The very first thing I need to do is thank you so much for your prayers. I made it through the MRI all in one piece. Of course, I won't know the results until they get ready to share them. My husband drove up early this morning to go with me. He wanted to show support and I did appreciate it. After the procedure Mark and I went to IHOP and had a great breakfast together. Knowing how he hates the Atlanta traffic, it was very special to me.

I'm getting ready to watch American Idol. I need to just chill tonight. I appreciate all the great suggestions for relaxing. I usually read my bible at night and another book if I have the energy. On the weekends I love going to the park and reading while Mark and Avery ride scooters or, of course, going to the bookstore. Living in a bookstore would be the ideal place for me. I would serve scones and all kinds of tea and coffee. I would have my living part of the place in the back and the front would be a bookstore. I would have a couple of cats sleeping in the sun and my friends could drop by for a time to share and discuss books.

Some of you suggested I retire. I haven't always made such dynamic choices with money. Enough said. I am blessed that I have a job I enjoy, I just wish it wasn't so stressful. I guess that's just part of it though. So, needless to say, I will probably be in the workforce as long as the Lord allows me to work and gives me the strength.

Drop by for a While

I shot this as I was walking out of my office this evening. I thought to myself, "Trish, wouldn't it be neat to invite all your friends to have a bite and some good iced tea." I wish I could bring everyone in. I'd have a limo pick all of you up at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport and bring you on up. We had a beautiful day and in fact, three of us sat outdoors and ate our lunch.

I'll be having my MRI tomorrow morning and I appreciate all your prayers. I pray it is something simple. The doctors can't figure it out and I've had so many friends trying to guess. Me, as well. Who knows? I guess at this point only the Lord knows. He made me so He will have to take care of me.

I had a big bowl of cereal for dinner and now I'm watching American Idol. I'm just trying to chill lately. Any suggestions? I'm open. I've been wound up tight for years and it's hard to unwind. Seriously, any ideas will be appreciated. :)

Aroma Therapy

I took a lovely little trip to Whole Foods Market after work. It's a huge grocery with lots of natural foods and fruit, vegetables, fresh meats, etc. When I first walk in it always reminds me of my time living in Germany. The stores smelled so much like Whole Foods. Some of my friends call it 'Whole Paycheck', but you have to be selective and sometimes you really do get what you pay for. Well, my most favorite thing in the store is the section with the candles, creams, and delicious smelling things. I needed some aroma therapy and my inexpensive little trek took me to a happy place.

Where do you go when you need some relaxing, yummy smelling therapy?

Monday Ramblings from Georgia

I wanted to give my friends an update. I have an appointment with the neurologist next Monday. I had a migraine that lasted 3 days last week and it really was on my last nerve, as we say here in the south. The numbness in my hands is still present and I am ready to feel better. I went forward yesterday morning at church to be prayed for and I do believe in healing. I appreciate those of you that are praying for me.

Saturday we went to a drive-in about 30 minutes from our home in South Carolina. We saw Monsters vs Aliens. It was cute and Avery certainly enjoyed it. She's having standardized tests this week and has been looking forward to it.

I have connected with my very best friend as I was growing up. I have a picture of us in Sunday School when we were two years old. So we really go back a long way. I haven't seen her in over 35 years and I hope to visit her this summer. That is something to look forward to. We used to talk for hours and hours sitting on our front steps talking about what our lives would be like when we grew up. I can't wait to see her in person and talk about how fast it all went and what really happened.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was very good. Not having that terrible headache is such a huge blessing!!!!

UPSIDE DOWN WORLD

You wonder why I would title this post Upside Down World. Well, it's pretty simple. I feel like so many of the very basic things in our world are so different now. People that used to work in stores (department and otherwise) were friendly and seemed to have a knowledge about their products. I used to feel like if someone had a Bachelors or Masters degree they must have truly mastered some basic subjects, such as spelling, English, math,geography, etc. Now it seems like they are out there giving degrees if you can pay for it and have a warm body.

I have been going through some health issues. I haven't mentioned it on the blog because I just haven't. Tuesday I went to my doctor for more testing. I received a call this morning from the nurse saying that my electrolytes were all out of whack. She said my kidney function was really bad and that I needed to come in and do more tests. I go to the office and they took more blood and did a urinalysis (I know, TMI). Well, then the nurse told me that the doctor needed to talk to me. She tells me that she is referring me to a neurologist and that the lab called her just a few minutes before I arrived to tell her that they weren't sure if they had mixed up my blood with someone else or not. So she said it may have been my results, but then maybe not. So we had to have those blood tests today.

After work I dropped by the hairdresser's and got my hair trimmed a little. She started to tell me that she had a biopsy the first part of the week and then yesterday they called to tell her she has pancreatic cancer. Then she got a call to come into her doctor's office this morning and the doctor told her that the lab had mixed up the biopsies and she doesn't have pancreatic cancer, it was benign. She cried and was so upset that she didn't know what to do. Finally, she just realized that there isn't really much she can do.

This is why I feel like we are in the Upside Down World. If I didn't have the comfort and knowledge of the Lord I don't know what I would do. I am so weak, but He is so strong. No matter what I face He is there with me. Not having the knowledge of my salvation would have me feeling so helpless. His Word I trust.

