I was told to use a heating pad for my back when I had that weird Pleurisy and I haven't stopped using it ever since. I love to sit there as it heats up the different sections of my back while we watch a TV show or I read a book. It tends to get a bit scrunched up at times and I have to stretch it back into shape about once per day, but I like to get it really hot on the lower back and then move it up to the upper back when I can't stand it anymore.
My Cat is also a big fan of the heating pad. When she hears me click on the heat she comes running and every once in a while will paw at my shoulder like she wants me to move...nice try kitty. I always throw it on the floor for her when I have had enough and she stretches out on it like it is heaven. I totally get how you feel kitty...I totally get it.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "There are people who put their dreams in a little box and say, 'Yes, I've got dreams, of course I've got dreams.' Then they put the box away and bring it out once in awhile to look in it, and yep, they're still there." Erma Bombeck
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Day #184 - Surprise, Surprise...
Today I realized I might have a new favorite color. When I was a young girl my favorite color was yellow. I still love the cheerful color, but as I grew older I found red more to my liking. I love the deep shades of red - so rich and bold. Today I promised to buy a bracelet from one of the daughters of a co-worker - 1 buck seemed reasonable. She is going to make them to order and when she asked me what my favorite color was I started to say red until I looked at my newly painted purple fingernails and realized 'purple' was the answer I wanted to give. As I thought about my answer, I realized how many purple shirts I now own. My favorite is a deep jewel tone shirt jacket...How strange and interesting that it just crept up on me like that. Sometimes it is fun to surprise even yourself.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: I saw this quote on a travel agents email signature and I loved it..."Enjoy the Journey" Thomas S. Monson
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: I saw this quote on a travel agents email signature and I loved it..."Enjoy the Journey" Thomas S. Monson
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Day #183 - High Power Breakfast
Not the breakfast itself, but the people who cooked it. Today is Staff Appreciation Day. The Bosses did the cooking and wouldn't let us help set up, cook, clean-up or anything. It was quite nice. They made pancakes, eggs (w/& w/out cheese), sausage (link & patty), bacon, an assortment of fruit, milk and OJ. I was pretty impressed. I may have overdone it on the bacon...but HOW do they get it to cook so perfectly? There has to be a trick to perfect crispy bacon...not tough, not chewy, but melt in your mouth crisp...ANYONE???
The great thing about this was the personal time & effort they gave to the task. Sure the company is all about saving money these days and so probably a catered event was not in the budget, but it is a nice way to show us they really did want us to know they appreciate our contribution to the company. I would do well to remember how that little touch of personal service can make a big difference in a show of appreciation or the presentation of a gift.
I do need to give a shout out to Beth (Office Manager) - I do not kid myself that this little ditty would not have happened if she didn't put it together, but still the President of our company and all the bosses reporting to him did the actual cooking...OH, except MY direct Boss...BOOOO. He forgot about it and made meeting plans and took one of our co-workers with him...Bad Form...Oh well, he is still an OK guy to work with :).
Not only did I get a really great breakfast today, I saved a mega banana that I will dig into tomorrow.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Thanks for all that you do and all that you think that you do" Dan - Company President - not sure if this is an original quote from him, but I credit him with it since he is the one that said it to me...MANY TIMES...He is a fun guy.
The great thing about this was the personal time & effort they gave to the task. Sure the company is all about saving money these days and so probably a catered event was not in the budget, but it is a nice way to show us they really did want us to know they appreciate our contribution to the company. I would do well to remember how that little touch of personal service can make a big difference in a show of appreciation or the presentation of a gift.
I do need to give a shout out to Beth (Office Manager) - I do not kid myself that this little ditty would not have happened if she didn't put it together, but still the President of our company and all the bosses reporting to him did the actual cooking...OH, except MY direct Boss...BOOOO. He forgot about it and made meeting plans and took one of our co-workers with him...Bad Form...Oh well, he is still an OK guy to work with :).
Not only did I get a really great breakfast today, I saved a mega banana that I will dig into tomorrow.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Thanks for all that you do and all that you think that you do" Dan - Company President - not sure if this is an original quote from him, but I credit him with it since he is the one that said it to me...MANY TIMES...He is a fun guy.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Day #182 - 1/2 Way There...
I started this gratitude blog with the idea I would post something I was grateful for each day of one full year for 365 days doing my best to not post the same thing twice. I have missed some days along the way, so instead of berating myself each time I missed a day, I decided it would be OK to just do my best and get to 365 posts and trying not to miss more then 1 day a week. Well, post #182 is the 1/2 way mark.
So far I have learned several things. First, it is not always easy to find a unique thing to be grateful for every day. Second, it IS easy to find a unique thing to be grateful for every day; in fact, some days I have several things to choose from. Third, attitude or frame of mind is so important to living effectively in gratitude. My mind logically sees the blessings in each day, but if my heart is not there with it...it doesn't really matter what I notice and it is those days I have trouble finding that unique blessing to post. Over the next 1/2 of my goal, I plan to approach each new day with the clear intention of an open heart.
Today I am grateful that I have made it to the half way mark of my 365 day goal. It encourages me to set other goals and to take them as seriously as I have tried to take this one. I am grateful I have a positive way to share the good things that surround and bless my life. I am so fortunate in so many ways both simple and profound; this blog has helped me to recognize just how much I have to be thankful for.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "When I am inspired, I get excited because I can't wait to see what I come up with next" Dolly Parton
So far I have learned several things. First, it is not always easy to find a unique thing to be grateful for every day. Second, it IS easy to find a unique thing to be grateful for every day; in fact, some days I have several things to choose from. Third, attitude or frame of mind is so important to living effectively in gratitude. My mind logically sees the blessings in each day, but if my heart is not there with it...it doesn't really matter what I notice and it is those days I have trouble finding that unique blessing to post. Over the next 1/2 of my goal, I plan to approach each new day with the clear intention of an open heart.
