Tomorrow...

or if it's Tuesday and you're reading this, today. Anyway....I have a 'create your own calendar' book from Close to My Heart. It's a nice weekly calendar too. Instead of making it ahead and then using it I am going to start today, July 1 and record the day's events. Doodles, pictures, etc. Then when the year is done I can look back and see what all has transpired. So while it will be a completed calendar, it will not be one in the traditional sense if you know what I mean! Something different....

Saturday Night Layouts...

...results from crop night...

Damn, damn, damn....

Just when I thought I would be able to cancel my SEI membership I read about the kits for the rest of the year. They sound way too cute to miss out on. August features a 12x12 full box kit of 20 layouts. September has a mini album a new line; Windsor October will be the new Halloween line and November features the new line Alpine Frost. December wraps up the year with the new Christmas line, Glitzmas. It all sounds too yummy to miss out on. Maybe it'll make up for the ugly paper (Carol, you know the one I'm talking about.)

On-line Scrap Shopping Links..

Okay girls...gimme the links for good on-line scrap shopping. I know CHA is just around the corner which means most new goodies won't show till then but I'm jonesing to look. Tired of the same things I see trip after trip to my local haunts. So share you links!

I am 'diseased'.....

so says one of my cropping buddies....

Around Town

For fun I took a few shots around town yesterday thinking maybe I'll play with them this weekend. See what you think...

Preparing to crop...

By now you'd think going to a crop is somewhat second nature and would require little preparation. WRONG! I've known since Tuesday night I would be meeting the girls to crop tonight. That means I've had Wednesday and Thursday evening as well as all Friday afternoon and evening to prepare. Here it is Saturday morning-approaching noon-and I am still printing pictures and trying to decide what to take. Of course we all have a tendency to take way more than we'll ever use, a lot we never touch and then something new catches our eye we think we have to have so we buy that. And then of course there's the times we end up needing/wanting something we don't have but a friend does. I guess if I were more organized this would be much easier. So anyway, I continue to prepare. Here's hoping I actually accomplish some pages tonight!

TOO DAMN HOT

...and it's only June. It's miserably hot which makes me miserable-moreso than usual. I can only imagine how brutal July and August will be. UGH.

Well....

here it is nearly the end of June and so much for my picture a day idea. I started off strong and then fizzled. Even so, I do have some pictures that are representative of June so I can scrap them. I guess that's the fun thing about this hobby, you can start fresh if you want. So at this point I'll see if there's anything else I want to shoot this month and start fresh on Tuesday!

On the MS front I have just doubled my dosage so I am now injecting .50ml every other night. I stay at that dosage for another seven shots and then up it to .75ml for eight shots and then go for the full 1ml dosage which will be near the end of July. I see my neuro again on August 13. On the fun side, I still have the l'hermittes and some stiffness in my right leg which sometimes makes walking a challenge. I'm finding I still need about 8 to 9 hours of sleep a night minimum and even then there's still some fatigue--even with the medicine to combat it. But, things are well overall.

And even better news, tomorrow is Friday which means a half day at work and then two days off!!

UGHHHHH

...tired, tired, tired....... So apparently I am not up to keeping up like I did at one time. Going to book club and getting in late Tuesday (almost 10p) must have been too much for me. By the time I got in from work yesterday I was ready to drop. I had zero energy and managed to do nothing in the evening--despite all the ideas/lists in my head. (Note, the lists are in my head as I never seem to manage to get them on paper--which could explain why I forget at least half the things I need/want to do.) So anyway I went to bed at 8p last night--yes, 8pm. I am still tired this morning. Focus seems to be eluding me at the moment and of course I have a ton of things to get done. Oh what joy.

I am a bit miffed at the moment too. I listen to a radio station out of Branson that had been promoting an interview scheduled for this morning with Clay Walker which I really wanted to hear. Why you ask? The promo stated he would be talking about his MS and some things related to it so of course I'm interested. So either he was on before 7:30a (when I get to work and start listening) or it was cancelled. It's not the end of the world but I would really like to know what he had to say....afterall, we do go to the same clinic at UT! (And only due to scheduling did I not see his MS doc.)

Peer Pressure....

...yes, I am suseptible (sp?) to peer pressure.....went to book club last night (not really any peer pressure to go there) and had a fabulous time. OMG a few of you (you know who you are) are too funny. Signed up for the next round...though I had decided previously I wouldn't (peer pressure--cause I don't want to miss out on fun with friends...) Going to Archivers crop Saturday (certainly a product of peer pressure as I had decided to pass this time)...but it'll be fun...maybe too much fun.....but oh heaven, don't let me give into the peer pressure there to buy, buy, buy.......

Weekend away...

