tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73674620558633465062024-03-14T00:55:23.934-05:00In My Dreams I Can TalkTrishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.comBlogger880125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-38840772563847705792012-12-31T09:31:00.001-06:002012-12-31T09:31:16.997-06:00Refocusing<span style="font-size: large;">Hi All!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome back. Today it is sort of rainy and chilly so you might want to grab a blanket to bundle up in. These southern houses are built to stay cool in the summer and are pretty lousy at staying warm in the winter. Do you want some extra socks to keep your feet warm?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the past few visits, I have been concerned with pretty much focusing on my and my back story. Yes, I want to tell you about it so that you can avoid some of the pitfalls that I ran into at a full run but, the stories are all about me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Me. Me. Me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes it is so easy to get wrapped up in my own life and my own dramas that I lose sight of what others around me are going through. It is during those times that God finds a way to remind me to refocus and to think of others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, I got just such a reminder from God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My roommate from college (during my Sophomore year) is a wonderful woman named Marcia. She has always been an inspiration to me - from the very first minute we met. Marcia has such an inner strength and an inner peace that you just can't help but notice. She has a positive outlook on life which is anchored in her belief in God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the past several years (it is around four or five years, I think), Marcia has been battling with a very rare and very aggressive form of cancer (whose name I can't remember). She has had multiple surgeries and what seems like endless rounds of chemotherapy. The number of CAT scans and PET scans and x-rays number into the unbelievable as does the number of doctors' visits and consultations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Through all of this fighting, Marcia has kept her sunny disposition and her belief in God. She has had her "down days," certainly, but she never failed to see God's hands at work in her life. Marcia's family - a husband and two teen aged boys- has been very supportive during these years and have worked together to adjust to Marcia's illness even though she has struggled to keep things as close to "normal" in her household as possible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, I read on Marcia's Care Pages Blog that she has stopped fighting and is now focusing on living the rest of her life as happily and as pain-free as possible. She has been admitted into Hospice Care and has had a hospital bed moved into her living room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tears poured down my face as I read about Marcia's decision to stop the battle and to live life to the fullest in the time she has left.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tears poured down my face at the thought of the world losing such a wonderful person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tears poured down my face at the thought of this wonderful person being gone from my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tears poured down my face at the thought of Marcia's two sons growing up without their mother.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tears poured down my face at the thought of her husband being a widower raising two boys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tears poured down my face at the realization that I had been thinking that my life was difficult when in reality, it was nothing compared to Marcia's life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tears poured down my face as I prayed for Marcia, her family, and for me. For me to never forget that others are struggling. For me to never get so wrapped up in my life that I miss hearing others call for help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tears poured down my face.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God bless.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trisha</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-87103402410880783062012-12-27T10:27:00.002-06:002012-12-27T10:27:51.479-06:00Part 2 and Snow!<span style="font-size: large;">Hi All!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome back! I think you will see that the place is much neater (no more cobwebs or dust) and full of holiday cheer. I still have a few truffles left so help yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Believe it or not, I had a white Christmas! This wouldn't be so surprising except for a couple things: first, I live in Texas; second, it hasn't been a white Christmas here since 1975!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The snow has been around for a couple days . . . it is slowly melting in places were the sun gets to it but with temps below 40 it might take a while!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway - I want to continue with my story about where I have been. I think the last time we talked I told you about the Seroquel zombification.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was horrible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After getting no support from good 'ole Doc Feely, I decided to stop taking the meds. Cold Turkey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">DON'T DO THIS! EVER!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Withdrawal is almost as bad as the zombification!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For two days I didn't sleep - at all. In fact, I was over stimulated, hyper. Then I got mean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The best way I have found to describe this whole time period is that there are two sides of my brain (well, duh! I mean personality-wise in this case!). One side is the logical, normal side of me and the other . . . is more of a rebel. During the time after Seroquel - the rebel side of my brain took over and had the attitude of "Screw the whole world and everyone in it!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">NOT my normal personality! I "watched" myself do and say things that I would normally never do or say and knew (in that logical side of my brain) that it wasn't right but . . . the rebel brain was in control and certainly wasn't going to listen to logic!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This "lovely" phase lasted for several (really about four or five) months and it was frustrating to me (and poor, darling Hubby!). I didn't want to act the way I was acting but . . . I couldn't help it. The logical side of my brain heard everyone telling me I needed to see a counselor or a psychiatrist but . . . since it wasn't even remotely in control . . . that wasn't going to happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Slowly (think a snail sleep walking!), I started to regain "myself" but I still wasn't "right." I started to seriously think about getting professional help but . . . I was honestly terrified that the professional would put me on a med like Seroquel. The thought of going back into a zombie-like state scared the pants off of me and made me very reluctant to seek help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hubby and I talked (and talked and talked . . . ) and I decided that I would seek help in January (2012). I had a deadline. Now, I only had to stick with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That is all for today . . .just another reminder - NEVER (and I DO mean NEVER EVER) stop taking medications cold turkey! Especially medications for depression or anxiety. Trust me - you WILL NOT enjoy the withdrawal experience!