Today I am grateful that I have made it to the half way mark of my 365 day goal. It encourages me to set other goals and to take them as seriously as I have tried to take this one. I am grateful I have a positive way to share the good things that surround and bless my life. I am so fortunate in so many ways both simple and profound; this blog has helped me to recognize just how much I have to be thankful for.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "When I am inspired, I get excited because I can't wait to see what I come up with next" Dolly Parton
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Day #181 - Happy Easter
The other day I was at the grocery store and saw some Cadbury Eggs (the chocolate eggs with syrupy center) while in the check out lane. I immediately got excited and almost grabbed it to put in the cart when I realized I don't really like those chocolate eggs. I think I was just feel nostalgic about Easter at my house when we were young.
We would wake up on Easter morning and there would be candy hidden ALL over the house and in plain sight. The older kids were told to let the younger kids get the candy in the short spots and we would find plastic eggs filled with candy hanging in chandeliers, in the couch cushions, in the piano bench, etc.
Then of course there were the Easter dresses. I remember one of my favorites was a lavender & white striped tank top dress w/a matching jacket that my Mom made. I was wearing that dress when my Mom pointed out my newly hairy armpits - needless to say I did not wear the dress without the jacket after that.
Easter is also obviously about The Resurrection and new beginnings. Spring is in the air and some flowers are poking their heads out. Speaking of new life...Jason and Mel got chickens to raise. The first 3 met with a rather sad end (the dog Bo got a little enthusiastic in his playing) and so they just got 4 more:
I hope these four have better luck!! I keep falling asleep...Good Night - Happy Easter.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Life's problems wouldn't be called "hurdles" if there wasn't a way to get over them. " ~Author Unknown
We would wake up on Easter morning and there would be candy hidden ALL over the house and in plain sight. The older kids were told to let the younger kids get the candy in the short spots and we would find plastic eggs filled with candy hanging in chandeliers, in the couch cushions, in the piano bench, etc.
Then of course there were the Easter dresses. I remember one of my favorites was a lavender & white striped tank top dress w/a matching jacket that my Mom made. I was wearing that dress when my Mom pointed out my newly hairy armpits - needless to say I did not wear the dress without the jacket after that.
Easter is also obviously about The Resurrection and new beginnings. Spring is in the air and some flowers are poking their heads out. Speaking of new life...Jason and Mel got chickens to raise. The first 3 met with a rather sad end (the dog Bo got a little enthusiastic in his playing) and so they just got 4 more:
I hope these four have better luck!! I keep falling asleep...Good Night - Happy Easter.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Life's problems wouldn't be called "hurdles" if there wasn't a way to get over them. " ~Author Unknown
Friday, April 22, 2011
Day #180 - Extra Extra
No, I do not mean the news reel, although it is also exciting to hear "Extra, extra, read all about it..." I am actually talking about instantly fresh breath.
Tonight Travis and I watched one of my favorite shows on TV - Fringe - There was a couple on the show who just woke up to a beautiful sunrise and were facing each other talking, smiling, laughing in each others faces...C'MON - who wouldn't be DYING of morning breath. I really couldn't get past it.
This morning I forgot to brush my teeth - oops, I hate that, but I had a trusty pack of Extra Gum in my purse to save the day. I have tried other gum, but this is my favorite. the flavor lasts a long time, the gum does not disappear or get hard after a few minutes and the size is perfect for chewing - this sounds like a Goldie Locks story, but truly - it is JUST RIGHT. Plus I just picked up a case of the stuff at Costco...My food storage continues to grow...
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "It's never crowded along the extra mile" Wayne Dyer
Tonight Travis and I watched one of my favorite shows on TV - Fringe - There was a couple on the show who just woke up to a beautiful sunrise and were facing each other talking, smiling, laughing in each others faces...C'MON - who wouldn't be DYING of morning breath. I really couldn't get past it.
This morning I forgot to brush my teeth - oops, I hate that, but I had a trusty pack of Extra Gum in my purse to save the day. I have tried other gum, but this is my favorite. the flavor lasts a long time, the gum does not disappear or get hard after a few minutes and the size is perfect for chewing - this sounds like a Goldie Locks story, but truly - it is JUST RIGHT. Plus I just picked up a case of the stuff at Costco...My food storage continues to grow...
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "It's never crowded along the extra mile" Wayne Dyer
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Day #179 - M.A.S.H.
I just started to read a book that I picked up at the library about a woman whose husband got cancer a few years after they got married, which creates some fertility issues so, after he recovers, they decide to utilize a fertility clinic to get in the family way. While this is going on she finds out her husband has been unfaithful and so she leaves him, goes back home to live with her Dad to start over. Of course she reconnects with old friends, including a guy she sort of knew in High School and finds out she is pregnant with twins. So far I am only about 1/4 of the way thru the book...lots has happened so far.
Somehow reading about all this uncertainty made me remember that game of chance we used to play as kids...M.A.S.H...
Mansion
Apartment
Shack
House
We would play this game over and over. We never really ended up in the same place twice, but we kept on playing hoping our next path would lead to something besides living in an apartment with Eric DeWal walking dogs for a living.
I wrote one up to see where I would be in 5 years...here is what it looks like:
M. A. S. H.
Husband:
Travis
Alan
Keith
None
Kids:
3
4
2
0
Car:
Subaru
Mustang
Jeep
Truck
Job:
Writer
Real Estate
Student
None
Goals:
Century Bike Ride
Marathon in FL
Triathlon
Zumba Expert
Trips:
Hawaii
Europe
New Orleans
Florida
Writing:
Blogs
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Children's Books
I was happy to see I am still with Travis in 5 years. That was always the biggest bummer of the game when you didn't end up with the husband you wanted the most...Melissa may or may not be happy to know we may be visiting...I wonder where those kids are going to come from?? I am a little bummed about the shack situation, but suspect we can no longer afford a house since I HAD to have that fancy Mustang...I am happy to believe I will be writing for a living, but the non-fiction bit surprised me...