For the first time since all this fun started I took a weekend road trip. Went to Austin to hang out with Elsa. I figured I could lay around and be lazy there just as easily as I could here. And hey, the change of scenery would be nice. Left a bit later than I would have liked Saturday morning but still had plenty of time to do whatever. For us that meant running out for lunch and then back to her place to just veg. It was a nice relaxing afternoon/evening doing just that. Girlfriend Joyce came over and we chatted, drank some wine, had a little Chinese food and chatted some more. A wonderful evening and I even stayed up till about 11p! (Just barely)

Sunday was our usual routine of sleeping in then out for brunch. Of course we had to make a run to north Austin to JoAnns Superstore. So much to see! I drooled over some of the Die Cuts With a View paperstacks but restrained myself and didn't buy any--even though they were 40% off. The heat was BRUTAL. After that it was back to the house and some more lounging. I had an itch to go to Barnes and Noble (something about being at Elsa's I always have to go to B&N). Wish someone had reminded me to wait till much later in the evening as the heat was still brutal and about did me in. I did however pick up a new MS book--this one is about 'what to expect the first year' so I thought I might find some new insight.

Spent the evening reading, watching television and chatting. Elsa fought with her computer. Made a run for the border (taco bell) and just relaxed. This morning it was up and off after a quick stop by Target for cat food (so I wouldn't have to worry with that once I got home). Now it's trying to get back into the mode to return to work. Ahhh another work week (at least it's only three and a half days for me...and next week is only four days)...

Check this out...

http://

Cute stuff and chances to win free stuff. And who doesn't love free stuff??

Austin Baby...

...not quite spur of the moment but I've decided to go to Austin this weekend to hang out with a friend. Not leaving till in the morning so I have this afternoon and night to rest and get my things together. It might do me some good to get away for a day or two...

Pic for today...

Snapped this on the way home from Bay City...

Weekend Layouts...

A couple layouts I did this past weekend:

Slacker...

Yes, I am a slacker. So much for a photo a day....at least I do have some pictures for the month of June...and the month isn't over yet.

As is the norm this time of year, things are busy, busy and HOT. I still have a few vacation day to burn and just need to schedule them. But then I think of everything to be done and my responsibilities and think I need to get certain things done before taking off.....damn, having a work ethic!

Shots seem to be going okay. Number 5 scheduled for tonight though this one may prove challenging as the site rotation schedule has this one on the back of my arm. May need to be a contortionist to pull this one off!!

Prayers for Dear Friends....

When you're saying your prayers I'd appreciate you sending up a couple extra. First for my buddy Leann and her girls and precious family member Able. The pup's not doing well and it's hard on everyone.

The second request is for my dear friend in Missouri. Some have heard me speak of Louise and know we met because of the Oak Ridge Boys and she and I have shared great times hanging with Richard. She's facing some rather serious health issues including surgery. It's in God's hands at this point so if you would, send up a special one for her.

Auto-ject....

In the midst of Scrapping Saturday night I had to take a break to prepare and give myself my injection. I won't gross anyone out by showing the actual injection but here are some of the steps to get it ready to go. The hard part will be Wednesday when I have to inject in the back of my arm. Anyone want to come help with that one??

Couldn't Resist Sharing..

Although some of you will see this layout come Saturday when we get together, I just couldn't resist showing it off now! Love ya Leann.

things that suck...

...running out of ink at 10:30p when you're in the mood to scrap and need to print pictures....I am not going to WalMart now for ink....guess I'll have to wait till morning

Good Day...

Dare I say? Today is the first time I've felt more like me than I have in some time. Granted there's still a bit of fatigue and some lhermittes and even a small limp if I walk too far, too fast or too much but I actually feel up to playing a bit. Instead of sitting on the couch thinking of scrapping I'm pulling together supplies to do some actual scrapping. And the mere thought of it does not tire me out. After Thursday I think I would certainly have to term today as a good day.

Shame it's so stinking hot outside. I do know better than to get out too much. That would probably prove to be too much.

Now I know...

I was told there would be good and bad days and honestly I've experienced that so I don't know why I'm suddenly surprised that today doesn't fall under the good day column. And this is not the first bad day I've experienced--not by a long shot.

Today is sort of an in between day. I don't really think I can call it bad but I also know it's not totally good. My right leg seems at lot more stiff than it's been in a while and I had quite a few issues with my right hand being numb this morning when trying to get ready for work. Add to that a slight balance issue and I think you can understand why I think today is an in between day.

Just another of those fun things I'm learning to adapt to. I think I'm learning. Shot number 2 tonight...

I Realize...

...some of the pictures from yesterday have a bit of a blur to them. Not sure if I had the camera setting wrong or if I was just shaking. I didn't realize till later in the evening--once I'd taken the boxes to the dumpster--the pictures weren't fabulous. But ever the good scrapbooker I know you can use bad pictures just as well as good pictures. And hey, I don't think anything was lost in translation!

Shot went smootly.....now it's every other day on my own.....

If only they always got along this well...

Here it is...finally....

Initially...

I wasn't getting any calls or info and suddenly I'm getting multiple calls about scheduling shipment of my meds! Guess the statement feast or famine proved true again.

