do it for her, we will. I am definitely nervous about it, but she is thrilled.

She is home and she is happy...

We are going on vacation very soon and Bri will be starting a new job. We all need a few months to decompress - and find Bri a place.

So that is the B update. We plan to really enjoy this summer break. It is much needed!

This Is Not Normal

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Fri, 22 May 2026 15:36:42 +0000

I wake up every day knowing that fascist, evil g@vernment is in charge and destroying this country. I try to go about my personal business, but I feel a continuous deep anger and dread (on top of chronic illness). Some days it is hard for me to function normally. I keep going for my husband, my parents and my kid. I don't want to hear anything about religion, spirituality or attitude - for me to feel any better, something tangible has to happen soon. The bad guys have to lose. Greed, power, hate, racism and narcissism cannot win. Nothing about any of this is healthy or normal.

So before I post anything else, I just need to share again that as I post what I am doing in my life - I do have happiness, but I am never fully happy. It is impossible right now.

I may not share every single thing going on my life (everyone deserves a right to have some privacy), but I will never pretend that everything in my life is perfect or that I am feeling perfect. I am not a fan of those who portray perfection. It isn't true. No ones life is perfect.

You will see me smile in pictures, but underneath, I know what is going on right now is wrong. I tried my hardest to try to convince people of what was to come back in 2024. And people still voted for the absolute worst person in the world. And now tons of people are realizing it when it is too late. Yeah - I am angry. How can I not be?

A Briana Update

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Mon, 11 May 2026 18:07:00 +0000

My sweet girl came home for the weekend to celebrate Mother's Day with me. She headed back to school Sunday afternoon. She only has three more weeks of school left and then she will be home for the summer! She will have completed two years of college. I honestly cannot believe it.

Since I last updated, Briana has had a lot of fun with her friends.

She attended Panda Fest...

She also went to the Renaissance Fair (Briana sewed her cape and crocheted her mushroom hat)...

She still sends us lots of selfies...

She is still enjoying crochet club (there is just one more meet up before summer break). Numbers have dwindled a bit since the first meeting, but Bri and her friend S got this club off the ground late into the school year and now people are concentrating on final projects and exams. So, the girls will ramp it up again in September and hope to get even more interest...

Bri and S would like to move into an apartment off campus together their senior year. They have been doing some apartment searching lately. It is still a whole school year away before that happens, but they have been having fun researching the possibilities.

Unfortunately, Briana's current roommate announced that she is going to be leaving SCAD at the end of this school year. She doesn't want to pursue the major anymore that she had been working toward and wants to do something completely different (not in the arts). So, there has been some upheaval and a little drama surrounding that whole situation. Bri is supposed to now have one of the other dorm mates in her room next year instead - so we will see how that goes. B's not thrilled, but this all happened kind of quickly and they are trying to figure it out. Things were going pretty well - until they weren't. I just hope everything falls into place in September. Sigh - it is frustrating having bumps appear in the road when things have been pretty smooth for a while. That's life I guess. Her classes are going really well - so that is a plus.

And here is another collage of some of Briana's meals while at school...

She said meals can be hit or miss at the dining halls. They can get a bit monotonous sometimes. Every once in a while she will door dash or uber something to her dorm. And she still eats a lot of instant ramen!

And some really cool news!

Briana's submitted several pieces of her foundations artwork to an art competition at SCAD called "Beyond The Dot." And one piece got accepted! There will be an art exhibition and award ceremony in a couple of weeks, so Doug and I will attend that and see what happens. It would be cool if she won something, but it is really an honor just to have a piece accepted. She created this piece for her 3D art class. For this assignment, the students were asked to create an art piece using a book. And this is what B came up with...

So that is the scoop. I think Bri is ready for a long break from school. She will miss her college buddies, but she needs a little extended time at home now.

We have a trip coming up not long after she comes home, so we are all excited about that!

Another "About Me" Post

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Thu, 07 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Like the shirt? I do. I know I sound like a broken record, but I can't not address it. The US of A is sliding deeper down into the hole into fascism and oligarchy. I wake up each day still in utter shock that people wanted this for our country or didn't want to believe this would happen. We have the biggest conman known to man (now with dementia) in the driver's seat of our nation. Every single day I hope for an end to this. Not sure how much more my nervous system can take. Midterms cannot come quick enough - though I worry about this corrupt administration trying to do everything in their power to keep that from happening. It's depressing.

Moving on to the health front, I am actually feeling a bit better. I am actually afraid to type this because I worry that if I do, the bottom could just fall out again. It seems to be a repeating pattern in my life and I don't want to jinx anything.

In March, my gastro doctor set up a gastric emptying study for me and had me perform an at home SIBO breath test because of the stomach squeezing that I had been experiencing. We were checking for gastroparesis (which I was told I had a mild case of 15 years ago) and then bacterial overgrowth in my gut.

When I had the gastric emptying study 15 years ago, I ate radioactive eggs and then had to lie on a table for two hours straight without moving as I was scanned - it was horrible. This time, I laid on a table for 5 minutes, got my tummy scanned and then I was allowed to sit in a comfy chair with warm air blowing under a blanket for 30 minutes as I digested my radioactive oatmeal and then would get scanned again for 5 minutes. I couldn't believe how different the experience was...

Doug was sweet and drove me to the study. He worked as he was waiting for me...

The study can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on how fast or slow a stomach digests. Me - I got scanned 4 times and I was already over halfway digested in just 90 minutes. The tech said I could go home. So after all of these year, I found out that I do not have gastroparesis after all.

And then a week or so later, I had to eat a very bland diet the day before I performed a SIBO breath test. That day, it felt like the elimination diet all over again - but worse. I ate salted chicken and white rice the entire day. The next morning, I had to drink a glucose solution and then blow into little baggies every 15 minutes for two hours. That was fun...

Once I got all that done, I had to drop it off at FEDEX and wait.

Yeah, I don't have SIBO either.

And I had blood work to check my liver function and that came back fine as well.

So, why did I still feel like crap?

Doug kept telling me he thought maybe my nervous system was shot. I have had a lot of issues with my vagus nerve over the years and maybe that was causing the squeezing of my stomach. The vagus nerve does control digestion. I visited my pelvic health therapy office and had a lymphatic and vagus nerve massage to try to calm my system down.

I had a follow up with my gastro doctor in early April...

My doctor said we hit the end of the road with stomach testing. I had an endoscopy two years ago - just some irritation from reflux but not too bad. I had a colonoscopy three years ago with an "all clear." There is really nothing else.

So, she prescribed me a medication to help with my nervous system. Doug was on the right track. What is strange is that when I went to see her, it had been a few weeks since I had completed all the testing. And I was starting to have more good days than bad days when I saw her. Instead of taking the med right away, I wanted to see what would happen first. I was off the elimination diet. I cut back on the supplements. And honestly now, I am feeling pretty good. Not 100 percent every day, but so much better than I did when this first hit me on February 1st. And this is without the medication. Somehow, my system is working a bit better.

If I take a turn and feel bad again, I have the medication in case I need it. I just don't want to take something I don't need. I am still seeing my functional doctor and I had some more blood taken recently. I had a follow up with her this morning...

In a couple of weeks, I have a check up with my endocrinologist. My TSH is still within range now since I up'd my Synthroid, but I am tired a lot of the time. My bloodwork showed that my thyroid antibodies are still really high. My body is still attacking itself and my functional doctor and I agree we need to tweak my thyroid meds...

As for my diet, I am still trying to be as gluten-free as possible. I am avoiding things like bread and pasta, but when I do want something, I do find gluten-free varieties. Is it working? Maybe? Do I have a real breaded chicken nugget once in a while - yes. Sometimes I just have to lean into the craving and move on. It hasn't really bothered me. I do not have celiac disease and my gut testing showed I wasn't sensitive to gluten, but it can cause inflammation, so I am keeping with the gluten-free plan for now.