This game just helps me remember that ANYTHING can happen and life is constantly shifting. Change can be good, change can be bad - how does that saying go? "The only consistent thing is change"...I'd say my 5 year future looks pretty bright...:)
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "The only thing constant in life is change" Francois de la Rochefoucauld
Somehow reading about all this uncertainty made me remember that game of chance we used to play as kids...M.A.S.H...
Mansion
Apartment
Shack
House
We would play this game over and over. We never really ended up in the same place twice, but we kept on playing hoping our next path would lead to something besides living in an apartment with Eric DeWal walking dogs for a living.
I wrote one up to see where I would be in 5 years...here is what it looks like:
Husband:
Travis
Kids:
2
Car:
Mustang
Job:
Writer
Goals:
Zumba Expert
Trips:
Florida
Writing:
Non-Fiction
I was happy to see I am still with Travis in 5 years. That was always the biggest bummer of the game when you didn't end up with the husband you wanted the most...Melissa may or may not be happy to know we may be visiting...I wonder where those kids are going to come from?? I am a little bummed about the shack situation, but suspect we can no longer afford a house since I HAD to have that fancy Mustang...I am happy to believe I will be writing for a living, but the non-fiction bit surprised me...
This game just helps me remember that ANYTHING can happen and life is constantly shifting. Change can be good, change can be bad - how does that saying go? "The only consistent thing is change"...I'd say my 5 year future looks pretty bright...:)
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "The only thing constant in life is change" Francois de la Rochefoucauld
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Day #178 - Smoothing out the Edges
I was super munchie tonight and REALLY wanted something sweet. Travis usually has the sweet tooth these days, but tonight we just had a protein shake (water, yogurt, frozen berries, vitamin & protein powder) for dinner and I wanted to gnaw on something. The other day I made brownies from a box and I was going to grab some and Travis didn't want it...Huh? That is unusual. I decided I didn't want any either.
The next time I was in the kitchen to get a water refill I took a peak at those brownies...hmmmmm..."the edge is uneven, I should really fix that". I got two delicious bites of gooey brownie and now the edge is as even as the common eye can make it. Yum.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "The only thing that makes life possible is a permanent, intolerable certainty: Not Knowing What Comes Next." Ursula K. LeGuinn
The next time I was in the kitchen to get a water refill I took a peak at those brownies...hmmmmm..."the edge is uneven, I should really fix that". I got two delicious bites of gooey brownie and now the edge is as even as the common eye can make it. Yum.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "The only thing that makes life possible is a permanent, intolerable certainty: Not Knowing What Comes Next." Ursula K. LeGuinn
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Day #177 - All That Glitters
Lately I am feeling that craving for jewelry. It comes upon me about once a quarter and I rationalize myself into a hundred dollars worth of new stuff. Never just ONE hundred dollar item, but several much more affordable pieces that add up to that number.
It feels like Christmas when those packages come. The only problem is I have so much cheap jewelry, I can't wear it all. I also tend to gravitate toward the same types of pieces. I come home thinking I bought the perfect necklace for such and such outfit or to go with "those" earrings and I realize I already have a similar one hanging on my necklace hook.
Some of my favorites were gifts - Travis has gave me the gold and silver tennis bracelet years ago and I still wear it all the time. He bought me a few turquoise items - one set of earrings, necklace and bracelet for Christmas 2 years ago and an amber necklace and turquoise ring at the fair in St. George. My friend Debi gave me some earrings and a necklace that I wear all the time. I got a gold and red necklace from my Mother-in-law one year that I finally figured out what to wear it with and now I love that ensemble. My mom has given me some items that I like to wear also; specifically a garnet ring Mom received as a gift from Dad that had several garnet stones clustered on a gold band. She broke up the stones and had them made into 7 rings - one for her, her 4 daughters and 2 for daughters-in-law (when applicable) and gave them to us for Christmas one year...what a fun memory.
I think this weekend I will try to go through my jewelry box and post some photos of my favorites that I wear often; that might be fun. For now, I am reminding myself that I have sufficient for my needs and more...
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy." ~Leo Buscaglia
It feels like Christmas when those packages come. The only problem is I have so much cheap jewelry, I can't wear it all. I also tend to gravitate toward the same types of pieces. I come home thinking I bought the perfect necklace for such and such outfit or to go with "those" earrings and I realize I already have a similar one hanging on my necklace hook.
Some of my favorites were gifts - Travis has gave me the gold and silver tennis bracelet years ago and I still wear it all the time. He bought me a few turquoise items - one set of earrings, necklace and bracelet for Christmas 2 years ago and an amber necklace and turquoise ring at the fair in St. George. My friend Debi gave me some earrings and a necklace that I wear all the time. I got a gold and red necklace from my Mother-in-law one year that I finally figured out what to wear it with and now I love that ensemble. My mom has given me some items that I like to wear also; specifically a garnet ring Mom received as a gift from Dad that had several garnet stones clustered on a gold band. She broke up the stones and had them made into 7 rings - one for her, her 4 daughters and 2 for daughters-in-law (when applicable) and gave them to us for Christmas one year...what a fun memory.
I think this weekend I will try to go through my jewelry box and post some photos of my favorites that I wear often; that might be fun. For now, I am reminding myself that I have sufficient for my needs and more...
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy." ~Leo Buscaglia
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Day #176 - Home Again, Home Again, Rig Jig Jig
My Hubby got home from Moab late this afternoon.
I was upstairs putting the finishing touches on our tax return (I know I started working on this weeks ago, but never got around to finishing it) and kept thinking I heard the garage door open, so I would run downstairs just to be disappointed. I did this 3 times and finally I saw the open garage door and opened our door to go out to greet him and he was crouched down right in front of me unloading some stuff...almost startled the hair off my head.
