I slept in till 7:30 this morning. Spent an hour on the phone with my friend Steve, talking about absolutely nothing. Did some laundry, took a nap and now it's time to fix dinner.
Not that I worked that hard this past week, but I just seemed tired and glad to see the two day hiatus. The high pollen count could have something to do with my being tired. Lethargy is a big complaint I have at allergy time. It tends to knock me out.
My dear friend David had a needle biopsy done on his liver this past week. Of course, there are no results yet. Two weeks ago they took 8 vials of blood for testing, and they were all inconclusive. The doctor said there is something wrong, they just don't know what it is yet. He is worried and so am I. His GP asked him to try to lose some weight and he is down 30 lbs. He says whatever it is, he has no energy and seems to be always tired. I pray it's only a malfunction of something with nothing more seriously wrong.
My cholesterol is back up. I quit taking my Zocor to see exactly what would happen. In 3 weeks, it has risen to 200. But in all honesty, this past week I ate everything that was not nailed down. I did not practice my program and picked up 3 un-needed pounds. We had a luncheon at work for a co-worker who is leaving. There was just too much food, as their always is. I ate a little bit of everything that I wasn't supposed to. I had chicken, french fries, mac and cheese, the cheesy potatoes I made, a ham and cheese sammy on a croissant, pizza, chips, salsa and dessert three times. I didn't eat dinner that evening and if I remember correctly, I only had coffee for b'fast the next day. And then there were the left overs. I can see why my cholesterol is up. So for the next 7 days, I am practicing my program and watching very carefully what I put into my body. So far for today, I have taken in only 9mg cholesterol. I'll take in about 70 for dinner because I'm having a grilled pork chop. Next Friday I'll take another cholesterol test to see where I am and if I'm still up, I'll go back on the Zocor (I have a 35 day supply) and start searching for another doctor.
The weather was supposed to be very warm and sunny today, but we have overcast skies and maybe 68 degrees. Tomorrow should be nicer. I'll go to Floris for the 8:00 service, do a little shopping for (cholesterol free) groceries and enjoy the rest of the day.
Monday, my boss will be back in the office. I don't mind him at all. So far, he is very easy. He gives me a task and leaves me alone. I like that.
Nothing more is new, dear reader.
God bless you all.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
I May Have To Eat My Words.....
I went to Floris Methodist this morning for the 8:00AM service. The senior pastor, Tom Berlin was in Africa participating in their mission CRC, Child Rescue Center in Bo, Sierra Leone. Pastor Barbara Miner did the service and preached the sermon.
Now I've got to say, this has been a very bad week for us, here in Virginia. It seems as though there are many students and alumni of Virginia Tech in the congregation. She asked for students and parents to stand, then for alumni, then those who have friends at VT and then those who prayed for those killed, wounded and their families. It was everyone in attendance.
Her message was clear. God knows of our suffering. We are his children. We are Easter people. She did a wonderful job. She was personal yet not offensive. I listened to her speak. Her words were comforting and knowledgeable. She held my attention. She made me feel comfortable being there and I felt at home. I'll go back again - even on another Sunday when she preaches. I just might like her.
I'll go back next week.
God bless you all.
Now I've got to say, this has been a very bad week for us, here in Virginia. It seems as though there are many students and alumni of Virginia Tech in the congregation. She asked for students and parents to stand, then for alumni, then those who have friends at VT and then those who prayed for those killed, wounded and their families. It was everyone in attendance.
Her message was clear. God knows of our suffering. We are his children. We are Easter people. She did a wonderful job. She was personal yet not offensive. I listened to her speak. Her words were comforting and knowledgeable. She held my attention. She made me feel comfortable being there and I felt at home. I'll go back again - even on another Sunday when she preaches. I just might like her.
I'll go back next week.
God bless you all.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Samba rhythms......... :o)
Leave it to me. If there's Brazilian music out there - I'm gonna find it.
In order to utilize my iPod, I was required to load iTunes on my computer. At first I was a little hesitant, but as I've learned to use the website I don't mind it at all.
I noticed a button that said 'Radio' so I pushed it and scrolled through all the different types of music offered. And of course I found it. Radio Brasil.....I let it play for awhile and then I noticed it was coming through iTunes from its own website. I shut down iTunes and found the website and it's great. It's like XM radio on AOL but it's broadcast from Brasil. I am familiar with most of the songs, but I am being introduced to the new Brazilian sound and it's not bad at all.