I rarely eat pizza and pasta now, but if I do, I eat cauliflower crust pizza and gluten-free spaghetti. I found some gluten-free bagels that I like. I did try a boxed gluten-free mac n cheese and it was meh. I tried a gluten-free bun for a burger that I ordered at a restaurant and it was dense (yuck) - so I just ate the burger without the bun. I enjoy sushi, chicken, beef, potatoes, tuna, rice, veggies, salads (no croutons), ground turkey and shrimp. I snack on chips, nuts, gluten-free cookies, gluten-free crackers and gluten-free pretzels. I went to Jersey Mike's and ordered a sub-in-a-tub (salad) - very good by the way. I went to Firehouse Subs with Briana one day and also ordered a salad there (that was more difficult; watching Bri eat a yummy sandwich while I had a salad). I made Reuben sandwiches for the family and I ate mine on gluten-free toast instead of rye (I missed the rye). If I do cave and have breaded chicken, I don't eat is as a sandwich. I am a big foodie, so I am really trying here...

At the beginning of the year, Doug signed up for Tovala. We got the scanning oven and everything. Since my diet was so strict at that time, I couldn't eat those meals. But once I was done with the diet, I tried my first meal. And it is SO good! I have liked some meals more than others, but I haven't eaten one thing that I haven't liked. It is so easy to order and cook. I filter my searches to gluten-free meals (which makes things a bit more limited), but everything that has been delivered has been really yummy. Doug has ordered lots of things like pasta, salmon, bagel sandwiches and chicken pot pies.

You just prepare according to the directions, scan and cook...

Some of my meals...

Since I have been feeling a bit better lately, I have ventured out more - going on outings with Doug, family and friends. I have enjoyed my time with Briana when she comes to visit. I have been completing some projects at home that I had been wanting to get to. I was able to help my mom with her cataract surgery journey. I just got my screened porches ready for summer (had to get rid of all the pollen). I still have my off days, but I am having a lot of good days too. It's been a while.

My heel is doing amazing. I am still in awe sometimes that I am actually able to walk pain-free now. That was a brutal surgery and the aftermath was not optimal - but I can walk again. So happy to walk again.

So that is the update. I hope I can write again soon saying I am feeling even better. I still have a lot of "life stuff" weighing on me right now mentally and it is overwhelming sometimes to think about - but I just need to feel good enough physically to tackle it all.

Barnsley Resort And Downtown Adairsville

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:30:00 +0000

The last weekend in April, my sister hosted a ladies weekend (and my brother-in-law organized the event for her belated birthday) at Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, Georgia.

I honestly should have visited this resort way earlier because it is absolutely beautiful. But, I am glad I finally got the opportunity.

My sister, her friends and I all stayed in the 6 bedroom Kingston Cottage. It was large and so pretty. Every room had its own bathroom. My room was huge! The cottage was beautifully decorated, comfortable and clean...

My room...

After we all arrived at the cottage, we decided to walk around and check out some of the grounds (including the grassy central promenade of the village area - where the fire-pits are located - and the beautiful manor house ruins on property)...

After walking around for a bit, we had drinks at the Biergarten...

The inn on the property...

We ate a delicious dinner at Woodlands the first night...

View from our table...

Some of our meals (I had the harvest chicken and it was so good)...

After our meal, we sat and relaxed by a fire-pit. It was so beautiful that evening. The grounds are lovely at night...

The next day, it rained a bit in the morning, so we just hung out at the cabin. In the afternoon, my sister had a reservation for an introduction to axe throwing.

We had to walk to the area where the targets are located, and it was a pretty walk...

We arrived at the area where the targets were located and our instructor was Brandon. He was the nicest guy...

It took me a number of tries before I was able to get the axe to hit properly, but then I finally did it! I finally got the hang of it!

It got a few bullseyes...

The ladies having fun...

After throwing axes for about 45 minutes, we walked over to the farm area and visited the goats and horses...

We walked back to the cottage and stopped quickly in the meditation garden (tall bamboo)...

We freshened up at the cottage and headed out to dinner once again - this time at Jules...

The food was so amazing - I had filet, soup, roasted cauliflower and a few bites of toffee pudding for dessert. Absolutely delicious...

It started to lightning & thunder while we were at dinner. It was raining nicely when we needed to leave. We had walked to the restaurant, so we asked if we could get a golf cart to take us back to the cottage so we wouldn't get wet. We were all in a giggly mood, so we laughed the whole way back (the driver said we were a fun group - LOL)...

The next morning, it was sadly time to wrap things up. My sister ordered us breakfast (she did both mornings)...

See all those amazing pancakes and bagels and muffins? I couldn't eat any of that. I stuck with eggs, bacon and breakfast potatoes. Those pancakes looked SO amazing and I didn't try one (ugh it was difficult!). I tried very hard to be as gluten-free as possible the whole trip. I wasn't perfect, but I think I did well under the circumstances.

I had such an amazing time and lots of laughs with these ladies, my sister was a great hostess and I was sad to have to go home...

I will definitely go back to the resort. I would love to take Doug there for a long weekend. I highly recommend!

The weekend before the getaway, Doug and I ventured to Downtown Adairsville since we had never been there before. The resort is very close to the downtown area. It was so quiet in the town that day. We did a little shopping, had a lovely lunch at The Water Tower and stopped in a cool coffee bar...

Antique shop...

The Water Tower restaurant (I did eat a some gluten during that meal - I couldn't pass up fried green tomatoes and boneless wings; Doug ate the sandwich)...

Book/vinyl store...

Coffee bar...

I will definitely be venturing to this little town again!

Cheers To 29 Years

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Sun, 03 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Happy 29th Wedding Anniversary to the love of my life!

And...Doug and I had our wedding and reception recorded by a videographer and put on videotape (we are so old now!) At the beginning of the video, I had the videographer create a collage from pictures I gave him of me and Doug growing up at the same time (in different places obviously). And then I had him put together a collage of photos of us together (the six years were were together before we got married). I always wanted to share this but never got around to cropping this section out of my wedding video until now. So, here it is! Our picture collages set to music. This is from 1997 - so the quality isn't the best. Enjoy!

All About April

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Fri, 01 May 2026 18:36:00 +0000

The azaleas above are located in my mom's front yard - aren't they pretty? I have a love/hate relationship with spring. I love the pretty flowers/trees, but I hate all the horrible pollen and allergies they bring.

Spring brought a bird, her nest and her three eggs/babies to my front porch. I watched her for several weeks in preparation and the babies flew away last weekend...

I enjoyed watching them through the window, but I was worried about disturbing them at the same time. So, I am glad they are gone now. Now I can clean off my front porch and sit out there without feeling like I am going to interrupt nature's process.

April was a bit of a stressful month. My mom had to get cataract surgery for both eyes (the surgeries were one week apart) and then she had a number of follow up appointments with her doctor. So, I had to assist/help during that time...

And I am still navigating my own health issues - which I will write about in a future post. So, I had a few appointments in April for myself as well.

Easter fell at the beginning of April. My house was decorated - of course...

Since Briana wasn't able to come home that weekend, Doug and I went to see her. I made a brunch reservation at one of our favorite restaurants - Cooks And Soldiers...

The food was amazing as always. I am still trying to be a gluten-free as possible. But, the bikinis (grilled cheese) there are too good to pass up. I did have a triangle. No regrets...

Then we stopped at a bakery that is close to SCAD that Bri loves to visit and it was really good as well...

I did get a gluten-free cheesecake and it was yummy.

Briana visited home two other weekends during April. I think she is starting to get that itch of being ready to be home for a few months straight. Most of her friends at other colleges are wrapping up school now and should be home very soon. Bri unfortunately won't be done until May 29th.

One weekend, I was home for her visit. But this past weekend, I had plans that took me away from home for a couple of days, so Briana had some nice daughter/dad time with Doug (and kitty time with Mei Mei)...

I will write a separate school update on Briana very soon.

I received back blankets from the t-shirts that I prepared and sent off to Project Repat for both me and Briana that we had collected from our time in school. I had shirts from Bri's elementary, middle and high school. And my shirts were from middle school, high school, college and my early employment years (mine are a LOT older)...

My blanket...

Bri's blanket...

I am really happy with how they turned out.

I mentioned earlier that I was away for a couple of days last weekend. My sister hosted a girls weekend (for her belated birthday) in Adairsville at a beautiful resort tucked away in the woods (it was so much fun)...

And, Doug and I visited the downtown area of Adairsville right before I went on the girls weekend trip - and that was really enjoyable as well...

I will write all about the beautiful resort and the town of Adairsville in my next post.