The first thing I thought was how healthy he looked. His face has that happy sun kissed glow and he was wearing a baseball cap, t-shirt and shorts with that sexy scruff on his face...I have to say I am one lucky girl. I wish I had a photo to post.
Travis unloaded his things, washed up and then we just sat and talked about the last 4 days sharing our experiences and stories for about 45 minutes before we turned the TV on and made dinner.
I have been pretty busy these last few days and the girl night turned out fabulous. Jen and I made popcorn and watched our movie and made special flavored water w/sparkling water drinks to sip on. We talked more then we intended to (the movie was a 4 hour saga) and Jen had to leave before the move was done, but it was super great to have some one-on-one time with her again. She has such a rich, generous soul and I love being her friend.
Besides the girl night I also recovered from Pleurisy, worked overtime, cleaned the house, read a book, watched a few design shows (mostly the yard ones lately), caught up on Days, got my hair colored and cut, did some grocery shopping, completed our taxes and walked the dog.
I truly enjoy my down time, my I-can-do-whatever-I-feel-like-time alone and being productive or lazy as I see fit. I don't mind a few nights to myself here and there and, in fact, enjoy them; but I am so glad to have Travis home. I really did miss that guy.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars." Henry Van Dyke
I was upstairs putting the finishing touches on our tax return (I know I started working on this weeks ago, but never got around to finishing it) and kept thinking I heard the garage door open, so I would run downstairs just to be disappointed. I did this 3 times and finally I saw the open garage door and opened our door to go out to greet him and he was crouched down right in front of me unloading some stuff...almost startled the hair off my head.
The first thing I thought was how healthy he looked. His face has that happy sun kissed glow and he was wearing a baseball cap, t-shirt and shorts with that sexy scruff on his face...I have to say I am one lucky girl. I wish I had a photo to post.
Travis unloaded his things, washed up and then we just sat and talked about the last 4 days sharing our experiences and stories for about 45 minutes before we turned the TV on and made dinner.
I have been pretty busy these last few days and the girl night turned out fabulous. Jen and I made popcorn and watched our movie and made special flavored water w/sparkling water drinks to sip on. We talked more then we intended to (the movie was a 4 hour saga) and Jen had to leave before the move was done, but it was super great to have some one-on-one time with her again. She has such a rich, generous soul and I love being her friend.
Besides the girl night I also recovered from Pleurisy, worked overtime, cleaned the house, read a book, watched a few design shows (mostly the yard ones lately), caught up on Days, got my hair colored and cut, did some grocery shopping, completed our taxes and walked the dog.
I truly enjoy my down time, my I-can-do-whatever-I-feel-like-time alone and being productive or lazy as I see fit. I don't mind a few nights to myself here and there and, in fact, enjoy them; but I am so glad to have Travis home. I really did miss that guy.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars." Henry Van Dyke
Friday, April 15, 2011
Day #175 - R-O-L-A-I-D-S...
Code for RELIEF. Such a better day today with the back thing.
So, when I was at my pity party yesterday I did not write that Travis was leaving town to go to Moab w/his boys to ride his mountain bike. This trip was planned a month ago and Travis offered to stay home and 'poor baby' me all weekend...can you imagine how guilty I would have felt? I said NO WAY. So he went and I am so glad since he seems to be having a great time and now I am doing just fine.
I am really looking forward to tomorrow and may even go to bed early tonight instead of staying up reading or watching design shows or Days or Our Lives. Yes, I am pathetic and still keep track of Sami Brady's mishaps - but I have to find out what is going to happen to Rafe...Will he ever get his memory back after that crook Stephano Dimera stole it (yes, totally serious story line)?
Tomorrow I plan to clean as much as I feel like I can and then my friend Jen, whose husband is in Moab with Travis, is coming up for a girls night. She has been telling me all about the series "North and South" for months and how I HAVE to watch it. Jen knows how much I LOVE "Pride and Prejudice" and she tells me she knows I will love this as well. It is going to be AWESOME. She got a babysitter and has decided to just do what she wants for the whole night. I am really looking forward to it.
So...Early to Bed, Early to Rise...I just sent Travis a text to let him know I intend to sleep on my back ALL night so I can snore to my hearts content!!! Super sweet dreams ahead...
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "The best things in life are unexpected - because there were no expectations" Eli Khamarov
So, when I was at my pity party yesterday I did not write that Travis was leaving town to go to Moab w/his boys to ride his mountain bike. This trip was planned a month ago and Travis offered to stay home and 'poor baby' me all weekend...can you imagine how guilty I would have felt? I said NO WAY. So he went and I am so glad since he seems to be having a great time and now I am doing just fine.
I am really looking forward to tomorrow and may even go to bed early tonight instead of staying up reading or watching design shows or Days or Our Lives. Yes, I am pathetic and still keep track of Sami Brady's mishaps - but I have to find out what is going to happen to Rafe...Will he ever get his memory back after that crook Stephano Dimera stole it (yes, totally serious story line)?
Tomorrow I plan to clean as much as I feel like I can and then my friend Jen, whose husband is in Moab with Travis, is coming up for a girls night. She has been telling me all about the series "North and South" for months and how I HAVE to watch it. Jen knows how much I LOVE "Pride and Prejudice" and she tells me she knows I will love this as well. It is going to be AWESOME. She got a babysitter and has decided to just do what she wants for the whole night. I am really looking forward to it.
So...Early to Bed, Early to Rise...I just sent Travis a text to let him know I intend to sleep on my back ALL night so I can snore to my hearts content!!! Super sweet dreams ahead...
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "The best things in life are unexpected - because there were no expectations" Eli Khamarov
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Day #174 - What?? Pleurisy?