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope that wherever you are, you are warm!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trisha</span>Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-59103686420349254252012-12-26T10:45:00.000-06:002012-12-26T10:45:11.573-06:00Merry Christmas (a bit late!)!!<span style="font-size: large;">Hi All!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sorry it has been six days since my last post. I am not quite used to this "write something everyday" thing again. Plus, we had my parents here for a visit and then . . . well, you know how it goes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know that I have more of my story to finish but I thought I would diverge just a little bit today to talk about something a bit more relevant to the time (Christmas, of course!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the Christmas Eve service at our church, the pastor spoke about "the message being in the music." That got me thinking. As some of you might know, I "collect" music. Not a genre specific vinyl record collection or anything like that. I just like to acquire music from all over. All different kinds of music.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you might suspect, I have been listening to Christmas music for the past week or so (actually, I listen to Christmas music all year long because there is NEVER enough time to hear all the good songs when you confine them to just the holiday season!). Due to my eclectic taste, I found myself listening to traditional songs sung by Bing Crosby and then launching into non-traditional songs by more current artists. I even bopped along with Christmas rap songs! It is quite a mix I have!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No matter what the genre of music. No matter who was singing. No matter how many weird sound effects there were. I noticed that each and every song had something in common.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each song celebrated Christmas. Not a generic holiday (okay, there were a few of those in the mix but very few), but CHRISTmas. Most of the songs specifically sited the birth of Jesus as the reason for the season. Some were even prefaced with a prayer or a reading of scripture - there was even scripture in one of the rap songs!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It struck me that everyone, no matter how different, can come together and celebrate the same thing once a year - the birth of Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I understand that not everyone believes the same as I do as a Christian. I understand that different beliefs have different celebrations but, I think that no matter what we believe or how we celebrate, we can enjoy the season and celebrate with each other.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are some groups of people in the world who are very vocally against displays of the religious story of Christmas. They claim that by having a manger scene in front of a church or in a town square, they are being "Forced" to celebrate Christmas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Personally, I think that someone needs to stand up to these people and tell them that by limiting my expression of my Christian beliefs so I don't "offend" them, they are, in fact, FORCING me into their beliefs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If I wanted to be atheist, I would be. But making me NOT celebrate Christmas (or any other religious holiday) is forcing to me practice THAT belief.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't like that. I don't like it one bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas. Merry CHRIST mas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To all of my non-christian friends, please have a wonderful holiday season no matter what you celebrate. I respect your religious celebrations and appreciate that you respect mine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trisha</span>Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-26147842950879992802012-12-20T08:50:00.000-06:002012-12-27T10:16:07.006-06:00The Story - Part 1<span style="font-size: large;">Hi All!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am so happy to see you back again today! The place is slowly getting back into shape and is pretty much dust-free today so feel free to have a seat.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, the weather is certainly chilly today. Imagine, yesterday it was almost 82 degrees (it was 64 when I started to walk) and today it isn't supposed to get above the high 40s! Yikes! I guess that is Texas for you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you all done with your Christmas preparations? Personally, I am still working on a few things - like decorating the tree. I also need to get a few more things for Hubby for under the tree. However, my candy making is finished for the season. I sent Hubby off this morning with a big platter of truffles and buckeyes for his office party today. Everything looked yummy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you see the reindeer and Santa? I think they turned out particularly well considering I had to pretty much improvise once I saw the idea on a magazine cover!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway. I did promise to explain where I have been, didn't I?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To be perfectly honest, I am struggling with just how much I should tell. I am not ashamed of anything but am just not too sure that everyone needs to know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I guess the start of the story is safe so . . . sit back, have a truffle and I will tell you a story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over a year ago I had a routine check-up with the doctor who was my general physician then. This doctor had been managing my anti-depressant medicine for many years and I was taking Cymbalta. While Cymbalta helped with the depression, I was finding that there were some side effects that I could no longer tolerate. One was night sweats (no - I am NOT in menopause!) that were horrible. So . . . with these side effects in mind, I asked Doc Feely (as he shall be called) if we could change things up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">His response?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Oh goodie! We get to experiement!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, that gave me a bit of a pause but Doc Feely is a bit of an odd duck anyway so . . . I went ahead with the plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, Doc Feely put me on a med that really didn't help too much. Then he tried another which gave me a LOT of anxiety. Not good. Finally, he put me on Seroquel. A pretty high dose of Seroquel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After three weeks, I went back for another check-in and told Doc Feely that I didn't like this med because it made me really sleepy (as in about twenty two hours a day!!). He then decided to keep me on the same med but to cut the dosage. Fine . . .sort of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The med still made me sleepy (now only about nineteen to twenty hours a day) and had a bunch of other side effects. They included feeling "foggy," having trouble saying what I was thinking, a feeling of tension in my joints, and worsening depression (because I couldn't think or make decisions!