Oh be still my Samba-ing heart. I LOVE IT!!!
In order to utilize my iPod, I was required to load iTunes on my computer. At first I was a little hesitant, but as I've learned to use the website I don't mind it at all.
I noticed a button that said 'Radio' so I pushed it and scrolled through all the different types of music offered. And of course I found it. Radio Brasil.....I let it play for awhile and then I noticed it was coming through iTunes from its own website. I shut down iTunes and found the website and it's great. It's like XM radio on AOL but it's broadcast from Brasil. I am familiar with most of the songs, but I am being introduced to the new Brazilian sound and it's not bad at all.
Oh be still my Samba-ing heart. I LOVE IT!!!
A very sad week
I can't begin to express the sadness and anger I feel over the events of this past week. I am sad for the people killed by the Korean student and their families trying to understand it all. I am angry at the media, once again, for the overkill they create in an awful time such as this.
I feel sadness for the shooter, who obviously had problems that went untreated. His unhappiness and torment must have been awful. (Will he have peace in death? Will he earn a place with God because of his illness?)
I feel very sad for his family, who came to this country for a better life. Hard working people trying to raise their kids and live a quiet life. They too have lost a loved one in all of this but the acts have bestowed them with shame and guilt and in the Asian culture, dishonor. They live in Centreville, just a short way from my own home. Several of those killed went to the high school that is only two miles away. Once again this quiet community grieves.
And now I come to my anger. The media is relentless with its pursuit. The same pictures and interviews have been rebroadcast over and over again. What is it about seeing people in grief sobbing with tears streaming down their faces? This isn't news!!!
They have dogged the neighborhood in which the shooter's family lives. They have made it necessary for the homeowner's association to forbid cars other than residents' to enter the streets surrounding the quiet townhome. They continue to show pictures of the front of an empty house. This isn't news!!!
It was necessary for me to drive to the UPS depot, which took me past the high school. TV satellite trucks with telescoping antennae on their tops, several groups of 8 or more reporters crowded both sides of the street, photographers with cameras draped around their necks cavalierly strolling across the street forcing all traffic to come to a halt, almost daring them not to stop. This is news???? The high school, through the local police district, placed the building off limits to the press and tv stations. It was turning into a circus.
I know this was a hugh news story, but respect for the dead and the families, on both sides of things, is necessary. I hate to see what's going to happen once they start to have funerals.
My heart is so heavy. All of those lives stopped so quickly. God bless them all.
(An as an afterthough, we had another layoff at work this week. Twenty five of my coworkers are now unemployed. As I receive their field materials in the next week or two, I'll be saying goodbye to some very dear friends. This is sad for me too.)
I feel sadness for the shooter, who obviously had problems that went untreated. His unhappiness and torment must have been awful. (Will he have peace in death? Will he earn a place with God because of his illness?)
I feel very sad for his family, who came to this country for a better life. Hard working people trying to raise their kids and live a quiet life. They too have lost a loved one in all of this but the acts have bestowed them with shame and guilt and in the Asian culture, dishonor. They live in Centreville, just a short way from my own home. Several of those killed went to the high school that is only two miles away. Once again this quiet community grieves.
And now I come to my anger. The media is relentless with its pursuit. The same pictures and interviews have been rebroadcast over and over again. What is it about seeing people in grief sobbing with tears streaming down their faces? This isn't news!!!
They have dogged the neighborhood in which the shooter's family lives. They have made it necessary for the homeowner's association to forbid cars other than residents' to enter the streets surrounding the quiet townhome. They continue to show pictures of the front of an empty house. This isn't news!!!
It was necessary for me to drive to the UPS depot, which took me past the high school. TV satellite trucks with telescoping antennae on their tops, several groups of 8 or more reporters crowded both sides of the street, photographers with cameras draped around their necks cavalierly strolling across the street forcing all traffic to come to a halt, almost daring them not to stop. This is news???? The high school, through the local police district, placed the building off limits to the press and tv stations. It was turning into a circus.
I know this was a hugh news story, but respect for the dead and the families, on both sides of things, is necessary. I hate to see what's going to happen once they start to have funerals.