So, I had to leave work yesterday and go to the Doctor because my back hurt so bad I couldn't event extend my arm by the time noon hit. I would be on the phone and get such a stabbing pain that I couldn't talk and once even forgot who I was talking to. Not very effective use of time. I started almost crying like 5 times - the awesome mouth deformation and whimper thing (so embarrassing) - and could barely make it to my car.
I was able (barely) to provide a urine sample at the Dr.'s office and it came out clean - this was the worst news I think I have ever received. I was banking on a Kidney Infection so I could expect almost immediate treatment and a promise of relief and I could not believe this pain was just a normal muscle tweak. Well, after conversation and probing, it turns out I have Pleurisy - when the lining around the lungs gets inflamed. My Doctor told me she thinks it was brought on by the Bronchitis I just got over as that is when she usually sees it come up for patients. The bad news is the only thing I can really do about it is take a mega anti-inflammatory. I got a shot yesterday and a prescription for some extra strength pills to take over the next few weeks. That's all I can do - oh, and lay around on a heating pad all day.
I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!!! And I don't have a choice. I am sitting here typing and it is very uncomfortable, although a thousand times better then yesterday, the only position that doesn't hurt is laying flat. I have a zillion things to do at work and I can't believe this is happening. I want to go in for a while, but I don't know that it would be worth it. I keep telling myself if I just take ONE day, tomorrow I can be more effective. I think that is what I have to do.
Once again I am reminded not to take a healthy body for granted. I am reminded to have compassion for those with pain I don't understand. I think of my Dad and how frustrating his hip pain is for him. I think of Travis and those many months he had lower back pain and how it was necessary for me to bite my tongue when I wanted to tell him to get over it. I think of my own lower back pain that shows up now and then and how grateful I am that it is not worse then a slight discomfort. I think of the people that have debilitating back pain and cannot sit, or type, or move and I get it now. I hope this inflammation gets to a manageable pain threshold today and I hope I remember how great it feels to be healthy when I am healthy again.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." William Arthur Ward
I was able (barely) to provide a urine sample at the Dr.'s office and it came out clean - this was the worst news I think I have ever received. I was banking on a Kidney Infection so I could expect almost immediate treatment and a promise of relief and I could not believe this pain was just a normal muscle tweak. Well, after conversation and probing, it turns out I have Pleurisy - when the lining around the lungs gets inflamed. My Doctor told me she thinks it was brought on by the Bronchitis I just got over as that is when she usually sees it come up for patients. The bad news is the only thing I can really do about it is take a mega anti-inflammatory. I got a shot yesterday and a prescription for some extra strength pills to take over the next few weeks. That's all I can do - oh, and lay around on a heating pad all day.
I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!!! And I don't have a choice. I am sitting here typing and it is very uncomfortable, although a thousand times better then yesterday, the only position that doesn't hurt is laying flat. I have a zillion things to do at work and I can't believe this is happening. I want to go in for a while, but I don't know that it would be worth it. I keep telling myself if I just take ONE day, tomorrow I can be more effective. I think that is what I have to do.
Once again I am reminded not to take a healthy body for granted. I am reminded to have compassion for those with pain I don't understand. I think of my Dad and how frustrating his hip pain is for him. I think of Travis and those many months he had lower back pain and how it was necessary for me to bite my tongue when I wanted to tell him to get over it. I think of my own lower back pain that shows up now and then and how grateful I am that it is not worse then a slight discomfort. I think of the people that have debilitating back pain and cannot sit, or type, or move and I get it now. I hope this inflammation gets to a manageable pain threshold today and I hope I remember how great it feels to be healthy when I am healthy again.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." William Arthur Ward
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Day #173 - Team Work
I think in the past I may have mentioned my low...make that my NON-EXISTENT threshold for pain or physical discomfort of any kind. Well, this week I have developed middle back pain, which combined with cramps and hell week at work, has made me seriously irritable.
Sheryle refused to take me seriously and just kept telling me to watch myself or she would find a way to power wash my face with one of those mega squirt guns. I didn't think that was very nice...maybe hilarious, but NOT nice. She didn't even give me a "poor baby" which I was sort of expecting. I think she finally got sympathetic when I asked her what a kidney infection feels like. I don't truly think I have one, but it is a different kind of back ache then I normally get...Sympathy yet??
When I got home from work (late again) Travis pulled the flank steak he had been marinating all day out of the fridge - we worked together to saute' onions, peppers & mushrooms while the steak broiled and then made sandwiches for dinner. It was GOOD.
I think I often give Trav a hard time when he bumps around me in the kitchen, but tonight it really felt like a team effort to me. We didn't get mad at each other, we didn't tell each other how to cut the onions or how not to use onions, we just made dinner, ate it and cleaned it up together. It felt good and I was so happy to be home.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "We awaken in others the same attitude of mind we hold toward them" Elbert Hubbard
Sheryle refused to take me seriously and just kept telling me to watch myself or she would find a way to power wash my face with one of those mega squirt guns. I didn't think that was very nice...maybe hilarious, but NOT nice. She didn't even give me a "poor baby" which I was sort of expecting. I think she finally got sympathetic when I asked her what a kidney infection feels like. I don't truly think I have one, but it is a different kind of back ache then I normally get...Sympathy yet??
When I got home from work (late again) Travis pulled the flank steak he had been marinating all day out of the fridge - we worked together to saute' onions, peppers & mushrooms while the steak broiled and then made sandwiches for dinner. It was GOOD.
I think I often give Trav a hard time when he bumps around me in the kitchen, but tonight it really felt like a team effort to me. We didn't get mad at each other, we didn't tell each other how to cut the onions or how not to use onions, we just made dinner, ate it and cleaned it up together. It felt good and I was so happy to be home.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "We awaken in others the same attitude of mind we hold toward them" Elbert Hubbard
Monday, April 11, 2011
Day #172 - Funny Quotes
My boss at work has been sending out a Quote to the team every Monday for probably a year or so. He pulls them from this book of quotes he has on his desk and I think he started to run out and thought we should all take a month to share our own quotes with each other.