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In an email, I told Doc Feely about these effects and the fact that my speech therapist was concerned about the fact that I was having problems forming my thoughts into words. After all, I already have one neurological problem (Spasmodic Dysphonia) so messing with my mind wasn't that good of an idea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shortly, I got a response, via email, from the good Doc. He said that all of what I was feeling was due to the medication and that I should "take a walk" to get rid of everything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Really? Take a walk? I could barely stay awake long enough to make Hubby's lunch in the morning and I was supposed to head outside to walk? I was terrified that I would fall asleep along the way or get lost (remember, I was fuzzy in the head) and not be able to find my way home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a solution, Hubby agreed to walk with me when he got home from work (FYI: Hubby goes to Doc Feely as well and has no problems with him so he thinks his advice is good.). Each day I would drag myself along our appointed route with Hubby at my side. Normally (before the meds), I can walk for several miles without a problem but now, I could barely make it through the half mile route. Additionally, I could barely make any conversation while walking. This is also not a problem for me normally!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So . . . . Hubby and I are walking in the evening and I am pretty much sleeping the rest of the day away. However, when I am awake . . . I try very hard to think about my situation. By this time I was unable to make any decisions and felt very unsure of myself and what I thought. This from a person who is normally very decisive and pretty intellectual. It felt like hell . . . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oops! I just noticed the time. I need to get on with my day so I will stop the story here for now. If you would like to come back tomorrow, I will pick up where I left off and you can have some more truffles and maybe - just maybe - some Spiced Pumpkin Pecan ice cream (the best stuff for the holiday season!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for listening and have a super day! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trisha</span></div>
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Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-24362083706124812042012-12-19T09:34:00.004-06:002012-12-19T09:34:56.884-06:00Welcome back!<span style="font-size: large;">Hi All!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is so good to see you all again! Come on it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh . . . . wait a minute while I get rid of those pesky cobwebs. Please don't mind the dust - I have been gone for a while and I haven't whipped this place back in shape yet. Just take a dust cover off of the couch and sit for a while!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Have you noticed all of the spam these days? Due to that I have added word verification to my comments - we will see if that keeps the pesky buggers away! Yes, it is one more this you, my friends, have to do but, hopefully, you will be willing to put in the extra effort!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What have I been up to? Wow . . . now THAT is a long story. I will get to that sooner or later. Today I just want to say that I am happy to be back and that I have missed everyone. My upcoming posts might be a bit personal or a bit "dark," but bear with me. After I have gotten eveyone caught up, things should become a bit lighter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's that? My voice? Thank you for asking. My voice is doing very well. I had a minor set back when my speech therapist retired. I neglected my voice for a while and it was apparent. No, I didn't totally lose my voice again but I could tell it wasn't as good as it should be. Luckily, my therapist invited me to continue to see her at her house so I am back on track again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hubby is doing well as are my two very spoiled cats, Skor and Miss Cleo. Miss Cleo is getting older and is becoming more demading (and vocal) in her old age. Skor is still a pesky kitten (who is four years old) who gets into everything and anything - including trouble!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for coming and visiting but I really need to get this place cleaned up. Feel free to stop by again tomorrow. Hopefully, I will have some treats for you and then we can start the story of just where I have been lately.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy your day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trisha</span><br />
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Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-61570071347378985022012-02-16T09:35:00.004-06:002012-02-16T09:35:40.503-06:00A Boring Life?<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Recently, someone posted on my Facebook wall that I need to post updates about my life more often. Really?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Is my life that interesting that people want/need to know about what I am doing?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">This is the second time in so many weeks that I have though about my life and if it is boring.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Last week, we had an assignment in class to tell about what we did over the past week. While I did a lot of little stuff, it wasn't earth-shattering or even very important. In fact, I might dare to venture that it was really quite boring.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Apparently, most of us lead boring lives. As the class started to present information about our week, the majority of students began their discourse with some variation of "my week was really boring."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Really?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I would think that people have more interesting lives.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I guess I am wrong.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What about you? Is your life boring?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span>Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-32724888101476487342012-02-02T09:35:00.000-06:002012-02-02T09:35:18.712-06:00To Respond or To Not Respond<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It has been quite a while since I posted anything about my "dance" with Spasmodic Dysphonia. Mainly this is because SD has become a mostly silent partner in the dance that is my life. However, I also have become much quieter about my SD because of bad experiences with other people who have the disorder.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A quick recap for those who might not know (as if anyone new ever reads my blog!!). Spasmodic Dysphonia is a neurological disorder which causes the muscles controlling the vocal cords to spasm uncontrollably. This makes speaking VERY difficult and, in some cases, makes breathing difficult as well. There is no known cure for SD just as the cause of the disorder is unknown. Since the disorder is relatively rare (approximately 50,000 cases in North America) and since it does not kill its victims (only makes them speechless), there is very little research being done on the disorder so scientists (and doctors) are pretty much in the dark about Spasmodic Dysphonia, its cause, its diagnosis, and possible cures. Currently, the only medically approved treatment for SD is the injection of Botox into the spasming muscles. This must be redone every 3-6 months since the effects of Botox wears off. Speech therapy is also helpful to some people with the disorder.