And those were the main highlights of my April. Just one more month and then Briana will be home for a bit. I am excited to have her home for an extended time!

Lack Of Self-Awareness And Inability To Apologize And Take Accountability

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 19:46:00 +0000

I am struggling once again.

For some reason when I am frustrated and struggling, I feel the need to write. I am good with expressing my thoughts with written words. Words come to me easily. I know with a lot of people, words can fail them. Me - not so much.

I'm going to be vague in this post - so I apologize for that in advance. Hopefully, you will get the gist of my ranting without me giving super personalized or specific examples.

I am not a perfect person. I have made lots of mistakes in my life - and for the most part, I own up to them (like I said I am not a perfect person). But, there are way too many people who I am connected to in some way or just simply aware of who have zero self-awareness and/or lack the ability to take any sort of accountability for their actions.

I am so tired of deflection, redirection and/or people not being able to see their faults in certain situations. People make excuses for things when they shouldn't. And apologies mean very little when you don't try to make amends for what you have done or learn from your mistakes.

I observed a situation recently where someone reached out to someone else and apologized for their actions (nothing criminal or horrible - just some poor behavior). They explained in detail why those actions had occurred and promised to try to work on fixing those actions. Then, the person on the receiving end of that (who made mistakes themself) took absolutely NO accountability for their own actions, twisted the narrative, acted like the only injured party and then basically shot that apology down. It is what it is. But - the LACK of accountability of that so called "injured party" is astounding. And I don't believe that this person needed to react in this kind of way. Believe me, they are not a victim. Yet, they constantly complain about how they are treated by almost everyone around them. I personally think it is a cry for attention. And this is the kind of crap I am sick of. I feel like this is the world we live in now.

I also had a frustrating encounter the other day. I explained it on FB...

"I am just over it. Just OVER it. Earlier today, I was trying to make a u-turn to go into a drugstore at a green light - on a green arrow (there is no other way to get into this store from the way I was coming unless you u-turn). The traffic turning right to the left of me had not only had the red light but a yield sign. One lady in a car blew through it ignoring me trying to turn. A black SUV behind her saw me but just followed her and he blew through it too. I started to holler in my car at him like "what are you doing?" And he starts saying something too. As he goes by, on the side of the car - "COUNTY POLICE." He was an f-ing COP. Not even joking. I had the right of way - NOT HIM. Of course he kept driving because what is he going to do? Turn around and yell at me for being in the right? I swear - I feel like any form of authority nowadays feels they have the right to do WHATEVER they freaking want. I am still shaking and angry right now."

The cop was SO in the wrong and was acting like he wasn't. You're telling me he doesn't know the rules of the road? And if he doesn't, why is he a freaking cop? No accountability. I'm telling you.

Moving on...in our current political environment, it seems as if many eyes are starting to open. Even though so many of us screamed at the top of our lungs for YEARS trying so desperately to keep what is happening from happening. People just made excuse and excuse after excuse for why they voted for a horrible person. The dementia hasn't changed the orange one - it just magnifies how horrifying he already is. People chose to deeply inhale extreme right wing propaganda and misinformation instead. We live in a country where too many people think only about themselves and/or think only about "certain kinds" of people they believe to be worthy to be concerned about. Look at us now.

There are many people out there saying they will never forgive the people who did this to our country because they are so angry. I am torn about it. Yes, I am angry too. SO angry right now. But I do think if someone owns up to their mistakes and apologizes for their missteps and truly works on learning from those mistakes, I will absolutely give them a second chance. Unless an action is completely unforgivable like any kind of abuse, pathological lying, certain crimes, etc, I will try to forgive.

I have given apologies. I have had people apologize to me - and I greatly appreciated it. Apologizing is brave. It is the start of taking accountability. Learning from the mistake and changing the behavior, that is the finish to the accountability.

I just want people to own their actions. Look around and pay attention to how they are moving around in this world and treating others. Yes, life can be cruel and it can throw things at you that you can't control. I'm not talking about the stuff you can't control. I am talking about what you can control. There are many circumstances in life where you are in control in the driver's seat and you make a wrong turn, drive too fast or refuse to drive at all. Freaking own that, accept it and stop refusing to take responsibility.

From Google...

"Improving self-awareness involves a combination of introspection, mindfulness and seeking external feedback. Key strategies include journaling, meditating, asking trusted friends for honest feedback, identifying personal triggers, and asking "what" rather than "why" during reflection. Regularly identifying strengths, weaknesses, and emotional responses helps increase."

"Taking accountability involves owning your actions, mistakes and impacts without blaming others or making excuses. It requires sincere apologies, correcting errors, and changing future behavior. Key steps include recognizing your role, expressing remorse, and actively repairing the damage."

Why are these two things SO hard for people? WHY?

I honestly feel I am overly self-aware and that is something I am working on. But when I am unfortunately leaning into my hyper self-awareness, I find it extra frustrating when I come across people who seem to lack it.

So I guess this is just a venting post. I have been coming across this way too much lately and it is just driving me crazy.

All About March

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:16:00 +0000

I'm finally getting a moment to blog about our March.

It was another month for me full of doctor and therapy appointments. Still trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with my stomach...

I will do another post all about the testing I have gone through and the things I have found out (not much) - as well as my continuing journey with food.

Mei Mei had to get a teeth cleaning a couple of teeth removed. I hate when she has to go under anesthesia - she is always extremely wired and whacked out for about 24 hours after she gets back home...

Then the pain meds I have to give her make her groggy. I'm always happy when we get a few days past it and she starts to act like herself again.

Here she is watching a video of birds in a birdbath when she started feeling better...

The bright spot in the month of March was Briana coming home for the week for her spring break. She definitely need to come home and decompress from the hectic college life.

She was so happy to see her kitty again...

When Briana got home, she really wanted to eat at her favorite Korean BBQ place. So we made an evening of it...

We stopped first at "Hobbytown USA" - it is all things hobby, collectible, geek, nerd, kid-like - you name it...

I decided to buy a cute little Asian cat blind box...

Then we feasted on Korean BBQ and sushi...

It never disappoints!

Then Briana spent a day with her friend Meredith - who was at the end of her spring break. It was lucky their breaks crossed!

We celebrated St. Patrick's Day while Briana was home...

I put corned beef in a crockpot that day. Full disclosure, it did not turn out good. The piece of corned beef was so incredibly fatty - even after cooking all day. The potatoes and cabbage were good, but the beef not so much. I was disappointed.

Bri got her hair cut and colored that morning. Her hair was getting so long. She wanted to go back to her darker hair (which I love), and she looked so cute...

I asked Briana if she wanted to go anywhere while she was home, and she said she wanted to visit Ellijay. So off we went on a Friday.

We first went into the town and visited our favorite antique shop. Then we stopped in a gluten-free bakery and a fudge shop...

And then we went to our favorite BBQ place in Ellijay. The new owners still aren't taking care of Pig Hill - which makes me really sad. I'm not sure why they just don't take it down. But the food is still really good...

Then we stopped at our favorite market...

Since Briana can't make it home for Easter this year, I asked if she still wanted me to decorate the house, receive an Easter basket and dye Easter eggs. She was on board for it all! So we did everything early...

Briana enjoyed her week at home and it was a bit sad to send her back to school.

But, I do have a brag about B for a minute. She and her friend S started up a crochet club at school. They had to get permission, find professors to sponsor, attend leadership meetings, drum up interest, etc. I think it will be a big success!

Doug and I did have a nice evening out with some friends toward the end of March - I had my first glass of wine in many, many months...

So that was our March for the most part. Like I said, other than Briana coming home to visit, my March mainly consisted of appointments - which made it difficult to get together with friends. I intend to make that up in April.

Next post, I'll give you another health update.

How I Am Feeling

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:35:00 +0000

I will post an update soon about how my health is going and also do an update about our March (including Briana coming home for spring break).

I just don't feel like blogging right now. I don't feel like doing a lot of things right now. I feel like I am going through the motions of life.

I have moments of happiness, but my overall mental state is on the depressive side. Between my health and the state of the country, how could I not be?

This video above reflects exactly how I am feeling. No one and I mean NO ONE should be feeling like everything that is going on is good or normal. So many people I know are silent, so I don't even know their thoughts on anything. So if you don't care about the chaos that is going on or think this is all ok, disconnect from me right now. I mean it.