Well, you know how I love quotes since I find one every day to put on my blog, but just after he gave us this assignment I started taking notes of funny things my co-workers have been saying and this month it is my turn to share...here are my two so far...
My Boss made a comment today that I must really like to make fun of people...only if they deserve it. NO, I didn't say that, but these two are like the class clowns of the group and I am happy to pass on their gems of wisdom and inspiration. It made me chuckle when they said it the first time and I chuckled long and hard again when I shared them with the others.
I know I am getting a pretty big kick out of myself, but it was funny...I swear!! Now I need to get some good quotes from my other teammates...hmmmm.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Love is like a booger, you keep picking at it until you get it and then you wonder what to do with it."
Well, you know how I love quotes since I find one every day to put on my blog, but just after he gave us this assignment I started taking notes of funny things my co-workers have been saying and this month it is my turn to share...here are my two so far...
"I am already motivated enough"
&
"You can be horrible at something and still achieve greatness"
My Boss made a comment today that I must really like to make fun of people...only if they deserve it. NO, I didn't say that, but these two are like the class clowns of the group and I am happy to pass on their gems of wisdom and inspiration. It made me chuckle when they said it the first time and I chuckled long and hard again when I shared them with the others.
I know I am getting a pretty big kick out of myself, but it was funny...I swear!! Now I need to get some good quotes from my other teammates...hmmmm.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Love is like a booger, you keep picking at it until you get it and then you wonder what to do with it."
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Day #171 - The Rents New House
Mom and Dad are starting to settle into their new home. I promised my sister I would post a few photos since she isn't here. I told Mom I would only keep them up for a day or so since it was still a mess and they are working to get moved in still, but here is a general idea of the house:
I know we are all glad everything has been moved up from American Fork and they can finally get settled again.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Don't be frightened of new ideas. Be frightened of the old ones." John Cage
Exterior:
Dad's hard scape and the third garage in back -
or Dad's "Man Cave"
or Dad's "Man Cave"
I think this is a lovely door, but Mom hates that people can see in so easily.
She put up a curtain that she closes at night -
right now it is just a sheet nailed to the wall,
right now it is just a sheet nailed to the wall,
but I think she intends to put a more permanent one up there.
Master Bedroom - This is one room that is really put together so far.
It looks really cute and is def. bigger then their old Master.
Sitting area in the Master (M - See how this chair looks like your new chair?)
Too bad the photo turned out so dark with the back light.
Too bad the photo turned out so dark with the back light.
Master Bath
Dad's office - when all the pictures get up - it is going to be a pretty cool retreat.
Kitchen
Keri - determined to make Seerie strike a pose
Family room - starting to get put together, but there was stuff all over the place
I know we are all glad everything has been moved up from American Fork and they can finally get settled again.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Don't be frightened of new ideas. Be frightened of the old ones." John Cage
Day #170 - M-I-L
M-I-L (Mother-In-Law)...It was Joleen's Birthday on Friday and Travis, Eric (T's Brother), Austin (T's Nephew) and I (T's Wife) took Joleen (T's Mother) to lunch on Saturday to celebrate her Birthday. We went to the Brick Oven in Layton where we proceeded to pig out on Pizza, Pasta and Salad.
I am happy to say I think she liked the shirt we got for her. It is a lime green light weight jacket shirt. I got the shirt from Chico's at the Park City Outlet. WOW - they have some fun bright colors in their store. The one weird thing was their sizing - 0, 1,2,3 - UH...Which one is Medium? I thought probably a 2 and I asked a lady in the store who obviously shops there for herself and had picked up a shirt, so I asked her how it worked. She looked down at me and said, "Maybe you should ask someone who works here" - OOOOOOOKKKKKKKay...The lady wasn't necessarily rude, but I knew she was irritated that I had bothered her. That hasn't happened to me for a long time - I was pretty taken a-back by it. Now that I think on it again I am probably just projecting my own "stuff" onto that poor unsuspecting woman...There is no way I can really know what she was thinking, is there?
Anyway, I did finally run into one of the store clerks while I was looking around and she informed me 1 is a small medium and 2 is a large medium. I have to wonder if they are just trying to make all the women feel smaller by numbering their sizes so different then the rest of the world or what? Well, Joleen can now say she has a size "1" hanging in her closet.
I have to say a word about Joleen. There is that dooms-day stereotype out there about Mother's-in-law who are terrible, bossy, interfering, difficult to be with, etc. I have been truly blessed to have Joleen as mine. She has never made me feel belittled or bad about myself and has built me up over the years. She is traditional elegance. What do I mean by that? She is polite and polished - she uses separate salad bowls for jello at dinner - she makes cakes decorated like the flag on the 4th of July (yes I remember that one) - her home is always clean and welcoming - she laughs a lot, but never AT someone - She always remembers Birthdays; I've forgotten hers twice over the last 16 years and never felt like she held it against me or Travis, although I am sure it hurt her feelings and now I always panic at least 3 times in the week before her Birthday (TRAVIS...WHAT DAY IS IT? The 3rd? Schwew!) - She never throws tantrums (that would be weird) and she is always positive in manner and speech, even when she is feeling stubborn.
I think I realized very recently that she is not interfering, not because she doesn't want to know, but because she prefers for us to share with her what we want her to know. Joleen never talks about anything negative going on with the other kids in the family - she only tells us about the good things that are happening. It took me a long time to get the hang of that in the Barker family because my family is so much "up in your business" that we all seem to know what is going on in everyone's personal life. I don't think one way is better or worse then the other, just different...
The other thing I really admire about Joleen is her ambitious use of time. She works weekly at the Daughter of Utah Pioneers Museum, she travels for conventions through the museum, she is involved in the rodeo Days of 47, she works weekly at the Temple and of course is very involved in her Church callings, etc. Travis and I are very proud of her accomplishments and admire her for getting so involved in the things that matter the most to her.