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">For me, personally, speech therapy was the key to me being able to speak almost normally again. Being able to speak almost normally is the primary reason I have bad experiences with other people with SD.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Other people with SD listen to me speak and immediately decide that I can't possible have SD.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">They make this decision without really talking to me much. They don't check my medical records or talk to the people who diagnosed me. They don't listen to recordings of me taken when I was first diagnosed or to recordings taken during my years of speech therapy. They simply make the decision. And then they tell others what they have decided.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It doesn't seem like decisions made by people would be much of a problem but . . . it is amazing how these decisions cause grief.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">For example, early in my blogging life I wrote a lot about my experiences with SD. I wrote as a way to share the SD experience and to, hopefully, spread awareness for the disorder. These blogs are still out there for people to read. And, strangely, people DO read them once in a while.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">That is where those decisions come into play.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">About a month or two ago, I got a comment on one of those old blog posts about SD. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The comment was long and very, very angry. It was from a woman (I am assuming) who blasted me for being a fake. She came straight out and told me that I should be ashamed of myself for "pretending to have such a devastating disorder" and then "miraculously being cured."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Pretending. Cured.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The comment went on and on and dripped venom with each word, each phrase, and each paragraph.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The commenter let me know that she (again - just an assumption as to the sex of the author) had spoken to members of the NSDA board (NSDA is the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association) and they had told her that I really didn't have SD but had MTD (Muscle Tension Dysphonia) instead. MTD can mimic the symptoms of SD. In MTD the muscles in the neck and throat tighten up to the point where they restrict the vocal cords and cause dysphonia. It was said that I have MTD instead of SD because speech therapy had "cured" me and if I really had SD, that would not have happened.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Interesting how these people, none of whom have a medical degree to my knowledge and none of whom have ever spoken or consulted with my doctors and/ or speech therapist, made the decision that I didn't have SD.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Interesting how the commenter took the word of these non-medically trained people as gospel and then decided that I was lying about having SD for some nefarious purpose.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Interesting how the commenter decided to let me know and to "Shame" me into telling the truth.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">When I got this comment, I read it and then promptly deleted it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I didn't respond in any way until today. Why? Frankly, it is because I know the truth. My family knows the truth. My friends know the truth. That is all that really matters to me. I am tired of people doubting me because my voice is "too good." They don't know the hours and hours and hours of work I put into my therapy. They don't know all of the different things I tried. They don't know my experience because they weren't there. I severed my association with the NSDA because I was tired of defending myself to people who made decisions without finding out the truth.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">So, I didn't respond.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">However, I spoke to my mother last night about the comment (I hadn't told her about it previously and it came up during a discussion about my speech therapist). She was angry and said I should respond.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">That made me wonder. By responding, do I validate the commenter? By responding do I continue to ignorance?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">By NOT responding, do I validate the commenter? By NOT responding does the commenter think she has "hit upon the truth?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">To Respond or to Not Respond. That is the real question.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span>Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-7219728229246444232012-01-31T09:19:00.001-06:002012-01-31T09:19:35.164-06:00A Divided Mind<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have I mentioned lately that I can't get spell-check to work on my blog? What is up with that? Does anyone else, who uses Blogger, know what I am doing wrong? Anyway - due to a malfunctioning spell-check, please forgive any misspellings and let me know what they are so I can fix them!</span><span style="font-size: small;">Okay - as I write this, of course spell-check works today! Go figure!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Today I am in a state of "divided mind" over what I should write. While I was trying to fall asleep last night and while I was showering this morning, I came up with several options. I could tell you about my most recent grocery store experience - which would be a kind of a rant. Then there is the letter I would like to write to my previous doctor about the meds he had me on. Or I could write about how evil I am for being conservative. Hmmmmm. Such choices.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Of course, while I sit here undecided, time is slowly ticking away. In fact, I don't know that I actually have time to write any of the three topics I have in mind.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Soon I will have to be out of the house and on my way to the doctor's for a check-up (yeah!).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Which leads to another topic. Fasting for blood work.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My appointment is for 10:30 - which means it will really be around 11:00 (A.M. for anyone who thought I might really be headed to the doctor's office in the evening!). So, into the room by 11:00 means blood work will really be drawn around 11:30. I don't know about you but, for me that is pretty much lunch time. Then, the doctor will come in. That means it will be about noon before I am back in my car and headed home for food. No, I won't stop somewhere because I have already paid for food waiting for me at home!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My stomach is growling already despite my best efforts to appease it with lots and lots of water (which SHOULD help with the blood draw but not too much with limiting bathroom visits!).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How cranky do you think I will be by the time the doctor sees me????