It's Official

Where Does the Time Go?

Wow, in the blink of an eye it's already nearing toward the end of March....the rodeo is over (and I didn't go once)....spring break is over (darn it)....and the honey is starting his fifth week on the road (four more to go).

I have managed to do some sewing and feel my skill is getting better. At least I'm getting better at the main project I've been working on--making tote bags. Took one to camp this weekend to donate for a door prize and it was a hit.

Sometimes I am awed by just how quickly time seems to pass. As a kid or when anticipating something it seemed time would stand still. With age it it gone in the blink of an eye....guess that's just another part of getting older. And more reason to make certain to live life to the fullest and savor every moment.

In addition to sewing I've been trying to play with paper a bit. I did take a cute album class at Archivers the first weekend of break--now I just need pictures to fill it. The honey will be enlisted for that project--heehee. I have another little paper project I've been slowly working on--it's actually an online course. Once I progress a little more I'll share pictures.

Sad Day for Branson....

I fell asleep last night with the tv on---not that unusual. Somewhere in the early morning hours I recall hearing something about storms and Branson....theatres hit. Maybe I was dreaming.

When I was finally awake I found I had not been dreaming. I did hear Branson had been hit overnight by a tornado....it went right down the strip. Several buildings sustained damage-power was out-but no deaths in Branson.

Once I got to the office I had to search the net....see what pictures might be posted. The lower end of the strip was hit--Walmart, Taco Bell, Shoneys, JRs Motor Lodge. I've shopped in that Walmart, picked up food at that Taco Bell, had a meal with mom at Shoneys-never stayed at JRs but know it well, can visualize it in my mind. The sign always reminded me of the old Roy Rogers Restaurants.

The news reports say the tornado hop-scotched down the strip...then down to Branson Landing whhere windows were blown out of the Hilton. Found a picture this afternoon of Branson Landing and there was quite a bit of damage there. The Candlestick Inn where mom, Mike and I celebrated my 37th birthday took a hit---most the sign is gone and the roof has been partially peeled back.

It is sad to see the damage to my beloved Branson. It's a blessing it happened now and in the middle of the night. A few more weeks and in the middle of the day there would find throngs of people enjoying the peacefulness of the town.

Sewing Bug

It appears I have been bitten by the sewing bug. This cute pattern is fairly easy and doesn't take all that long to put together. I'm enjoying being creative--if I could just find the 'right' buttons to finish them off!

Miracle Med.....

Finally got my Acthar Gel today....don't know what it is about that stuff but for me it is a miracle in a bottle. I felt good on Friday after an injection last Thursday but by the weekend I was dragging again. Found a vial in the fridge with one remaining dose and that got me through the weekend but started to drag again.

Thanks to managed health care, I did not get the delivery on Saturday as I should have. I spent a great deal of time on the phone Monday trying to get an update. Just after 5p I received a call that I would have my med yesterday-Tuesday. I waited, I tried checking with the complex office but no med.

Dragging again this morning I called for a tracking number only to discover it actually had been delivered yesterday, about 11a. The maintenance man had signed for it but did not deliver it to the office unitl THIS MORNING. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Guess that big sticker that says REQUIRES REFRIGERATION meant nothing to him. I got my hands on the box about 10a and took the first injection. By late afternoon I could tell a difference---I actually felt like doing something and WANTED to do something.

Once I got in from work I actually got a few things done at home that I've been neglecting. Here it is almost 10p and if I didn't need to get up for work in the morning I would probably play with paper or fabric. Hopefully this round of shots will squash this flare! Of course this probably also means I'll have a one-way ticket to an MRI next month when I see the neurologist. Happy, happy, joy, joy....gimme drugs.

A big thank you to all who have checked on me, offered kind words and said a prayer on my behalf. I know I have the best friends!



ON ANOTHER NOTE:
As of today the honey has logged 1398 miles, driven a mountain pass or two (said it was no big deal) and completed day four on the road. It's been a crazy, busy four and half weeks with about nine or so more to go. He's made it out to California but will now be heading back east. During this time he'll be criss-crossing the country but he is on his way to a new career and future.