I meet my BETA Nurse, Judy, tomorrow at 6pm when she comes to train me on injections. She first gave me a date of Friday but I let her know it's been a month already and I am eager to get started on the injections. So after much back and forth we settled on 6pm. I should have my meds by then and will have had time to get home and relax a bit and she'll have time to get through traffic since she's coming from Deer Park. So, on to my next adventure!

Keep a good thought that everything goes smooth and the sides effects are minimal to non-existant.

Tomorrow...tomorrow....

....my injection drugs will be delivered TOMORROW!! Wonder if I can schedule the injection nurse for tomorrow night???

For Leann....

....loves the smell of grunge board....

Tim Holtz Grunge Goodness....

More...

I need to be more creative, more free in my creating process. I've spent probably the last hour looking at various blogs and amazing (at least in my opinion) creations. I know my (scrap) pages are very linear, very clean--and there's nothing wrong with that. But I look at others' pages and up against them, mine are boring. I want to create fun, amazing pages. I may try that today...

I Scrapped!!!

For the first time in weeks I actually had the energy to sit down and play with my scrapbook goodies! Okay, so I did have to work up to it most of the day but the important thing is I did it!! I used new paper I bought yesterday at Archivers just for this layout and even set up the Cricut to cut my title! Maybe this is a sign I'm starting to bounce back....finally.....

MS Layout....thought I'd share

I did this page on May 3, 2008, before I was scheduled to see the MS specialist on the 7th. Basically I journaled about my journey up to that point and the various symptoms and doctor's appointments. Who know just how true that title would turn out to be by the end of the week...

What a life...

Sissy loves to lay in the window or in front of the window in the spare bed/scrap/computer room and sleep.....and always with her front paws outstretched....

Pictures for June 4 and 5

Lucky me I ended up with a horrible migraine Wednesday night...took Aleve and went to bed at 7:30p...



Thursday not only did I get Close to My Heart scrapping goodies, I ran by Archivers and picked up some yummy papers...now to actually sit down and play with them!

TAGGED.....

Okay, Carol tagged me for answers to the following questions so here goes:

4 Jobs I've held:

counter girl at local burger joint
clerk at uniform shop
accounts receivable clerk
financial aid administrator

4 Movies I Could Watch Over and Over:

Something for Joey
Bridget Jones Diary
You've Got Mail
Hope Floats

4 Places You Have Lived:

Pasadena, Tx
Huntsville, Tx (school, not prison)
Houston, Tx
Wharton, Tx

4 TV Shows I Like:

Gilmore Girls
Ugly Betty
George Lopez
Jag

4 Things I Do Everyday:

scoop out the litter box
take my anti-fatigue drug
pull my hair into a pony tail (too tired to do anything else with it)
use moisturizer

4 Favorite Foods:

Schwans Cheese Ravioli
Sour Cream Enchiladas
anything chocolate
Riscky's BBQ

4 Places I'd Rather Be:

Branson, Missouri driving up and down the hills way too fast
In a cabin by a lake
Austin
Someplace cool (temp wise)

4 People I'm Tagging:

This is a difficult one cause I think most people I know have already been tagged! But....
Kip
Tim
Nancy
Robin (just in case she missed Carol tagging her...LOL)

HOT HOT HOT

Well, that pretty much sums up the weather here for at least the next four or so months. Yep, that's life on the Gulf Coast. Once I cool down and rest a bit I may try to post a few pictures. I do plan to do some scrapping this weekend--and not just Sunday when I take Tim's class!

More later...promise

Firsts...

Today was the first time I used my handicapped parking tag. I picked up Christine who's on crutches due to knee surgery and we went to dinner at the Firehouse in El Campo.

And as predicted, here's my training kit for the Betaseron injections. Looks a bit intimidating to me. I haven't really taken the time to look through it or the literature because I'm just too tired at the moment. Pluse I'm still waiting to hear when I'll actually get the drugs.

waiting....waiting....waiting....

I like that the bottom line on the packaging.....it says......Not a moment to lose....

6/2/08 Monday Picture

Today's picture is of the information I was given by my neurologist (wow never thought I'd say such a thing) regarding the Betaseron injections I will be taking. This is significant today because I finally got the call from MSPathways to set up the meds and injections. My injection training kit is supposed to arrive tomorrow. (Guess what tomorrow's picture is likely to be...) From there I am just waiting for the insurance company to get the letter from the doctor of medical necessity so they can approve the drug. Once that happens my drugs can be shipped and upon arrival I can be set up with an injection nurse for training. I was told it can take from three to five days for all the approvals to go through and for the drug to be shipped. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I had it all by the weekend and could get started--just as long as it doesn't interfere with my Tim Holtz class on Sunday!

6/1/08: Sunday pictures

Okay in an attempt to 'take a picture a day' just to chronicle my every day life I took these pictures on Sunday. The first is a plate of beef enchiladas from Pappasitos--YUM. The second is the book I picked up at Borders. I would like to commit to a picture a day for a set period of time but for now I'm just going to try take a picture a day to document my life. I may last a week or a two or maybe a month. Just have to wait and see!