</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hope you have a less grumbly day!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-47334606425752562782012-01-30T09:35:00.000-06:002012-01-30T09:35:00.356-06:00DVR Dump<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Despite the fact that I claim not to watch too much television . . . I have become absolutely addicted to our DVR.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">True, I don't watch much tv when the shows actually air - I just watch them later. This is usually so that I can keep peace with my darling Hubby who wants to watch "his" shows in the evenings. I record "my" shows and watch them during the day when he isn't home. A good arrangement.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">On a normal day, my DVR recordings list has about 20-30 things on it waiting to be watched. Yes, about half of those things actually were recorded by Hubby and I will (hopefully) never have to watch them but, half are mine! I watch current things first and then dabble in the older things - generally movies recorded during the "free preview" weekends.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Imagine my shock (terror, surprise, horror) when I pushed the "recordings" button on my DVR and the list which came up contained only TWO items. BOTH of which were Hubby's shows!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yikes!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Where did all of my stuff go? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Where is my Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part 1)? Where is my recently recorded episode of the sit-com whose name I can't recall? Where is my "Eat, Love, Pray?" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Where did everything go?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now, this has happened before. I have gone into a shocked mode and . . . a few minutes (or hours) later, the recorded material "pops" back up.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Not this time. It has been three days and still nothing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The DVR has dumped my stuff.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Shoot!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span>Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-89798591028602979682012-01-27T09:26:00.002-06:002012-01-27T09:26:54.939-06:00Hair Dilemma<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Recently, I have been growing my hair. For most of my life, I have gone from having longer hair (the longest was in college when it was halfway down my back) to having short hair (and I mean short!). Since my hair grown quickly, growing it out isn't too much of a hassle. Yes, I have to deal with awkward in-between stages when my hair looks . . . .odd but, generally, those stages are over pretty quickly.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">However.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My hair is thick. Every time I get my hair cut, my hairdresser "thins" it to make it look less like a bush and more like human hair. Normally, I don't mind having thick hair and my mother is envious of my thick hair (yeah, just let her live with it for about a month and that will be over!). When my hair is longer though, the thickness of my hair can become an "issue."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Why, you may ask?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well, in case you don't know, thick hair takes FOREVER to dry. I am really not exaggerating too much with that time frame either!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I can wash my hair and let it air dry and it will still be damp over two hours from the time I step out of the shower. And, yes, I towel dry it well.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">If I need to have my hair look more "finished" than its normal haphazardly dried look ( one side goes under and the other flips out while a few rougue waves in my otherwise straight hair makes things look . . .interesting), that required blow drying. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Blow drying is fast, right? Think again, my dear friends!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">To blow dry my hair it takes at least (at LEAST) half an hour. And that is without really doing a lot of styling. For me to control how my hair looks at the end of the blow drying requires even more time (since I have to dry stategically). Sometimes it can take upwards of forty-five minutes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My arms get tired! I get sweaty! I get cranky.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I do like how my hair turns out though!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The price of having long hair.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hummmmph.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I could do without it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span>Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-61838374175792423942012-01-26T09:32:00.001-06:002012-01-26T09:32:36.726-06:00Do You "Word With Friends?"<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Recently, I started playing "Words With Friends." It has been a very humbling experience.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am a very literate person. I have college degrees (notice the s!). My English vocabulary is vast.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Why then can't I beat people on this game?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Could it be because I get selections of letter like this:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">X Q I R R O N N ?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">OR like this:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">S T R G N V L ?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">OR how about this:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I E E E O A Y ?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">*sigh!*</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span>Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-21115599259326562962012-01-24T09:03:00.000-06:002012-01-24T09:03:21.019-06:00I Have Class<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, it has been a long time - again! I haven't gotten back to a place in my life where I can think about blogging regularly but . . . . I think it is getting closer!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Anyway - thank you to everyone who still reads my blog when I do post. Your comments really lift my spirits (and yes, that darn curd was ridiculous!).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yesterday was my first class for this semester. This class is the last class I need to finish my education in the Interpreter Preparation program. </span><br />