I do worry that I am starting to develop a feeling of anhedonia (the inability to experience joy or pleasure. You may feel numb or less interested in things that you once enjoyed). I don't think I have full blown anhedonia, but I do realize that some things I once enjoyed, I just don't now. It could be due to aging, my chronic illness, the state of the country or a little bit of everything.

This is what I stated on FB...

"Oh my gosh – she hits the nail in the head. This is EXACTLY how I’m feeling and so many others - it’s how everyone should be feeling. If you’re not, then something is wrong. Nothing about what is going on in this country right now is normal or sane. We should not be living in this sort of chaotic hellscape every single day. It is damaging mental health. Doing normal things like going out to meals or going on vacations or just enjoying regular life – it seems/feels inappropriate somehow and/or wrong. Because doing all of these things during a war and authoritarian takeover isn’t right. You know? Every day, I am infuriated and fearful. Scared that this administration is so beyond incompetent and also scared that there are people out there that are in supportive of it and/or putting their head in the sand about it."

So watch the video. I often say the exact same things she says. I am trying to keep my head above water, but it is really difficult sometimes.

Be back soon. When I feel the urge to share.

An Update On Briana

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 18:36:00 +0000

My lovely girl is home for spring break this week and I couldn't be happier.

I realize that I haven't done a Briana-focused update in many months.

I don't want to overshare anything regarding Bri's life - because it is her life. But, I just want you all to know she is doing great. Really great. If you remember, she had some rough patches freshman year due to an unruly roommate, but this year, things are SO much better. She has great roommates, a tight group of really good college friends and her classes have been going very well.

You can see how much fun she has been having...

She loves working out at the SCAD gym. She indoor rock climbs at a nearby climbing gym. She went ice skating, sang karaoke, enjoys game nights and has had numerous dinner dates with her friends. She also is spearheading a crochet club at school with one of her close friends (it will start spring quarter).

I always hoped that she would find her people when she went to college. She has.

She still sends me and Doug numerous "proof of life" selfies...

And she also sends us lots of food pics (she is so much like her mom!)...

She has been making some incredible art...

And even though she lives a fun life at school, she still misses home, her parents and her kitty cat.

She sends me sweet reels like this...

She often brings tears to my eyes.

It is difficult being a person with chronic illness because I cannot always hide the fact that I am not feeling well. I do my best, but sometimes I just can't pretend. I have pushed through so many things so many times trying to be the best mom I can be to Bri. Receiving gestures like this makes me realize that she sees how hard I try and knows that I would do anything for her. I can't ask for anything more.

So, I am going to enjoy her being home this week - and I will miss her terribly when she goes back to school. I can't believe we are just a couple of months away from her completing her sophomore year.

All About February (CNY, Valentine's Day, Bri Visits And More)

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:36:00 +0000

February was a busy month for us. Despite my daily struggle with chronic illness, I really try to keep going. We had holidays to celebrate, I needed/wanted to see my friends again after my month long elimination diet and we spent some time with our best girl.

I already blogged all about our visit to SCAD TV Fest weekend - which was a lot of fun...

I also talked about (in my food post) having a few lunches throughout the month with some of my close gal pals to get back into life again.

The morning of Groundhog Day, I woke up and watched Punxsutawney Phil predict 6 more weeks of winter. Well, he was a bit off for the south because we are full on springtime here in Georgia now...

It was kind of nice that Valentine's Day and CNY didn't overlap this year. Valentine's Day gets a little drowned out here sometimes because of CNY. Doug and I decided to have a quiet lunch together that day and we didn't exchange gifts this year. It just wasn't necessary. We would rather spend time together.

I decorated my dining room with my favorite Valentine's Day goodies - even though Bri wasn't here...

Doug and I went to one of our favorite sushi restaurants for lunch. We got a little dressed up...

I was so excited because I hadn't had sushi in weeks. The restaurant was decorated with balloons...

The ambiance was lovely and the food delicious...

Briana had a Galentine's evening on Valentine's Day with some of her school besties...

She looked so lovely in her dress...

A couple of days after Valentine's Day, it was the start of CNY. Of course, I decorated my house (Bri was coming home for a visit)...

Year of the Horse...

I made magnets out of some of my favorite erasers...

I keep this display/pictures up all year round...

I keep these out all year round as well...

I actually discovered these right after CNY, but I bought a couple of them for next year. They are Baby Three (Blind Boxes). This is their CNY collection. They are so cute...

Briana came home for a weekend during CNY. It is always the best getting to see her and spend time with her...

We went to our favorite Chinese restaurant for a nice dinner. This was my outfit...

A lovely dinner...

SCAD also wished everyone a Happy CNY...

While B was home, we also voted in a local election...

Bri and I made a much needed trip to World Market...

And B spent lots of time with her favorite furry person...

So that was our February - minus a number doctor appointments and blood draws for me (but what else is new).

Briana is coming home again in a few days for her spring break. I am excited to see her. She is looking so forward to sleeping in her own bed and having some alone time. Living with 3 other girls every day - even though they are friends - can be exhausting for an introvert at heart. I will probably do a quick update on how she has been doing at SCAD in my next post.

My Elimination Diet (And Reintroducing Foods)

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:30:00 +0000

When my stomach started acting up the day before I started my food reintroduction, I was feeling pretty devastated. I wondered if I should even bring things in because I couldn't really tell what was going to bother me since I was already bothered.

But, I needed to bring things in for my mental state. This diet was pretty restricting. So I tried to use other measurements to see how the foods were affecting me. Honestly, I don't think anything that I brought back in had any sort of negative affect on me. My doctor thinks that gluten is the main culprit for me not feeling the best - and I still haven't brought that back in. I have had very, very limited dairy (I started to allow myself some butter). No alcohol or caffeine yet. I am limiting sugar (unsweetened ketchup is criminal) and artificial sweeteners as well.

I don't know how I did it, but I did pretty well overall for those first four weeks. And even when I brought foods back in during the second four weeks, I had to wait for 2 days in between before I brought anything else back in. So I was still leaning on a lot of the foods I been eating the first month. I learned to make a delicious honey mustard chicken (I ate that a lot). I started making a panko chicken (gluten free) and a lot of seasoned chicken. I tried gluten free pasta - not too bad. I also ate veggies, salads, ground turkey, fruit, potatoes and rice. I started to lay off of the chili and the tomato based foods to try to help my stomach...

The first food I reintroduced was eggs (I am not really an egg person - but I was missing eggs by then)...

Then I brought in beef...

The bottom two pictures in the above collage were taken when we were staying at the hotel in Atlanta. Doug and I split the dishes. I ate some of the beef with the shoestring potatoes and then I had some of the hamburger but removed the bun and cheese. And I ate some fries. It was all really good.

By Valentine's Day, I wanted to bring in shellfish and gluten-free soy. We ate at a Thai restaurant that afternoon (top two photos - I missed sushi so much)...

The bottom two photos are of the Chinese food I ate when Briana came home for CNY. I am not sure if these dishes had some gluten in them or not (probably did have some), but I ate some egg drop soup and garlic chicken with vegetables. No egg rolls, wontons, crab rangoon or dumplings. No regrets regarding what I ate that night.

Then I brought in pork...

And then I brought in corn (I ate some corn chips that day) and then I ate some cornflake chicken (with a little hot sauce)...

I then brought in cured and processed meats - ham, turkey and some bacon bits. I ate a Honey Baked chef salad. I plan to make this a limited food group though. I forgot to take a picture of my chef salad (this is an internet image) - I ordered it with no cheese or croutons and topped with Italian dressing...

I've brought in limited sweets - I had gluten free macarons (and I did eat a chocolate one too, so I guess I brought back in limited chocolate too)...

I am also learning to eat gluten-free bagels...

I was so nervous about eating at Bri's school for SCAD TVfest and at the hotel, but I made it work. I already told you about the beef, but I had grilled chicken for lunch at SCAD and at the hotel, also ate salads and a delicious au jus chicken (skipped the puree)..

We had lunch at Papi's again when visiting Bri...

I was pretty much a hermit during those first 4 weeks of my elimination diet, so when I started bringing some things back in, I started seeing my friends for lunch again.

My lunch with my friend Amy (Longhorn)...