My heart is so heavy. All of those lives stopped so quickly. God bless them all.
(An as an afterthough, we had another layoff at work this week. Twenty five of my coworkers are now unemployed. As I receive their field materials in the next week or two, I'll be saying goodbye to some very dear friends. This is sad for me too.)
Sunday, April 15, 2007
A new church - maybe??
This morning I went to Floris Methodist church. I had been to this church before many years ago. In fact it was one of the first churches I attended when I moved here. They are in a new building and it really reminds me of Centreville Methodist. Same type architecture.
I was a little disappointed when I saw that this assisting Associate Pastor was a woman. I know there is another Associate that is male. But she was a, shall I say, seasoned woman. Not a recent college grad. I was impressed with her off-the-cuff morning prayer. It was not read from a script. I found that genuine. I have to spend more time there before I can say whether I like her, but I didn't DISLIKE her.
I had heard the Senior Pastor preach before and had found him ok. But today, there was something about him and his message that spoke to my heart. The sermon was about New Beginnings. Made me wonder....... I enjoyed listening to him because he did not use a script. The only time her reverted to notes was when he was quoting C. S. Lewis and scripture from Revelations. The balance of the sermon was also off-the-cuff and I felt it was well done.
I will go back there again. I felt comfortable.
God bless you all.
I was a little disappointed when I saw that this assisting Associate Pastor was a woman. I know there is another Associate that is male. But she was a, shall I say, seasoned woman. Not a recent college grad. I was impressed with her off-the-cuff morning prayer. It was not read from a script. I found that genuine. I have to spend more time there before I can say whether I like her, but I didn't DISLIKE her.
I had heard the Senior Pastor preach before and had found him ok. But today, there was something about him and his message that spoke to my heart. The sermon was about New Beginnings. Made me wonder....... I enjoyed listening to him because he did not use a script. The only time her reverted to notes was when he was quoting C. S. Lewis and scripture from Revelations. The balance of the sermon was also off-the-cuff and I felt it was well done.
I will go back there again. I felt comfortable.
God bless you all.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Spring/Winter/Spring
Mother Nature can't seem to make up her mind. Two weeks ago we had 80 degree temperatures that were short lived. This weekend they are predicting the possibility of a Nor' Easter. Heavy rains that may turn to snow and 40MPH winds. Mama Nature, you can have it.
This past week I had the 'Company Sniffles' once again. I don't think I had the flu. I had the shot so if I did have the flu, it was a scaled down version. I came home from the office Tuesday around 1:00 and slept the afternoon away. I had a subnormal temperature which can indicate the presence of a virus. I just couldn't get warm. While still at work I was wearing two sweaters, a leather jacket and a little heater next to me, and I was still shivering. I shivered well into the afternoon. I stayed home on Wednesday and rested. Thursday I did feel a bit better and had no fever so I returned to work. I still felt lousy and today I am still under the weather, but not as bad as Tuesday and Wednesday. I wish and hope for the real Spring.
Things are progressing slowly at the office. It's just the three of us - Jerry, who is the Program Manager, Godfrey, who is the Field Chief and me - the Administrative Coordinator. A fancy name for a clerk. I would like it if the guys would give me a little bit more to do. I know I'll be biting my tongue soon, but looking at the wall can get boring.
Not much else going on. I am going to try to go to a different church on Sunday. I HAVE TO DO IT. I miss church too much to stay away. I just don't like Centreville anymore. I'm going to try a different Methodist church nearby. I had visited it in the past and liked it. I really can't recall why I didn't go back. I hope I like it again.
God bless you all.
This past week I had the 'Company Sniffles' once again. I don't think I had the flu. I had the shot so if I did have the flu, it was a scaled down version. I came home from the office Tuesday around 1:00 and slept the afternoon away. I had a subnormal temperature which can indicate the presence of a virus. I just couldn't get warm. While still at work I was wearing two sweaters, a leather jacket and a little heater next to me, and I was still shivering. I shivered well into the afternoon. I stayed home on Wednesday and rested. Thursday I did feel a bit better and had no fever so I returned to work. I still felt lousy and today I am still under the weather, but not as bad as Tuesday and Wednesday. I wish and hope for the real Spring.