In case you don't know, I am taking classes in order to become a certified American Sign Language Interpreter. After finished all classes (the end of this semester) I will take a test to become certified so that I can (hopefully) start working as an interpreter.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">So far, it looks like this will be a good class for me. I know everyone in the class (as far as students go) and the teacher seems nice. My only concern is that there is one student who has "glommed onto me" in the past and I am just not ready to deal with that this semester. We will see how that goes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">In other news . . . not a whole lot is going on in my world. I am struggling to continue walking each morning. I think I am getting (or have) shin splints because when I try to push myself to walk quickly, the fronts of my shins/ankles really hurt. When I stop walking and am bumming around home or when I am just walking leisurely, everything is fine. This is frustrating! This morning I managed to just keep walking - at a slower rate than I would have liked - but the shins/ankles weren't too bad.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My beautiful kitties are doing well even though Miss Cleo took an unexpected (by her) slide into the bathtub this morning! Skor is just as feisty (and annoying) as normal while managing to be completely adorable at the same time. I am not sure how he does that!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Everyone in my family is doing well as far as I know. This statement, however, can be patently false and I wouldn't know because, apparently, family doesn't call when people are in the hospital!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let me explain.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My husband's brother (and best friend) was recently in the hospital (in a different state) for four days and no one called to tell us. FOUR DAYS! I would think that would merit a phone call. What do you think?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hubby is a bit upset that he wasn't told about it before his brother was home again.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Not that telling us about it would have changed anything but it would be nice to be kept "in the loop."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">On a totally random note - do you have a wall calendar that you really like? Over the past several years we have had several with nice pictures (but I hate it when they "preview" the next month's picture at the bottom of the current month! There is no surprise and I feel like I have seen the picture before - which I have!) but, honestly, I get bored. I would like a calendar with facts for each day or little challenges to solve (math??) and things to think about - but in a wall calendar and not the one page a day calendars that sit on your desk. Have you ever seen something like that?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Maybe that will be my next project!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks for reading my rambling - if you made it this far!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have a fabulous day!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">P.S. It seems like my spell checking doesn't work for some reason so if you see misspelled words, please let me know!</span>Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-25532177984438853432011-12-15T09:26:00.001-06:002011-12-15T09:26:05.255-06:00The BIg Curd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Lately I have been trying to lower the amount of carbs I eat so I have been eating cottage cheese for breakfast. I prefer the large curd variety because it is fun to squish the curd while eating. Yes, I know that is a bit strange but consider the source!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Anyway - I was making my way through this week's container of cottage cheese when I found this.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCz3GPwviyQ/TuoQXzvRAoI/AAAAAAAADfc/vKk8zR8-Bb0/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCz3GPwviyQ/TuoQXzvRAoI/AAAAAAAADfc/vKk8zR8-Bb0/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">One giant curd!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Talk about committment to living up to the label on the package!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxYySMvcLFc/TuoQenvsSbI/AAAAAAAADfk/USDA4wfHvTE/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxYySMvcLFc/TuoQenvsSbI/AAAAAAAADfk/USDA4wfHvTE/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-75995472655421650232011-12-14T09:21:00.002-06:002011-12-14T09:21:45.998-06:00Visions of Sugarplums<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Generally speaking, I enjoy baking and cooking but don't have the time to do it as much as I would like. Sure, I cook dinner pretty much every night but what I really like is that holiday baking.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sugar cookies with frosting. Spritz cookies with colored sugar sprinkles. Pies.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Then there is the holiday candy. My specialty is the iconic Ohio Buckeye candy. This is basically a ball of sweet peanut butter coated in chocolate with just a bit of the peanut butter showing to look like the Buckey nut.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Everyone LOVES my buckeyes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">They are delicious but take a lot of time to make and the end result is not only the candy but also a backache for me from all of the hand rolling of the candy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">After finishing the buckeyes there is always left-over melted chocolate to have fun with. I coat pretzel bites, almonds, raisins, and anything else that might be handy. I give the buckeyes away but the miscellaneous stuff I dip is all mine!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">This year I have had a particularly strong urge to bake and make candy. In fact, as I type this, I am contemplating making carmel because my Great-grandmother used to make it and it was always a wonderful treat.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">True. She made it for Easter but . . . that is just splitting hairs!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">In addition to my yen to make caramels, I want to make cake balls to send to my sister-in-law and spritz cookies for my Hubby (they are his favorite!).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">There is a strong possibility that a trip to the store is in my near future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span>Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-59284722827395067092011-12-12T09:31:00.001-06:002011-12-12T09:32:21.837-06:00Gadgets<span style="font-size: large;">Hi All!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It seems like, over the years, our lives have become cluttered with gadgets. Things to make our lives "easier." Cell phones. E-readers. IPods and MP3 players. Laptops. Tablets. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I hate to admit this but, I am a gadget addict.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE gadgets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anything electronic can keep me occupied for a while.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First it was the computer. Yes, I am of the generation where computers weren't part of my formative years and so they were fascinating (and still are).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then it was the iPod. This got me into podcasts which are another addiction of mine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The whole cell phone/smart phone thing has gone by me, however. Hubby and I don't call each other a whole lot and so have never really seen the need for a cell phone. After all, if we go on trips, it is normally together so why would we need a cell phone to call each other?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I am aware of the safety perspective of having a cell phone - especially since they have systematically taken out the pay phones across the country. I DO have a cell phone - prepaid and VERY basic - that I take with me for safety. Hubby has the same set up himself but . . . he never takes his phone with him so I suppose it isn't worth too much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lately, Hubby and I have been talking smart phones. With my future career pretty much requiring smart phone accessibility, a smart phone is certainly in my future. We just aren't sure WHEN in my future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">AND.