My lunch with my friend Kelly (Mellow Mushroom)...

My lunch with my friend Julie (Chicken Salad Chick)...

Doug and I ate at the Anchor Bar (grilled chicken; removed the croutons; brought my own dressing but did taste the ranch dressing)...

Doug and I ate Mexican food (I ordered a gluten free rice bowl)...

And finally, Doug brought me home some Chick Fil A (I hadn't had it in months)...

Do I miss things - YES. I miss cheese dip. I miss bread. I miss breaded chicken tenders and nuggets. I miss hamburgers on buns. I miss sandwiches. I miss sour cream. I miss real crackers (I do eat gluten-free ones). I miss pizza and real pasta. I miss cookies, brownies and cake. I miss soft drinks.

But, I am adjusting. I don't think I will go without ever having a piece of cake or some bread ever again, but I am going to try my hardest to make better choices and stay as gluten-free as possible.

I do have more energy and I do have less joint pain. I sleep better. So something is working. I just need to get my stomach under control.

So that is my diet story. I have brought most things back in except dairy (minus butter) and gluten.

I will keep you posted on how it is going. If I eat something very exciting, I will share it. I'm pretty proud of myself for sticking with this - even when I didn't feel well.

(I did schedule my gastric emptying study for next week and I have a less expensive breath test on the way.)

My next post will be what we were up to in February (besides dieting!).

Another Health Update On Me

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:24:00 +0000

Well, here is another update.

I am not even sure who reads this blog anymore. People in my social media circle aren't engaging on social media as much anymore. I believe people are still watching lots of tiktoks and reels - but they are not posting and/or commenting about real life as much nowadays.

I am still struggling. But what else is new? I think with chronic illness, you just have to realize this is your normal. You will never feel great. You just do the best you can. And that sucks - it's depressing.

The last time I wrote about my health, I said that I was experiencing an acid reflux attack. I actually think I was using the wrong term. Every time I eat (and often when I haven't eaten yet) my stomach starts to squeeze (like indigestion). I have a lot of pressure right under my ribs in my stomach and it is so uncomfortable. It can last minutes to hours to all day.

15 years ago, I was diagnosed with a mild case of gastroparesis (after going through a gastric emptying study) - and these are the same symptoms. Gastroparesis is a slowing of the digesting of the stomach. I suffered for 5 months with these symptoms back in 2011. Since I hadn't had symptoms of gastroparesis in many years when I experienced my heartburn/acid reflux attack in 2024 (from taking too much anti-inflammatory medication), both my GI doctor and I thought maybe I had been misdiagnosed with gastroparesis. Well now, we are thinking I may not have been misdiagnosed.

I started my elimination diet at the beginning of January. For four weeks, I did everything right. My joints stopped hurting, my energy was up and I was sleeping better (and all of that is still true). It was HARD to do. I even lost 15 pounds. But, my stomach seized up the day before reintroducing any eliminated foods. Devastating isn't even a strong enough word for how I felt/feel.

I think the diet change (adding in more protein, fiber, acidic foods) plus taking a large number of supplements triggered this flare up. These foods and supplements made my gut work harder. I already know I have vagus nerve issues, and that is what controls the stomach. Even feeling like this, I made the executive decision to bring back in some of my eliminated foods for my mental health - since that is important too.

I have now been dealing with this episode for almost a month. I have talked with my functional medicine doctor twice now and she dramatically scaled back my supplements and we talked about possible trigger foods. She said everything I had been doing should have been making me feel better. I told her - I am the anomaly. Always the anomaly.

I saw my gastro doctor on Wednesday and she wants me to take a breath test (to check for bacterial overgrowth) and do another gastric emptying study. She also gave me some meds that can help with the squeezing, but they can also slow your gut motility, so I don't know if I want to take them.

I am so frustrated.

The health system here in the states is BROKEN. It is so horrible. Ridiculously expensive. If anyone bitches about universal healthcare in other countries, just know I want to punch you in the mouth. If you get really sick in the states, you are screwed - unless your a some sort of billionaire. You pay into the system and then your insurance refuses to pay back out. You will go bankrupt if you get very, very ill. Dealing with insurance is like beating your head against the wall.

I just tried to set up my gastric emptying study, but I was told by the scheduling department today that the orders wouldn't even be PROCESSED in the system until Monday. I saw my doctor on WEDNESDAY morning. Who knows how long it will be before I can get the study done or how much it will cost. And the gastro office gave me a breath test kit to take home that costs $700. I hope it would go toward my deductible, but I don't trust Aetna. So I refuse to take it now. My functional doctor can get a similar test for me out of pocket for half that price - which is still stupid expensive. The hoops I have to jump through to try to get my brand name Synthroid paid for is criminal. I am so tired of all of this.

I don't see America being great - for SO many reasons. My grocery bill is high. My medical bills are high. My medications are high. My blood pressure is now high.

And when you try to eat healthier and be healthier - that makes it even more expensive.

I thought I would post today pictures of the meals I have been making and the foods I have introduced back in to my diet. I've been pretty proud of what I have been doing. But, I don't feel like it right now. I will do a post on that next time.

I am tired of trying to help myself and pretty much every single time, things backfire. Again, I am swimming in an ocean with waves that keep pushing me back under water for some reason.

I know Dory says "just keep swimming." I am tired though. I desperately want to float for a while.

A Quick Interruption

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:03:00 +0000

I just need to speak my piece for a minute.

I haven't spoken out politically here really in a long time. Things are festering inside of me - and though I vent a lot on social media - I haven't said anything too much on here. Specifically anyway.

I will go back to my scheduled programming momentarily.

I am struggling a lot with my health. I will get into that later, but I know that the state of this country is part of the reason why I am sick. Many of those who care about me often tell me that I need to step back from consuming so much of what is going on. I believe me I want to so badly. But every time I turn around, there is another horrific news story coming from this administration.

The fact that this administration is covering up a pedoph!le ring is absolutely horrifying to me. The fact that our putrid leader is a gigantic part of that ring is beyond abhorrent. I remember people screaming about a ped!philia ring many years ago - and now - those people are silent. They were correct about one thing - it definitely existed. The thing they were wrong about - it wasn't just the left involved. It was everyone and anyone with money and power. Where is the screaming now - now that it is your guy?

Believe me - I am critical of both sides of the aisle. This is what I just posted on social media...

"I am very, very, very unhappy with a majority of the leaders in the Democr@tic party. Most are still bought and paid for by Super PACS and corporations. Schumer, Jeffries, Booker and so many others - they aren't mad enough. They aren't pushing back or fighting hard enough. Biden didn't fight hard enough when he had the chance. Merritt Garland was an abject failure and Biden made a horrible choice. I am still angry that Biden's ego wouldn't allow him to not run for a second term. The dems finally had to force the issue to get him out, but unfortunately, too many in this country will never vote for an experienced black/biracial woman to be in charge. This pedoph!le protecting administration is so corrupt and morally bankrupt, and the dems representing us need to be throwing everything they can at it - just to make things much more difficult. Playing the old types of politics isn't working anymore.

I will never ever ever ever vote Republ!can again in my lifetime after all of this. I hope that those who are speaking up, speaking out and fighting hard - like Ro Khanna, Jasmine Crockett, AOC, Bernie Sanders, James Talarico, Jamie Raskin, Melanie Stansbury, JB Pritzker, Mark Kelly - even Thomas Massie and others - will continue to speak out and rise in the ranks of their parties. Every day I wake up knowing a pedoph!le, grifter and felon - who has hardcore dementia and had a stroke (which has been covered up) - is in charge. I am infuriated about the voter interference that this administration has already committed regarding the 2026 elect!on. They know they are in ginormous trouble, so they are already trying to cheat to win. I really want to tune all of this political stuff out, but I can't. It is just one thing after the other after the other. And it is exhausting. This country is off the rails and it is terrifying. If you aren't nervous living here, then you aren't paying attention, you are very rich and/or you are getting your info from the wrong places. Even though I am unhappy and hope for better, I am still going to vote against MAG@ - no matter what. We just need a complete political overhaul of the system and we need stomp out this fasc!sm."