I love you Joleen - Thank you for your support and love over the years - it has meant so much to me.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly." ~Ambrose Bierce - I thought this was cute...HB
I am happy to say I think she liked the shirt we got for her. It is a lime green light weight jacket shirt. I got the shirt from Chico's at the Park City Outlet. WOW - they have some fun bright colors in their store. The one weird thing was their sizing - 0, 1,2,3 - UH...Which one is Medium? I thought probably a 2 and I asked a lady in the store who obviously shops there for herself and had picked up a shirt, so I asked her how it worked. She looked down at me and said, "Maybe you should ask someone who works here" - OOOOOOOKKKKKKKay...The lady wasn't necessarily rude, but I knew she was irritated that I had bothered her. That hasn't happened to me for a long time - I was pretty taken a-back by it. Now that I think on it again I am probably just projecting my own "stuff" onto that poor unsuspecting woman...There is no way I can really know what she was thinking, is there?
Anyway, I did finally run into one of the store clerks while I was looking around and she informed me 1 is a small medium and 2 is a large medium. I have to wonder if they are just trying to make all the women feel smaller by numbering their sizes so different then the rest of the world or what? Well, Joleen can now say she has a size "1" hanging in her closet.
I have to say a word about Joleen. There is that dooms-day stereotype out there about Mother's-in-law who are terrible, bossy, interfering, difficult to be with, etc. I have been truly blessed to have Joleen as mine. She has never made me feel belittled or bad about myself and has built me up over the years. She is traditional elegance. What do I mean by that? She is polite and polished - she uses separate salad bowls for jello at dinner - she makes cakes decorated like the flag on the 4th of July (yes I remember that one) - her home is always clean and welcoming - she laughs a lot, but never AT someone - She always remembers Birthdays; I've forgotten hers twice over the last 16 years and never felt like she held it against me or Travis, although I am sure it hurt her feelings and now I always panic at least 3 times in the week before her Birthday (TRAVIS...WHAT DAY IS IT? The 3rd? Schwew!) - She never throws tantrums (that would be weird) and she is always positive in manner and speech, even when she is feeling stubborn.
I think I realized very recently that she is not interfering, not because she doesn't want to know, but because she prefers for us to share with her what we want her to know. Joleen never talks about anything negative going on with the other kids in the family - she only tells us about the good things that are happening. It took me a long time to get the hang of that in the Barker family because my family is so much "up in your business" that we all seem to know what is going on in everyone's personal life. I don't think one way is better or worse then the other, just different...
The other thing I really admire about Joleen is her ambitious use of time. She works weekly at the Daughter of Utah Pioneers Museum, she travels for conventions through the museum, she is involved in the rodeo Days of 47, she works weekly at the Temple and of course is very involved in her Church callings, etc. Travis and I are very proud of her accomplishments and admire her for getting so involved in the things that matter the most to her.
I love you Joleen - Thank you for your support and love over the years - it has meant so much to me.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly." ~Ambrose Bierce - I thought this was cute...HB
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Day #169 - Making the Time
I received a call from my old High School Pal Amy Pascoe tonight. She had called me on my Birthday and we played some phone tag and tonight she called on her way home from work - It was 10 p.m. here so that means it was midnight there. I know she was tired, but I REALLY appreciated her making the time to call me even though she is SUPER busy these days.
I actually have this deck of cards that holds a warm thought on each card and, when I remember, I try to pull a card each day and hang it on my wall to reflect on the message while I work. These cards are a lot like fortune cookies - the sayings apply to everyone, but it is amazing how I can use the message to create a better more positive experience during the day.
Last week I pulled a card that said something like "friends nurture the soul as food nurtures the body" I am sure I butchered it, but the card suggested being mindful of past friendships and knowing the importance of nurturing those relationships. I thought of Amy when I read that - and that is the day I returned her Birthday call.
I am so proud of Amy. She is a mere 4 months away from getting her Nursing Degree (RN) and is already working in her field. This is the girl that skipped class and slept during the day in high school and now she is taking serious tests and working the hospital ER like she's George Clooney's assistant!! SWEET!! Amy truly has a natural ability to make people feel comfortable around her - I know she will rock a career in the Health Field. I hope she smiles when I say "I always knew you would"!!!
Thanks for making the time to give an old friend a call...
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "We all are born ignorant, but we must work hard to remain stupid" Benjamin Franklin
I actually have this deck of cards that holds a warm thought on each card and, when I remember, I try to pull a card each day and hang it on my wall to reflect on the message while I work. These cards are a lot like fortune cookies - the sayings apply to everyone, but it is amazing how I can use the message to create a better more positive experience during the day.
Last week I pulled a card that said something like "friends nurture the soul as food nurtures the body" I am sure I butchered it, but the card suggested being mindful of past friendships and knowing the importance of nurturing those relationships. I thought of Amy when I read that - and that is the day I returned her Birthday call.
I am so proud of Amy. She is a mere 4 months away from getting her Nursing Degree (RN) and is already working in her field. This is the girl that skipped class and slept during the day in high school and now she is taking serious tests and working the hospital ER like she's George Clooney's assistant!! SWEET!! Amy truly has a natural ability to make people feel comfortable around her - I know she will rock a career in the Health Field. I hope she smiles when I say "I always knew you would"!!!
Thanks for making the time to give an old friend a call...
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "We all are born ignorant, but we must work hard to remain stupid" Benjamin Franklin
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Day #168 - Bartholomew's Bridge
This is one funny dog. I can tell tons of stories about him, but tonight I will just tell the story of the crossing.