While I admit to being a bit concerned when he first brought up the school and that they would cover the cost I am finding all is well. It seems he is progressing well and I even received a letter addressed to ME welcoming us to the company 'family' and giving me a contact to anser questions, address concerns or just help me get in touch with the honey.

Say a little prayer for his safe journey and return.

Adventures of MS Girl

I am such a lucky girl (said in a snarky tone). For valentines (that night) I noticed dizziness and being off balance in addition to just flat out being tired.

Wednesday morning I did not want to get out bed--even less than usual. Still wobbly and noticing tightness in my right leg. And no energy. Oh joy. Slept most of the day.

Dragged myself out of bed this morning and to the office. First task was to email the Neuro about what's going on. A few emails back and forth and a phone call from the doctor (I have a fantastic Neuro with a fantastic staff). Meds called in--of course who knows when they will actually be delivered--could be Saturday could be Monday--and a trip to the medical center for an injection this afternoon. NOT steroids but one of the early drugs used for 'treating' MS--Acthar Gel (kinda *my* miracle drug as usually a few doses will perk me up and here's hoping for the same results this time).

At least now (finally) I know the signs and can get a jump on things (hopefully). Still tired with some stiffness but totally confident I will be bouncing back soon! So no need for anyone to worry--but thanks for any concern!





Evening traffic on 59 south--ICK:

Ok, so I was as bit ahead of the major traffic but still....ick

DFW Westin

Hotwire is a good thing....last weekend the honey had to be in Dallas so I jumped on Hotwire and got a room for about $75--that included tax. Shame we weren't even there 24 hours to really enjoy it.

For any interested parties: the cute bag below now has a nice home in Bedford with my sis-in-law

Fabric Creations

I've been in a sewing mood lately and even invested in a new (basic) machine--cause mine died. I got this great bag last fall at a craft show that I love and have since found the pattern. I decided they would make great gifts and am working starting my own little version of 'Santa's workshop'--if I can keep up the pace I can have multiple gifts made by summer! The current problem is I think this bag is so cute I want to keep it for myself!

Annual Galveston Oaks Weekend

The weekend was full of great friends, good music and good food.....just wish it hadn't gone so quickly....
Richmond, Texas' own Mary Sarah came out to wow everyone with her phenominal voice

Missing?

Anyone that checks here regularly (does anyone check regularly?) might wonder where I've been...if I fell off the face of the earth. Have no fear, I'm still around. Been busier than a one-armed paper-hanger and in downtime too lazy to post. I'll try to change that bad habit.

Let's see, to recap......
Christmas came and went-nothing exciting to write home about.

Spent the time off with the honey and helping him job hunt--filling out paperwork, etc.

Actually cleaned out my closet somewhat--there is now actually room to hang things without being jammed in. Gave quite a few things to M and donated other to shelter (thanks to the honey for hauling it).

Did some purging in the 'studio' and took a trunk full to Na--still more to be done but I can actually see the spare bed (Sissy now has plenty of room to strech out) and I can walk in without tripping over piles--the honey can get to the computer much easier.

Been swamped since returning to work with the normal start of the year/semester overload with the added addition of doing the another's job the past few weeks.
Managed to get in some time with the Lunch Bunch to celebrate an engagement-not mine.

Looking forward to the annual Galveston weekend next weekend. Always fun to spend time with friends and see The Boys.

The honey starts trucking school tomorrow.

Broke out the sewing machine which died mid-project. After a week of lamenting and some searching I finally found a machine that met my standards that I can see myself using for the next 20 plus years (that's about how long the last one was around) and now I have a shiny new toy.

Welcome 2012

It's been ages since I've blogged. Wish I had a good excuse but I really don't. The truth is I've been busy with different things or just lazy--probably more lazy than anything.

It's been a fairly quiet holiday around here. The weather has just been plain weird-hot, cold, hot, cool, hot, humid; you get the idea. It just didn't really feel like Christmas or the holidays. To that end, I had the tree down and Christmas decor put away before the clock struck midnight entering the new year. And the honey decided to head to the lease on Friday so I'm flying solo. No one to kiss at midnight but the upside is the ability to (try to) accomplish things without disturbing another.