I just wish the people who realize now that they made a mistake voting for this would just admit to it. Some out there finally are - but not enough of them. And if you don't think you made a mistake, you can just disconnect from me right now. Anyone with half a brain can see that the guy at the top is completely losing it - and he didn't have much to begin with. And I said the worst of the absolute worst - people with zero qualifications - would be chosen to work for him and prop him up - and that has definitely happened.

I will never understand the devotion. Ever. That is why people call this a cu!t. If I can criticize the political environment as a whole (which is my right - for now anyways), why can't you? It is insane. I think that is why I am so angry. The sickening devotion to someone with no moral compass whatsoever. He only cares about himself - how did people not see that?

So that is where I am right now. Sick and mad. Sick and tired. Sick and frustrated. Sick and embarrassed. Just sick.

I'll be back soon with a post about my health situation.

Happy CNY - Year Of The Horse

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:18:00 +0000

Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! Happy Chinese New Year!

My girl is coming home in a few days and that makes me happy.

I'm still not feeling great. My stomach is a mess. I'm still on my elimination diet, but I am bringing some foods back in anyway for my mental health - trying to live some life again despite how I feel.

I will write a post soon on how I am doing.

SCAD TVFest 2026 - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:30:00 +0000

SCAD TVFest had a terrific lineup again this year. They had actors visiting from The Pitt, Abbott Elementary and Bridgerton. Jeff Probst was there. Young rising actors and actresses there. I found out that Chili and Matthew Lawrence made a surprise appearance. It is really cool.

(A few of the pictures I am posting I snagged from SCAD/the internet. You'll be able to tell which ones I didn't take.)

The fest starts on Wednesday and goes for three days. Doug and I always land there on the last day (Friday). But with Bri being a student there, she can attend whichever events she chooses. The professors encourage the kids to go to the panels/talks.

Earlier in the week, B attended the panel for "Deli Boys." She screened one of the episodes and she said the panel was hilarious. It stars Saagar Shaikh (from Ms. Marvel) and Asif Ali (from WandaVision)...

She also saw the Q&A for The Great American Baking Show and Celebrity Big Game. She saw hosts Andrew Rannells (huge Broadway star) and Casey Wilson (from SNL and Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage)...

On Friday, our first screening and Q&A was for the new Prime show called "56 Days." It stars Dove Cameron (from Liv and Maddie, The Descendants and Schmigadoon!), Avan Jogia (from Victorious and Orphan Black: Echos), Karla Souza (from Home Economics) and Dorian Missick (from Two Weeks Notice and Luke Cage)...

We watched the first episode (it was spicy!) and it was really good. I will definitely be watching it when it comes out.

It is so crazy seeing a former Disney kid actor and a former Nickelodeon kid actor thriving in grown up roles now.

Some photos and videos...

When the Q&A ended, we left the auditorium. It was still 90 minutes until the Abbott Elementary screening and award ceremony for Quinta Brunson.

Now, this is where things get a bit crazy. SCAD didn't have the stuff together at all when it came to how to line everyone up for the Abbott Elementary screening/award/Q&A. Pandemonium is a good word to use. Doug, Bri and I hopped in the line (we were standing on the stairs between the 2nd and 3rd floors), but then we were told to get out of line and go to the 1st floor to get a "green card." Doug stayed put to keep our place while Bri and I tried to figure it all out. I talked to 6 different people who didn't know anything and kept pushing me and Bri from place to place. Then one SCAD female staffer started telling us to go outside after I had already talked to 6 different people - that is when I lost my cool. I told her I was NOT going outside. I had been tossed around and around and I was staying put. She was like "alright, alright" and didn't make us leave. Right after that, a male staffer came along said if we had a pass (which I did), we were allowed to get back in line upstairs and could get a card. Since Bri was with me, she could go with me. After 10 minutes of chaos, I got my dang cards for me and Bri. And guess who got a card as he stayed in the line - yep - Doug. Ugh! Thank goodness I didn't go outside because I wouldn't have heard that announcement to get back in line. It was just crazy.

We get into the auditorium and found great seats. We had an hour to wait still. The place was packed. But there was a really cool buzz in the air...

There were 4 "reserved" seats next to me and they ended up being filled right before the presentation started. I don't know who these people were, but I guess they were important either to the school or the show.

The announcer came on stage and welcomed everyone.

And then the announcer said that "THE Barbara Howard" was there to give Quinta her award. Yes - Sheryl Lee Ralph surprised everyone there. When she came out, the room went BERSERK. We had absolutely no idea. I don't get star struck very often, but I was in that moment. She is legendary. The woman next to me said to me "no one had any idea she was here." I have no idea if this woman had known or not, but she was one of the "reserved" people. Maybe so? I told her I said to myself "Queen! Queen!" Because she really is. 50 years in the business - it's unreal...

She went to the podium and she was amazing...

Introducing Quinta...

Accepting her award...

Quinta speaking...

We watched a funny episode of Abbott (we had already seen it - we are obviously big fans).

Then there was a question and answer session...

These woman are two of the most driven, intelligent, creative, well-spoken people I have ever been in a room with...

Sheryl Lee Ralph brought it...

When it was over, Doug, Bri and I decided to leave right before they took the pic with the audience. We were to the side, so we wouldn't have made it in the picture anyway...

What an amazing experience!

Doug and I brought Briana back to the hotel with us to have some dinner.

This is what Bri and Doug ate (I will address what I ate later)...

We watched a bit of the opening ceremony for the Olympics...

Doug drove Bri back to her dorm and around lunchtime the next morning, we picked her up again to have some lunch with her...

We chose Papi's in midtown this time because this chain is still a safe place for me to eat right now...

And then we took Bri back to school.

There is a lot of construction around SCAD (there has been for a while), so traffic around the school was absolutely horrifying. They had streets closed. I cannot freaking wait until it is done. Traffic in midtown is bad anyway - but add construction and it's just miserable.

It was a short but sweet visit and I am grateful we got to spend some time with her.

SCAD TVFest 2026 - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000

It was so good to see Briana for SCAD TVFest. It was also parents weekend, but honestly, we have been to the school so many times and have been a part of many talks and activities, we only participated in TVFest on Friday.

Just like last year, Doug and I went down to Atlanta the day before our TVFest day (Thursday) to check into a hotel. It is just easier to get up in the morning and go to the school than to get up and drive to Atlanta that morning from where we live. Unlike last year, we didn't get to see Briana on Thursday. Doug had taken a red eye home that morning and he needed to work and get a little rest before heading to Atlanta.

Doug and I stayed at the Epicurean once again - and again, it was a great stay. We had requested a junior suite, but when we arrived, we were upgraded to a huge suite - for just the two of us! It was pretty cool though...

The table we had was so large and nice and the room so comfortable, we had room service both nights we stayed there. And to be honest, I was feeling SO badly heading to the hotel on Thursday evening that I actually thought twice about going (I am in the midst of a bad indigestion attack - and it comes and goes - something triggered me days ago even though I am on my diet). I have a lot of trauma when it comes to going on trips and being sick over and over again. This was just adding to my long list of trauma. But once again, I pushed myself and went.

I will blog about all the things I chose to eat while I was on this short adventure when I am done posting about TVFest.

I did sleep pretty well that night and felt better when I woke up - a true blessing. It was time to go to TVFest and see our girl...

It's always the best to get to hug on her...

This is the area that Doug and I had to check into for the day...

This is one of the areas where the students eat - it's called "The Hub"...

This is another area - this is called "Palette" - this is where we ate with Briana on Friday...

Bri getting her food...

After eating, it was time to head to our first screening/panel - "56 Days."

Took a picture of ourselves...

I think this is a great place to pause. The two talks we saw were awesome. It was very chaotic before seeing the second one though. SCAD did not have their stuff together at all and it caused me to have to get on people and advocate for myself. If I am pushed too hard, I will push back. For example, I had to yell at rude drunk women at the Ed Sheeran concert years ago. And nowadays, I take the risk of being called a "Karen" - which is unfortunate. Don't get me wrong, I know there are Karens out there. Believe me, I am not one of them. I am way too self-aware for that. I only get on people when push comes to shove.

So, my next post will feature who we got to see at TVFest!

A Diet Update (And Rest Of January)

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 18:26:00 +0000

Yes, I absolutely used another filter. It's been quite a month ya'll and no one wants to see what I truly look like right now. I'm telling you. I'm tired and hungry and hanging on.