I hope this doesn't sound too cynical, but I just needed to vent. I'll give you an update if that was really my blood results. Does this stuff happen to you more in the new century or is it just me?

Ramblings on a Tuesday Night

Taylor, Pennye and Avery

At church Saturday morning the children had an egg hunt. This is Pennye, their Children's Church director. She is a dedicated Christian that has a special love for children and they certainly love her back.

Later that morning we realized Avery had an encounter with fire ants. She got swollen on her foot but is much better now. We colored eggs and then made some Ohio Buckeye candy. It's peanut butter with chocolate. They were excellent and she got a kick out of making them. Sunday we went to my sister in law's for dinner and had ham, turkey, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls and various desserts (Avery's included).

Last night we had a terrible storm here in Atlanta and it knocked out the power until 4:30 this morning. This evening it has gotten cooler and I am so happy I have electricity. I really think it's one of those things that I need to tell the Lord how much I appreciate more often. It was so dark and quiet. I did enjoy the quiet, but it was so very dark. My husband is very safety conscious and he has set me up with fire extinguishers and battery lamps. I appreciate that too.

I am starting a new book by Francine Rivers, "Leota's Garden". This will be my first book by this author, but I have heard good things about her. Have you read any of her books?

I Feel Like I Must Confess, Johnny Rockets

Okay, what is it with me? Knowing I have to climb into a big plane and go to Seattle in a cramped up coach seat in June. So what did I do for lunch? I went with one of my peeps over to Johnny Rockets. Yes, I have a big issue. I get anxious and what do I do? Eat a big greasy hamburger, french fries, vanilla coke and to-go a peanut butter shake. Oh that wasn't bad, Trish. Only about 3000 calories. Boys and girls, I am beyond the trying to be cute stage. I have got to fit in an airplane seat and airplane bathroom because the trip is all the way across the US of A.

I know we went down this road a couple of months ago and I lost 21 lbs. and boom hopped right off the diet and now I have to get serious. I don't want to be miserable. I want to be able to scoot in the seat and actually be able to move around. Us thick chicks have a challenge in airplane seats. Probably if you are sitting there with a tiny little rear you have no idea from where this craziness comes. Another funny little seat is at a ball game. I thought I would have to be removed with the Jaws of Life at the end of the Toronto Blue Jays game.

I must get my friend Maree to inspire me some more. She has a wonderful blog At Home. She lost a bunch of weight (like 50 lbs or so) She's cute as a button and I need to put her picture on my screen saver at work so I am constantly reminded that this is all possible and I have to stop feeling sorry for myself. She has been busy and not posting as much as she was and I hope I am not thinking this is an excuse for me to pig-out. Please come back Maree. I need your inspiration. What is wrong with me?

Thank you Ruthie !!!

I won Ruthie's giveaway over at her blog Just Ruthie. She had her one year anniversary of her blog and I commented. She sent the sweetest gifts. An apron, dish towel, pot holder, coffee mug, shopping list, pen, socks,little notebook for my purse, and a neat little recipe for a chocolate cake made in the mug. Doesn't that sound fun? All the items have coffee names on them latte, espresso, cafe au lait, Americano, Macchiato, etc.

I tried to put the little thank you card where you could read it, but I think it's too small. That's what I get for trying to be a little clever :) I had a very frustrating Monday so when I got home and found my package I just did a happy dance.

Blogging is so fun and you make so many neat friends. Thanks again Ruthie.

Dooley and Avery

Many of you know that we have several dogs here at 'dogtown2'. Here's my girl with drooley Dooley. He's of course named after Vince Dooley, the former head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs.

Rambling

The picture on my banner is one of my favorites of Avery. I think it really suits her personality. She is quiet and reserved and this picture says that to me. Here it is Thursday night and I look forward to heading home tomorrow evening. We don't have any big plans for the weekend. I kind of look forward to resting, reading and doing the chores I need to do. I need to do some spring cleaning and since it's now April, I need to get with the program.

I switched purses this morning and realized that every time I switch I have so much stuff to throw away. I think I've told you guys before....I love purses. Since I was old enough to know about purses I have found them fascinating. Some women love the shoes. I love the bags. They just don't excite some of my friends, but holy moley, I think they are a delightful accessory. For years my daughter didn't care that much about purses, then about five years ago.boom.she caught the bug. Now we both love us some purses. I have to be careful that I don't get them too big. I keep putting more stuff in them and they get so loaded up that they are too heavy.

Are you a purse lover? Please share your fascination with them. There must be some of you that also have a special love for them. Surely I'm not alone.

Huge Giveaway at Barb's

Ladies, I have a huge deal for you. Barb over at French Elements is having a wonderful big giveaway. She has these exotic products and you need to run over there to post a comment to win. Don't just go because of the giveaway. Barb is a sweet and wonderful person. She needs your prayers for her son. He has been hospitalized for an extended period of time and her family needs us to hold them up to the Lord. I know you will be happy reading Barb's posts and I'm happy to introduce you to her.