I have managed to do a big purge on my closet--still need to go through socks, shoes and the dressers. My next project is to tackle the studio/spare bedroom sometime today--when I finally get off my lazy can. What a surprise for the honey to return to a clean, functional work/creative space. He would be quite surprised since I've been 'threatening' for some time!

Keeping with my usualy format, I've not really made any resolutions but I've not thought too terribly hard on 'goals'. I have a few things rattling around my head but just not quite able to 'commit' at the moment. In my own time I guess. And I haven't decided on my One Little Word for 2012 either. Nothing has really 'spoken' to me and thus I procrastinate --as usual. Hmmm, maybe THAT should have been my word for 2011 since I seem to have mastered it quite well! HA.

So after an uneventful night and a very leisurely morning it's time for me to embark on something productive--it would be nice to actually acccomplish 'something' today. More later......enjoy the first day of 2012 and make it count in your own way!

Turkey Day

I fixed a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with one small adjustment-cornish game hens instead of a turkey or turkey breast. They actually turned out rather well though it will take more practice to 'master'. Portion wise they were perfect and no leftover turkey for days on end! Yep, my new holiday tradition.

Small Victories

While I have visions of having a completely organized homespace that is just not my reality. I have however managed to achieve a few small victories. The cleared off workspace--so now the honey can use the computer with ease after the obstacle course of getting to it. My dining room is more organized than it's been in some time--I can see the top of my bar and my Christmas tree is up! Yep, little victories.

Determined...

to make order of this caos....



I've been off since Friday at 5p and I have basically wasted nearly three days. I say nearly three because it's still day three--but nearly 5pm. I have run some (local) errands today and did a little um, nothing and now--yes at nearly 5p--I dig into the task at hand. Clean this space--make it pretty and functional. Wish me luck! (Here's hoping the 'after' pictures are able to be posted sooner rather than later.)

Walk 2011

It's all over but the thank yous....and the decision about next year.....committee or no committee-depends on my girls......

A Year.....already?

This weekend marks a year since the honey and I hiked up Enchanted Rock...ok, more like he pushed me up Enchanted Rock. It was a great weekend and a beautiful Sunday morning....and the first time he told me he loved me.

We talk often of a trip back....our schedules have just been so crazy there's not been time. He's had to work quite a few weekends and hasn't even gotten to hunt once---bow season opened October 1, and he spent that weekend with me celebrating my birthday. He's put in well over 40 hours every week since. Gun season opens this weekend and again he won't be huning. At least this weekend he doesn't have to work. He's looking forward to doing things he wants and then hanging out with me.

If all goes according to plan, he'll be here the 15th to head down to Lake Texana to hunt. After that Thanksgiving will be here and plans are to hea to the lease.

The days are just flying by......

Sunday Stroll

For once this month, the weekend agenda wasn't jam packed. Saturday was spent relaxing at home--granted there were things that needed attention and places I should have gone but I didn't do any of it. It was nice just hanging at home, watching old television (Designing Women reruns and other assorted things). The honey arrived and the agenda consisted of taking it easy. Seriously, the most strenous thing I did was cook dinner.

Sunday was wide open and I was perfectly content to hang at home with the honey lounging on the couch and watching football. He suggested poking around the antique shops in Rosenberg so off we went. It was fun seeind some of the old things I actually grew up with--and astonishing to see some of the prices....if I had all that old stuff! The honey loved looking at all the old tools. We had a yummy bite to eat at Another Time Soda Fountain and then headed for home and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing.

What Happened to October??

Seriously-where'd it go? Wasn't it just the first of the month?--my birthday, TASFAA. It's been jam packed and it's already the 22nd! I still have many things to accomplish by month's end.....guess I need to organize and prioratize better.

Here's a shot from Discovery Camp last weekend:

Heard a Rumor.....

Heard a 'rumor' on the news last night that fall might actually show up this week....I sure hope so! I miss it.

MS Family Discovery Camp

The annual MS Family Discover Camp was held this past weekend at Camp For All in beautiful Burton, Texas. Friday afternoon I slipped out of the office a bit early and drove out to the country for the weekend adventure. I took only a handful of pictures this time as I was focused on the tasks I was to perform (helping with arts and crafts) and getting to meet and mingle with others living with MS. No zip line for me this time--I was kept rather busy with my assigned task and that was just fine.