I haven't eaten inside of a restaurant in two weeks. I have been on this diet for a month. I am SO proud of myself for sticking with it, but it's been rough at times.

Sadly as I type this post, I am feeling reflux and I don't know why. I haven't felt reflux in a long time, but today I woke up with it. And I didn't eat anything differently yesterday than I have all month. I have no idea what is going on. Frustrating.

Nothing super interesting has happened in my life since I last posted - mainly just weather-related stuff. Our area had the threat of a catastrophic (yes the weather people used that word) ice storm last weekend that didn't pan out and then this weekend we had the potential for snow - which ended up being just a sad, barely-there dusting. With all the over-hype lately by the local forecasters, one forecaster got her knickers in a bunch on social media when people started naturally getting a bit irritated with her. She whined and complained in a post that she had been away from her family, her kids, for a whole week. Of course, she then got a lot of sympathy and ego-stroking from people in her comment section. I do understand that is difficult to predict weather sometimes. But don't freaking over-hype to get ratings. And when you are WRONG, then just ADMIT it. I don't watch her (she just happened to pop up in my FB feed), and I don't plan on it from here either.

Sorry if I sound a bit salty right now, but I am tired of the absolute chaos on the news and in the world lately. And I am sugar/caffeine-deprived, so try to cut me a little slack.

I will say, it has been COLD here lately...

We aren't used to these kinds of temperatures in GA!

Here are pictures of the "catastrophic" ice and snow in my neck of the woods the past two weekends...

I did see a very beautiful hawk land on one of my trees during the ice event...

And my cat loved these events more than anyone else...

And speaking of my kitty, January 24th was our "gotcha day" anniversary. Our fur baby has been a part of our family for 11 years...

Bri is still doing well at school. She sent me a selfie before a presentation she had to give (which she got a 100 on) and was looking very snazzy...

Doug is doing very well - he is BUSY with his new job. So freaking busy. But, he is happy. He was miserable in the job that he had for just a few months. He's back in his happy place.

As for me, this elimination diet has really consumed a lot of my life. It takes a long time to get through a grocery store after reading so many labels. I will pick up an item and I read through most of ingredients thinking - great, I can eat this. Then I finally get to "corn" or "milk" or "sugar" at the end and I have to put it down. Ugh. So frustrating. I am constantly food prepping. And it is EXPENSIVE to be healthy. It was expensive before, but things are getting more and more expensive every single day. I usually meet my friends for catch up meals but I can't really eat out, so my social life is suffering a bit. Doug keeps reminding me this is just for the short term, and I know that, but it is still difficult.

I did meet with my doctor last week, told her I was only giving one more full week to this intense diet and said I wanted to start bringing things back in. She was fine with that and seemed so happy that I got this far. I started thinking to myself "do a lot of people quit this?" Maybe they do. So the protocol is...I have to eat a lot of what I decide to bring back in for one day and then wait for 2 days to see how I am affected by it. This will be a long process. And I still need to stay clear of dairy (for now) and gluten (probably for good). So tomorrow, I am going to eat eggs again. I like eggs. I don't love eggs. But right now, I am craving freaking eggs. So tomorrow, I eat lots of eggs and hope that my body tolerates it ok. If it does, I keep them and try the next thing - which I have chosen to be beef. And so on and so on.

Doug and I are going to SCAD TV Fest next weekend to see Bri and we will be in a hotel for two nights. I worry about what safe foods I can find while I am there. It will be a challenge. At least I'll have eggs again, hopefully.

I have lost a few pounds while doing this - which is great. But it truly isn't why I am doing this. I am learning how to eat better. I want to feel better. I think I will be able to stick with it this time. I really do.

The only restaurant food I have eaten the last two weeks was "Moe's" and Doug brought it home for me. It was kind of sad...

No cheese. No sour cream. No tortilla. I had to make my own white rice to add to it. It was just meh.

And these are some of the meals I have made for myself...

And I have to say, everything that I posted has been quite yummy. It looks pretty too, right? But, I need to add some more things in to my diet pronto. I just do.

Gosh I wish I wasn't feeling reflux right now. It is making me feel a bit down. Hoping it goes away by tomorrow.

So, happy February everyone. Well, as happy of a February as we can have living in this jacked-up country. And wish me luck as I start bringing in possibly problematic (let's hope not) foods.

Be back soon.

The First Half Of January (Including My Elimination Diet)

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Well, we are halfway into the month of January already.

I am two weeks into my elimination diet. I am very proud of myself to getting to this point. My functional doctor said she hoped I could give her six weeks, but she would be good with four if it got too difficult for me. Unfortunately this diet is SO strict, I have realized that I can only commit to four. It just isn't sustainable to stay this strict. If I want to keep my sanity, I am completing four. I have an appointment with her next week to have that discussion.

This doesn't mean I am going to just eat the entire world again at four weeks. I just have to loosen the strings a bit because of how strict it is. I can slowly bring foods back in (but I am probably going to be a gluten-free girl now). And I have learned to make things on my own and make better choices.

Let me talk about what we've been up to before I discuss all the diet stuff.

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Briana headed back to SCAD for her winter quarter on January 4th. It was so nice having her home so long, but at the same time, we all get so used to her being back home that it makes it even more tough for her to go back - for all of us.

Briana wanted to bring her stuff back to the dorm and get situated (she brings a lot home because she is home for so long). So the Friday before she went back, we brought most of her things and got her room all set up again. She wanted two more sleeps at home, so she left her car at school and we drove her back home. She got to keep a good parking space, and Doug and I drove her back to school on Sunday...

Before driving back home on that Friday, we stopped at Lviv Croissants (a Ukrainian restaurant chain) for lunch (so delicious) and then stopped at Blick for school art supplies...

And then it was time to take Bri back to school on Sunday. We stopped for lunch out first, and then dropped her off. It was difficult to say goodbye...

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The very beginning of January was unusually warm and then we had a couple of very rainy days, but now things are quite chilly again.

Heavy rain...

Cold (but no snow)...

Doug had to go on a business trip last week, and with Briana gone, Mei was so confused as to where everyone went...

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Briana has been doing great at school...

Classes are going well and she's been having fun with her friends...

She was put in a promo for SCAD's zumba class (she loves the coach who teaches this class)...

And I realized I never shared this project here that Briana created for her figure drawing class last quarter...

She drew herself climbing out of a comic strip and she had to draw/include internal parts of her anatomy (see her arms, hands and foot). She truly amazes me.

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Briana decided to drive home for the holiday weekend so we could celebrate Doug's birthday (a few days late).

For Doug's birthday present, Bri drew a D&D character for Doug and then had SCAD print the small figure out on a 3D printer. And then she painted it. And since she didn't have a box at school, she made one out of paper and made the bow out of blue tape. This is what it is like having an art student in your family!

We had a nice dinner out...

We watched "The Thunderbolts"...

And then it was time for her to leave again (insert sad face here)...

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And as for my diet, I have only eaten at two restaurants since this all started (it is so hard to eat out) - otherwise I have eaten at home or brought food with me when I go out.

Before I started my diet on January 5th, I ate some of my favorite foods in order to say farewell for quite a long while. I ate pasta, sandwiches, eggs, butter, toast, desserts, etc...

On my elimination diet, I am not allowed to have...beef, pork, eggs, shellfish, corn, soy, dairy, gluten, peanuts, processed meats, sugar, chocolate, caffeine, artificial sweeteners or alcohol. And when I got my results for my sensitivity testing - tuna, sweet potatoes, yellow squash, mushrooms, coconut, cinnamon, barley, hops, lima beans, coffee and whole wheat were also taken from me. (I don't drink coffee or beer and I don't like lima beans or sweet potato, so those are not a big deal).

I have learned how much ingredients like milk, corn, soy, sugar are included/hidden in packaged foods - foods you wouldn't think included these items. I have learned to make my own salad dressings and condiments. I tried to make a homemade ketchup and it sucked. I did make a honey mustard marinade and that turned out fantastic. I made a vinegar based coleslaw that turned out pretty yummy. I don't really like fish, so I have to stick with chicken and turkey and legumes. I can eat plain rice. I can eat tree nuts. I can eat potatoes and tomatoes thank goodness (I was worried nightshade veggies would be taken from me). I can eat mustard, seed oils and vinegar. Hummus and guacamole can be used for dipping. I can eat most vegetables and most fruits. But honestly, this is getting kind of boring.