As you know we have received more then our share of snow this fine winter. The crazy part is not only the snow we get on the ground in storms of 3 feet each, but the snow that falls off the roof as well creating these HUGE snow drifts along the road, the walk way into the house AND unfortunately the area where Bart does his daily business in the back yard off the back deck. The snow is so tall that Bart now goes UP the stairs that Travis lovingly shoveled for him instead of down the stairs to go potty.
Well, it occurred to us not long ago that it wouldn't be hard for Bart to jump over the 5 foot fence in the back yard since the snow was so high it almost covered it up, but Bart never seemed interested in crossing over...until now. Now, the snow has piled up so high he can just walk right across from the back yard to the front. I went out with him the other day and saw him working his way toward the front of the house, so I ran inside and out the front door and caught him in the act...
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in Harmony" Muhandas Gandhi
As you know we have received more then our share of snow this fine winter. The crazy part is not only the snow we get on the ground in storms of 3 feet each, but the snow that falls off the roof as well creating these HUGE snow drifts along the road, the walk way into the house AND unfortunately the area where Bart does his daily business in the back yard off the back deck. The snow is so tall that Bart now goes UP the stairs that Travis lovingly shoveled for him instead of down the stairs to go potty.
Well, it occurred to us not long ago that it wouldn't be hard for Bart to jump over the 5 foot fence in the back yard since the snow was so high it almost covered it up, but Bart never seemed interested in crossing over...until now. Now, the snow has piled up so high he can just walk right across from the back yard to the front. I went out with him the other day and saw him working his way toward the front of the house, so I ran inside and out the front door and caught him in the act...
Bart actually coming back over the bridge into the back yard:
Bart making his way to the front of the house from the side yard:
Bart smiling for the camera in the front yard:
Bart making his way back from the front yard:
Sneaky Bart:
That little stinker - Now I have to go out with him at night just in case he gets any bright ideas about striking out on his own or chasing a racoon or something. Melt snow MELT!!
Here is one of my favorite pictures of Bart - I wrote about this picture in an earlier post and found it recently...Moments like this bring Bart a great deal of joy.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in Harmony" Muhandas Gandhi
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Day #167 - Soap Suds
I think the first time I really heard of "foaming soup" was at a pampered chef party. It was a way to make your hand soap last for an eternity. I did not choose to invest in the foaming soap container at that party and purchased a much more expensive pizza stone that I have probably managed to use less then 10 times over the last 10 years instead.
A year or two back my Mother-in-law, Joleen, gave her daughter's-in-law a Mothers Day gift of foaming hand soap from Bath and Body Works. She is always very thoughtful that way and makes sure we all get honored for being women on that special day. Well, Trav and I loved the soap so much we went out and bought a hole slew of the stuff for use in our kitchen and all the baths. I ran out a few weeks ago and just picked up some regular hand soap at the store and couldn't stand it, so I went out the other day and got a new stash of soap...
The following photos in no way represent a soap shrine; I am just trying to make a sweet display for my 3 readers to enjoy...:)
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Reality is ONLY seen when the mirror is clean"
A year or two back my Mother-in-law, Joleen, gave her daughter's-in-law a Mothers Day gift of foaming hand soap from Bath and Body Works. She is always very thoughtful that way and makes sure we all get honored for being women on that special day. Well, Trav and I loved the soap so much we went out and bought a hole slew of the stuff for use in our kitchen and all the baths. I ran out a few weeks ago and just picked up some regular hand soap at the store and couldn't stand it, so I went out the other day and got a new stash of soap...
The following photos in no way represent a soap shrine; I am just trying to make a sweet display for my 3 readers to enjoy...:)
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Reality is ONLY seen when the mirror is clean"
Monday, April 4, 2011
Day #166 - First to Worst
This is sort of a random post - BUT when you are on the 166th thing you are grateful for and your brain is fried from work and you are tired, but don't want to go to sleep (I'll just have to get up again and start all over with the new busy day) then you might need to pick something random to be grateful for...
"FIRST" - I love being first on just about anything, but I have a special thrill (maybe a strong word) reserved for the first use of the office toilet in stall #2 - is it weird that I have a stall preference? I actually feel like doing a head jig (ya know like - 'ha, ha, ha...I'm first') when I see the toilet seat up in the morning, which indicates the janitors had cleaned it the night before and no one has used it yet. SWEET - no messin' around with that paper napkin seat cover - I mostly don't bother with that anyway, but at least I don't THINK about not using it...Don't worry, I still wash my hands...:)
"TO"
"WORST" - Did I just blog about the office toilet?? Sigh...
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky." Rabindranath Tagore
"FIRST" - I love being first on just about anything, but I have a special thrill (maybe a strong word) reserved for the first use of the office toilet in stall #2 - is it weird that I have a stall preference? I actually feel like doing a head jig (ya know like - 'ha, ha, ha...I'm first') when I see the toilet seat up in the morning, which indicates the janitors had cleaned it the night before and no one has used it yet. SWEET - no messin' around with that paper napkin seat cover - I mostly don't bother with that anyway, but at least I don't THINK about not using it...Don't worry, I still wash my hands...:)
"TO"
"WORST" - Did I just blog about the office toilet?? Sigh...
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky." Rabindranath Tagore
Friday, April 1, 2011
Day #165 - IPOD
I just sat down to begin downloading music to my new Ipod that Trav was kind enough to pick up for me this afternoon. The battery in my old one died and the apple store replaced my old one for the cost of a new battery, which they say is $60. This is a huge savings over buying a new, smaller version that won't hold as much music, so I am pretty stoked.
I never spent much time with the other one and I am hoping this will be a new beginning for the Ipod and me. I am very excited to explore all my music options and make "exercise time" my music time so "drive time" can still be book on tape (CD) time. Very exciting.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
I never spent much time with the other one and I am hoping this will be a new beginning for the Ipod and me. I am very excited to explore all my music options and make "exercise time" my music time so "drive time" can still be book on tape (CD) time. Very exciting.
I Am Grateful,
HB
Diva Quote: "Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
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