Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New Year's Resolutions

I find interesting quotes or comments from authors unknown and just keep them. Today while cleaning out last year's clutter I found this. I like it because I can take one "just" at a time to dwell and follow through on. This is called “Just for Today” and the author is unknown.

Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not set far-reaching goals to try to overcome all my problems at once. I know I can do something for 12 hours that would appall me if I felt I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today I will try to be happy. Abraham Lincoln said, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” He was right. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. I will chase them out of my mind and replace them with happy thoughts.

Just for today I will adjust myself to what is. I will face reality. I will try to change those things I can change, and accept those things that I cannot change.

Just for today I will try to improve my mind. I will not be a mental loafer. I will force myself to read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.

Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways. I will do a good deed for somebody—without letting them know it. (If they find out I did it, it won’t count.) I will do at least two things that I know I should do but have been putting off. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.

Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk softly, act courteously and speak ill of no one. Just for today I’ll not try to improve anybody except myself.

Just for today I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it, thereby saving myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.

Just for today I will have a quiet half hour to relax alone. During this time I will reflect on my behavior and I will try to get a better perspective on my life.

Just for today I will be unafraid. I will gather the courage to do what is right and take the responsibility for my own actions. I will expect nothing from the world, but I will realize that as I give to the world, the world will give to me.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

It's my spleen...

Whew...dodged that one! I found out that "The Critter" is just my partially atrophied spleen. This damage was caused by a childhood accident when I was seven. What a relief! I cannot begin to describe how elated I was upon hearing the news.

When my doctor called and told me all I kept saying over and over was "you've made my day." He said he liked my heart felt response since there are more times then not that the news he is calling about isn't good.

I've decided that my spleen will now be called "the good critter." Well on to the next chapter. My hearing has decreased greatly and I am going to need surgery to correct it. I find out next week when that will be. I much rather have the surgery than a hearing aid. Wouldn't you?

Thursday, November 29, 2012

CAT Scan Approved!

It only took ten days for an approval! The appointment is already scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, November 30th at 1:45 p.m. It is a relief to move on to the next step in this journey of mine.

A Deer Sighting in Northampton!

On my way to work this morning, I was given a gift from God. Four deer crossed Rt. 66 (the road we live on, plus it is the route I take to Smith), I slowed down because I've heard that if there is a group of them there usually are more. Three more came over the hill but they were scared by my presence, that they ran into tall grass and I scooted passed them.

I'm so blessed to have see this awesome moment in time! Made my day!!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Dogs in my Life!

Good Morning! This morning’s subject is about the three dogs that own Mary and I. They are Chloe, a Eurasier, Fast Eddie, a Puggle and Chancey, a Scottish Terrier.

The morning routine for them goes like this. When getting them up in the morning, Fast Eddie is a slug and has to be pushed off the bed while the other two cooperate without problems. They all need their collars put on and for the boys harnesses as well. One of us has to chase Fast Eddie through the house to corner him to get his collar and harness on. Then there is getting them out the door and into the car. Fast Eddie must be put on a leash or he takes off and he doesn’t come back in a timely fashion. The other two know to just climb into the car. Then Mary takes them to a park near our home for a 30-minute walk.

Once they come home they might need to be washed off depending on what muck they got into. Fast Eddie and Chloe both love rolling around where there is deer poop! Then once in the house feeding time begins. The whole time it takes me to prepare their breakfast, Fast Eddie is sitting under the kitchen table making a sound that sounds like steam coming out of a radiator because he's anxiously waiting for his meal.

Ok, the food bowls are ready to go down on the floor! Fast Eddie’s goes down first on the kitchen floor. Chancey’s eats in the living and Chloe eats in the guest bedroom. This entire food arrangement is to keep Fast Eddie from eating their food as well, which is another whole story in itself. Meaning I’m running from one area to another to make sure that Fast Eddie behaves himself.

Chancey is now done eating and needs to go out for his after meal jaunt in the front yard. Fast Eddie likes to follow to see if Chancey does a poop. I won’t even begin to tell you what Fast Eddie does with that!

Now it is time for me to get ready for work and I have already spent too much time on the dogs. Oh yes, as I leave the house each dog has to have their individual blankets draped over them and they are each given a treat. I tell them “I’ll see you in a little while” which means I’m returning home at noon time to let them out, give them treats, cover them up again etc. etc. This is just a glimpse into how the two adult are wrapped around the paws of their three dogs!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

"The Critter" Saga Continues

Well, I took a big step today and sent e-mail to my supervisor telling her the situation about the "mass."

Here is what I wrote: "A couple of weeks ago my knee "blew" and I went to the knee doctor. At the time, I was also complaining of sharp back pain. The decision was made to take a x-ray of my spine. Well, a mass was discovered in my stomach cavity. Due to issues with Harvard Pilgrim and Thanksgiving the CAT scan approval has been delayed. Hopefully I can have the CAT scan in the next day or two. As things develop, I will keep you in the loop. I am telling my work-study students what is going on as they might have to cover additional office hours. Ticket sales for the Winter shuttle starts this coming Monday, December 3rd so office coverage is definitely needed. Believe it or not, I am quite calm about this situation. I have faith that this isn't as serious as it sounds."

So folks, the saga of "the critter" continues. I will keep all of you informed as things progress. Cheers!

Monday, November 26, 2012

The Critter

The story continues about the “mass” found in my stomach cavity. Harvard Pilgrim will not approve the CAT scan request if it comes from my orthopedic surgeon’s office. So they are now trying to reach my primary care physician (PCP). I called their office myself and begged for assistance. I know I got that person’s attention when I called the mass “the critter” and she laughed. I also mentioned that I wanted this issue resolved before Christmas since that is my birthday. She gave me reassurance that this would get resolved.

Mary and I’ve finally decided that we are going to Paris over spring break. The Paris trip will be my “carrot” to get through whatever the future holds about what “the critter” really is. Life is what you make it and I want to go to Paris! More later...