Some of my meals...

I ate at Papi's twice...

And one time at Mellow Mushroom...

And I brought my own salad dressing every time.

I am on EIGHT different supplements right now including multivitamins.

Am I feeling any different? Not that much yet unfortunately. Maybe less bloated? My energy level still isn't very good. I have days I get discouraged, but I haven't given up. I'm proud of myself for that. I heard that cravings are supposed to start going away after a while of being on the diet. I can honestly say that isn't true. At least not for me. I would love to have an egg and a piece of toast right now. Can't do it though. And going to the grocery store when you cannot eat ninety percent of what is sitting on the shelves is eye opening.

Trying to be on this strict diet, still dealing with chronic illness, handling a bunch of personal "life stuff" things and knowing that our dumpster fire of a country is still being run by a bunch of evil power hungry morons and a closeted dementia patient makes life a bit difficult right now. My anxiety and depression are pretty revved up and I need to find good ways to lower my stress.

So that is the scoop for now. Wish me luck these next two weeks. Once I start bringing stuff back in, I hope I'll be able to tell what bothers me and what doesn't - what I can keep and what I need to give up.

Thanks for reading. Until next time...

Martin Luther King Jr Day

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:08:00 +0000

We need to read these words now more than ever. We are moving backward with this administration and not forward. I will never stop speaking out about these injustices. Being silent is complicity.

New Year's Eve 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I asked Briana if she wanted to do anything with a friend or go out on New Year's Eve, but she said she wanted to just hang out with me and Doug. Hey - I'll take it as long as I can get it!

I knew that I was going to start a very intense elimination diet in a few days, so I thought the best way to say goodbye to food for a while was to go to Melting Pot. I was going to be able to sample a little bit of everything...

The food was so good and it was super filling as usual...

Then it was time to go home and watch the series finale of Stranger Things...

It was bittersweet for us because we love Stranger Things. Back in 2022, I wrote about convincing Briana to finally watch it with me...

Briana drew this for me several years ago...

We visited the Stranger Things Experience...

Doug bought me this amazing picture and it hangs in our basement...

For a girl who grew up in the 80's, it was pure nostalgia. And I love thriller, sci-fi, other-worldly kind of shows - and this one had it all. There are always going to be haters (some people didn't like the ending), but I loved the ending and I thought it was perfect. I will miss this show very much.

Then we turned on CNN so we could watch Andy and Anderson get smashed once again. It is becoming one of our traditions...

Then it was time for the ball to drop...

Once that happened, I went straight to bed. I don't stay up until midnight anymore. Heh. I was so tired from being sick and all the activity of December - I was done!

I did a 2025 wrap up - you can click here...

https://waitingforbriana.blogspot.com/2025/12/looking-back-at-2025.html

And now we are in 2026. We are only 2 weeks into the New Year and it has been a doozy already. I'll talk about the start to our new year very soon.

Christmas 2025 - Time With Friends And Family

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:35:00 +0000

Finally, my last Christmas post!

We made a lot of memories in December. Doug, Bri and I spent time together and also spent time with friends and family.

I already mentioned in a previous post that D, B and I went to an "Elf" pop-up at our local Mellow Mushroom in November...

When Briana came home from school, she said she was craving a bloomin' onion for some reason. We hadn't been to Outback Steakhouse in years, but we went in December...

In early December, Doug, Bri and I attended my friend Amy's Christmas concert with the local community choir. Amy's children and my friend Valerie and her family also attended. The chorus sounded so great and it really got us in the Christmas spirit!

The concert was held at the university I attended from 1991 to 1995. What is crazy is that I graduated from KSC (now it is KSU) in December of 1995 (Magna Cum Laude). I was there back on campus almost exactly 30 years later (though it looks SO different now). It was very surreal. This was me back then...

While Bri was back for Christmas break, Doug and Bri went back to their D&D game on Tuesday evenings. Bri asked her college friend F to join them for a few games...

Doug and Bri stopped a couple of times at Waffle House on the way home from D&D for some late night hash browns!

I hosted the annual Christmas get together with my besties Amy and Valerie. We exchanged gifts, ate yummy food, gossiped and had a lot of laughs!

These t-shirts that Valerie bought us were so hilarious!

Look at the sweet gifts my friends gave me...

While I was hanging out with Val and Amy, Doug and Bri met up with friends Kira and Khalid for some gaming and dinner...

I met up with my friend Julie (besties since high school) for lunch one day in December to exchange gifts and to catch up. These are the awesome gifts she gave me (and the peanut butter balls were scrumptious)...

I also met up with my friend Kathy after Christmas. Unfortunately, I had to reschedule our original date due to a doctor's appointment I had and our schedules didn't align until then. I am just glad we were able to see each other before the new year. And these are the sweet gifts Kathy gave me...

Doug, Bri and I met up with the C family for dinner after Christmas as well. Another rescheduled get together due to some sickness this time, but we found another time that worked! (Kelly and I exchanged gifts too but I forgot pictures of them - ack!) Always good to see them...

My parents always enjoy coming over to my house to see all my decorations. So I brought in some lunch one day and we spent some time together (Briana crocheted this hat with the rabbit ears - so cute)...

And of course, Briana and I had to decorate our Christmas cookies...

Christmas Eve is always a quiet day for us. And once again, just like last year, I started feeling sick. I start to get a feeling of anxiety each year now because whenever Christmas day creeps up, I start to get sick. I don't even know what I had this time. I don't know if it was a Hashimoto's flare up or a virus. The sickness didn't fit into any type of box. My Oura ring yelled at me that I had major stress on my body. I just know I felt crappy but I didn't feel like I had the flu or anything. So I rested on Christmas Eve, Doug and I watched "Scrooge" and I served dinner...

Dinner...

Presents under the tree...

The next morning, we got up (and I wasn't feeling well at all) and opened gifts.

Briana painted Doug another amazing mug. This time it was D&D themed...

She crocheted me these beautiful kitty potholders...

Here were some of B's goodies and Mei's gift...

Doug and I limited the number of gifts we gave each other this year, but he did get me a much needed new laptop - and I am very grateful!

Then we headed to my parents' house (I somehow managed to pull myself together!)...

Christmas with family (the cousins)...

I was feeling a bit rough, but I still managed to have an nice time.

When D, B and I left my mom's house, we came across this cool house with tons of light ups...

It was crazy!

I was too tired to watch Stranger Things Part 2 Christmas night, so D, B and I binge watched it the next day...

So that was our Christmas! It was busy! I felt sick/badly for a few days, but then I slowly started feeling better. I still don't know what was up with me. I really pray this doesn't happen again next Christmas.

My next post will be about New Year's Eve - and then I'll be done talking about 2025!

Christmas 2025 - Ornaments (Places I Have Visited)

noreply@blogger.com (Briana's Mom) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

This is my blog post of my Christmas ornaments from places I have visited. There are a few places that I have visited where I unfortunately didn't get ornaments (Nashville, San Diego, Helen, Hilton Head, Clearwater, Huntsville, etc), but I often buy magnets instead (I collect those too). I was born in Miami, but I actually don't have an ornament that says Miami - obviously a bunch of my ornaments were purchased from there.

I started with Atlanta above.

And here are many of the places I have visited...

Napa Valley, California

Breckenridge, Colorado

Denver, Colorado

Golden, Colorado

Washington, DC

Amelia Island, Florida

Disney, Orlando, Florida

Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida

Amicalola Falls, Georgia

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Brasstown Bald, Georgia

Cartersville, Georgia

Ellijay, Georgia

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia

Tybee Island, Georgia

Maui, Hawaii

Notre Dame, Indiana

Bar Harbor, Maine

Portland, Maine

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

St. Joseph, Michigan

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Las Vegas, Nevada

NYC, New York

Asheville, North Carolina

Murphy, North Carolina

Chimney Rock, North Carolina

Newport, Rhode Island

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Woodstock, Vermont

Beijing, China

Grand Cayman Island

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

So those are my places ornaments. And I hope to continue to add to my collection whenever I travel somewhere. Whenever I decorate my tree, I reminisce about those trips. I have been lucky to see a lot of this country and I hope to see more of it and other countries as well.