Things are progressing slowly at the office. It's just the three of us - Jerry, who is the Program Manager, Godfrey, who is the Field Chief and me - the Administrative Coordinator. A fancy name for a clerk. I would like it if the guys would give me a little bit more to do. I know I'll be biting my tongue soon, but looking at the wall can get boring.
Not much else going on. I am going to try to go to a different church on Sunday. I HAVE TO DO IT. I miss church too much to stay away. I just don't like Centreville anymore. I'm going to try a different Methodist church nearby. I had visited it in the past and liked it. I really can't recall why I didn't go back. I hope I like it again.
God bless you all.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
A Solution To the Dr. Saga - more or less
I've been struggling with the trip to the Dr. two days ago. I'm not angry at the office girls. Working in an office and with computers the way I do, I honestly understand how my appointment got deleted. That's not a big thing with me. It was his cavalier attitude towards me, telling me I could wait an hour an a half. It bordered on rude. I've not liked him since around the second visit, 16 months ago. At that time he gave me an annual physical, which I had never had in the past and I felt was needed, as well as a stress test and cardiogram, even though there was no indication of heart issues.
Yesterday I bought a at home cholesterol kit. I've used them before and even though they aren't 100% accurate, they can indicate if you're in trouble. A year ago, my cholesterol spiked to 261 and he threw a fit. I was put on 10mg Zocor daily and within 30 days I came down 60 points. That's pretty good, in my estimation. For the next 6 months, he had me visiting him monthly for blood work to check on my cholesterol which came down quickly and maintained normal levels. This whole time I was still taking the medication, that I never really liked taking to begin with. Yesterday, when I did the test and I registered 158. (I know, I'm raving but I had to give background to explain my decision.)
This leads me to believe that with eating more healthy food and a bit more exercise, as well as a 20 lb. weight loss, I am in better shape than I was 16 months ago. My plan is to cancel my appointment and relationship with this doctor. I did get one more prescription for Zocor for 30 days. I think I'll stop taking it, wait two weeks and do another test. If I've spiked, I'll take the meds for one more month and if I have managed to bring it back down, it will prove to ME that I do need the meds, I'll find another doc and continue on my merry way.
I have not been comfortable with this man since he sent me to a dermatologist telling me I had skin cancer on my nose, even though I told him I had it tested and analyzed as a wart and that I have had it for years. I went to the dermatologist and do you want to guess what he said? Right - a wart. My faith in my GP went down the tubes.
I am not apprehensive about this decision. As my friend Donna said, I have to like my doctor or it won't work.
Pray that I am making the right decision.
God bless you all.
Yesterday I bought a at home cholesterol kit. I've used them before and even though they aren't 100% accurate, they can indicate if you're in trouble. A year ago, my cholesterol spiked to 261 and he threw a fit. I was put on 10mg Zocor daily and within 30 days I came down 60 points. That's pretty good, in my estimation. For the next 6 months, he had me visiting him monthly for blood work to check on my cholesterol which came down quickly and maintained normal levels. This whole time I was still taking the medication, that I never really liked taking to begin with. Yesterday, when I did the test and I registered 158. (I know, I'm raving but I had to give background to explain my decision.)
This leads me to believe that with eating more healthy food and a bit more exercise, as well as a 20 lb. weight loss, I am in better shape than I was 16 months ago. My plan is to cancel my appointment and relationship with this doctor. I did get one more prescription for Zocor for 30 days. I think I'll stop taking it, wait two weeks and do another test. If I've spiked, I'll take the meds for one more month and if I have managed to bring it back down, it will prove to ME that I do need the meds, I'll find another doc and continue on my merry way.
I have not been comfortable with this man since he sent me to a dermatologist telling me I had skin cancer on my nose, even though I told him I had it tested and analyzed as a wart and that I have had it for years. I went to the dermatologist and do you want to guess what he said? Right - a wart. My faith in my GP went down the tubes.
I am not apprehensive about this decision. As my friend Donna said, I have to like my doctor or it won't work.
Pray that I am making the right decision.
God bless you all.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Another experience with Dr. Quack
When I tell you what happened today at my appointment for my annual physical, you'll understand why I call him Dr. Quack.
First off, I had to take off work 45 minutes early to make the 3:30 Appt. It had been scheduled for 2 weeks earlier, but I got a call from the nurse saying he was going away and could we reschedule. I said ok and we set the date.
A week later, I got confused as to whether it was Thursday or Friday and called to confirm it. Indeed it was today!!! When I arrived, they looked at me sideways when I told them my name. Somehow the appointment got cancelled in the computer. Now that isn't what tee'd me off. He was standing off to one side, looked at me and said, "Well, I can do it today, but it will have to be at the end of the day." I said "It is the end of the day." He replied that he meant he would take me AFTER everyone else but I'd have to wait maybe 90 minutes. I just looked at him.
I have rescheduled for 2 weeks out, had them call in a prescription which is running low and left. I'm at a point where I am contemplating cancelling the appointment, ending the relationship and finding another doctor. His cavalier attitude and unconcern for me just won't work with me. GGGRRrrrrrrrrrr........... I just don't like him
God bless you all.
First off, I had to take off work 45 minutes early to make the 3:30 Appt. It had been scheduled for 2 weeks earlier, but I got a call from the nurse saying he was going away and could we reschedule. I said ok and we set the date.
A week later, I got confused as to whether it was Thursday or Friday and called to confirm it. Indeed it was today!!! When I arrived, they looked at me sideways when I told them my name. Somehow the appointment got cancelled in the computer. Now that isn't what tee'd me off. He was standing off to one side, looked at me and said, "Well, I can do it today, but it will have to be at the end of the day." I said "It is the end of the day." He replied that he meant he would take me AFTER everyone else but I'd have to wait maybe 90 minutes. I just looked at him.
I have rescheduled for 2 weeks out, had them call in a prescription which is running low and left. I'm at a point where I am contemplating cancelling the appointment, ending the relationship and finding another doctor. His cavalier attitude and unconcern for me just won't work with me. GGGRRrrrrrrrrrr........... I just don't like him
God bless you all.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Gloomy Sunday
Today there isn't going to be much sunshine, if any at all. Of course we need the rain, but rainy days always bring me down.
I've not been in much of a mood these past couple of days and I really can't put my finger on why. Must be hormones or something.
It could be that once again I'm worrying about what kind of life I can afford for myself if I retire. I've always known that I can't stay here, in Northern Virginia, due to the high cost of living. If I want to continue to stay in this house, I'll have to keep on working. I don't know how much longer I can do that. As I grow older, my body is letting me know, it's getting older too. Arthritis is a big contributor. As long as I can stay close to my home and not have a heavy work load, I'll try to work as long as I can. I had been looking at real estate on the internet in the Southern part of the state. There are several places that might be nice.
I have a dear internet friend who lives on the Eastern Maryland Shore and in conversation suggested we get together. I had completely forgotten about Maryland and the lovely town of Easton has always been a favorite for me. I did some surfing and found several lovely places that are right in my price range so I told my friend that we should get together after the Easter Holiday. She can show me the town, where to shop, etc. which will be a great help.
The thought of selling, buying and moving is exhausting. The thought of establishing new relationships is heartbreaking because I have my wonderful family of friends here. I've lived here for 40 years. This is home to me and to leave it will be traumatic.
This is going to be one tough decision.
God bless you all.
I've not been in much of a mood these past couple of days and I really can't put my finger on why. Must be hormones or something.
It could be that once again I'm worrying about what kind of life I can afford for myself if I retire. I've always known that I can't stay here, in Northern Virginia, due to the high cost of living. If I want to continue to stay in this house, I'll have to keep on working. I don't know how much longer I can do that. As I grow older, my body is letting me know, it's getting older too. Arthritis is a big contributor. As long as I can stay close to my home and not have a heavy work load, I'll try to work as long as I can. I had been looking at real estate on the internet in the Southern part of the state. There are several places that might be nice.
I have a dear internet friend who lives on the Eastern Maryland Shore and in conversation suggested we get together. I had completely forgotten about Maryland and the lovely town of Easton has always been a favorite for me. I did some surfing and found several lovely places that are right in my price range so I told my friend that we should get together after the Easter Holiday. She can show me the town, where to shop, etc. which will be a great help.
The thought of selling, buying and moving is exhausting. The thought of establishing new relationships is heartbreaking because I have my wonderful family of friends here. I've lived here for 40 years. This is home to me and to leave it will be traumatic.
This is going to be one tough decision.
God bless you all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)