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are so far out of the "loop" in terms of cell phones, we have absolutely no idea where to start.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Luckily, Consumer Reports' most recent edition is about smart phones and service providers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I guess it is time to read up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trisha</span>Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-39858563684209569592011-12-09T09:21:00.001-06:002011-12-09T09:29:32.059-06:00Festive<span style="font-size: large;">Hi All!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Surprisingly, yesterday I felt festive. I actually got out my Christmas decorations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay - I didn't get them ALL out. The would involve the Christmas tree and garlands and lots of ornaments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got out the Christmas decorations I put out when I don't get the tree out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The wreath got put up on the front door. Red ribbons were hung on the porch lights. Fake candles were placed in the front windows. I even crafted a pseudo ball of ornaments with a nice bow to hang on my banner hanger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, I went a bit wild - for me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I actually added stuff to the wreath! New red berries (the old ones were showing their age by splitting and showing the lovely white foam they are made of) and read and green ornaments were wired into the wreath to give it "new life."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That is wild for me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To top all this "hoopla" off, our Christmas cards are actually in the mail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know - amazing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You see. I don't get too excited about decorating for the holidays. Somehow, it always just makes me sad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So much time is spent "decking the halls" and preparing for the season and then it is gone in an instant. On December 26th, the decorations already look a bit tired.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then you have to take everything down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That is such a bummer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nothing ever goes back in the box quite right and then fitting everything back into the closets . . . what a chore.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love the look of decorations and lights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I just get sad when I think about having to take them down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trisha</span><br />
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<br />Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-38370928712180510952011-12-08T09:55:00.001-06:002011-12-08T10:04:46.647-06:00Maybe<span style="font-size: large;">Hi All!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the season of remembering.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you remember your childhood?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The other day I got a message via Facebook from a boy I knew in elementary school. Of course, he is a man now but, he will always be a boy in my memory. It was a strange experience for me. This boy was someone I had a crush on and he remembers having a crush on me. In fact, he remembers so well that he even mentioned it to a person he met before heading out to the Navy. Another man who said he was from the same hometown. Another man who just turned out to be my brother!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Imagine! A boy who had a crush on me in elementary school remembering my name (and the street I lived on) long enough to mention it to someone he met after finishing high school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Imagine that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Someone remembering ME!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The messages on Facebook got me thinking about a lot of stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Would my life have turned out so differently if I hadn't moved the summer after discovering my crush for this boy? Would we have "gone out" if I had stayed? Would that have led to more relationships?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before moving I think - I THINK - I had friends. After moving, making friends was difficult.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After moving - which is the period of time I remember the most from my childhood - I was unsure of myself. I remember thinking that I would never have friends again - let alone boyfriends. I didn't have boyfriends in middle schol (they all called me Grimace from McDonald's!!). I didn't really have boyfriends in high school (partly because of the whole Grimace thing and partly because my Dad was my high school principal for the last two years!). I had lots of boyfriends in college and didn't really know how to handle them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course, my life has ended up pretty darn well in that area - I have a wonderful husband who I love more than anything. If I hadn't moved - I probably would have never met him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But - I still have to wonder what it would be like if I hadn't moved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe I would have been the popular girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just maybe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trisha</span>Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-35760172830229004992011-10-13T09:21:00.000-05:002011-10-13T09:21:07.499-05:00Thursday<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My how time flies! It is Thursday already!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This morning I had all kinds of wonderful things to show you and tell you and then . . . my mind decided that I shouldn't show or tell you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Darn my mind!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Maybe I will remember what I wanted to say tomorrow!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have a fabulous day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span><br />
<br />Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-53775616956749269132011-10-11T09:58:00.001-05:002011-10-11T09:59:41.390-05:00So Pretty!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Things in life are a bit "confused" these days for me so it is wonderful that I can go out to my garden and see this beauty.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJwWLStgtX0/TpRTcUReqVI/AAAAAAAADeI/LHnXbxSaTD4/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJwWLStgtX0/TpRTcUReqVI/AAAAAAAADeI/LHnXbxSaTD4/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4aHMpdvZsdo/TpRVPjedDxI/AAAAAAAADe4/3xp2rE76BZo/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4aHMpdvZsdo/TpRVPjedDxI/AAAAAAAADe4/3xp2rE76BZo/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Such lovely Columbine (which isn't supposed to be able to live in my climate!) and a Cone Flower - which I thought was dead!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> On my way home one evening from class I saw some lovely cloud formations!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I couldn't quite get the right shot to show the nice pinkish red coloration that was in the sky!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was a perfect day for finding shapes in the clouds. What do you see?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span></div>
Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-4519115577234016062011-10-04T09:31:00.001-05:002011-10-04T09:31:34.705-05:00Non-motivational<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Just a short "check in" to let you know that I haven't forgotten all of my bloggie friends! I have just been dealing with "stuff" like medicine and glasses and rehearsals for the play (which opens on Friday with my team interpreting!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">With everything going on - I haven't had a lot of time to think of things to blog about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">However, I will tell you about the new CD I got in the mail (for free!!) yesterday. It is from the people who publish Our Daily Bread - a devotional booklet. Of course, the CD is religious music - this one is "Favorite Hymns of the Summer." It is a bit late for summer but - it is FREE - and I am not going to complain!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The music is good and is perfect for times when I need to be in a more meditative and prayerful place.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The funny thing about the CDs - I have gotten several free CDs from this entity over the past couple years- is that my mother gets the devotional booklet as well and NEVER gets information about free CDs. I get the information all the time (well - probably two to three times a year). Since we both like music, it is a mystery how I got on the mailing list of people who "like music and would love free inspirational CDs" while Mom has not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">At least I send the CDs to Mom after I have uploaded them onto iTunes so she can enjoy them as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you would like some devotional material and haven't found a good source yet, I highly recommend checking the <a href="http://www.rbc.org/">RBS</a> out. They have lots of stuff online and you can get the devotionals via email as well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Voice Update: Doing well. The other day a woman called me about the SD support group. I was mystified as to how she got my phone number since I have had it removed from all SD stuff for about a year now (has it been that long??). Apparently, she had an old flier from when I was support group leader. Anyway - I talked with her for about half an hour giving her information and places to find more information (<a href="http://www.dysphonia.org/">NSDA </a>is the best place). I wasn't comfortable doing this when I first called her back but it turned out okay. It doesn't make me want to return to my former role with the NSDA though!</span><br />
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Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-16798971749986322392011-09-27T09:09:00.000-05:002011-09-27T09:11:16.994-05:00Surprise Package!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yesterday was an interesting day. I finally took a tiny, little, baby step in technology and got a webcam so I could Skype with classmates. Yeah! AND I actually had a two hour session with the classmate who is my team for interpreting the play. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Skype is so neat. Now I just want to Skype everyone! Of course, that means needing to look halfway decent when I am on the computer . . .so . . . that might not work too well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In addition to Skype, I made cake balls yesterday. Red velvet with cream cheese frosting! Yum! The cake balls are for a speech I have to present in class today. While it is an ASL class, we all give speeches (spoken English speeches) so that classmates can practice their interpreting. I made the cake but I still haven't really organized my speech. I am sure I will think of something by class time today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Then, Hubby got the mail and I had a pleasant surprise!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ptf8yFjCbgU/ToHXsWe81mI/AAAAAAAADeA/6zRR6QYUVV8/s1600/Address+correct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ptf8yFjCbgU/ToHXsWe81mI/AAAAAAAADeA/6zRR6QYUVV8/s400/Address+correct.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A package from Australia!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67qG-F1jZ-w/ToHZeyzeQKI/AAAAAAAADeE/U10qGqDyLH8/s1600/Address+black+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67qG-F1jZ-w/ToHZeyzeQKI/AAAAAAAADeE/U10qGqDyLH8/s400/Address+black+out.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Inside was a note and two CDs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hubby and I met a very nice couple while we were on the cruise and the husband is a musician who has made a couple cds. Being ever on the lookout for new music, I asked him about his work and he promised to send me a cd. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Of course, I promptly forgot about that when I got home so when the package showed up in the mail yesterday, I was surprised!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have the music loaded onto iTunes and am listening as I type this post. One cd includes vocals and one is all instrumental. Nice!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Isn't it nice when you get surprises?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span></div>
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Voice Update: Doing well. Honestly, I haven't really thought about my voice too much lately as I have been dealing with classes and medication side effects. I need to get more focused on my voice to keep it in top shape.<br />
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On a related topic - I have been getting information via email and the mail about the NSDA (a very wonderful organization for people with SD and those interested in learning more about SD). This has brought up some old feelings. I am not really sure how I feel about all of that yet. </div>
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Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-88644097563264529432011-09-26T09:37:00.002-05:002011-09-26T09:37:58.672-05:00Wally World and a Treasure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Blogger's new interface is still confusing me but, hopefully, I have it worked out enough to get this post (with pictures) done today! Keep your fingers crossed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This weekend I was THRILLED to discover that I can SLEEP! If you recall, my new medication was leaving me sleepless. Now, it seems like my body has adjusted a bit to the meds and I have been able to sleep. This "new" phenomenon started Friday night. On Saturday, I woke up and felt . . . weird. It took me a while to understand that what I felt was rested!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Of course, my meds didn't want me to feel too good so it kicked into intestinal upset mode for the day (Saturday). Lucky, lucky me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">That didn't keep me from going with Hubby to watch Ohio State (his alma mater) play football. Hubby really wanted to go since the freshman quarterback was starting for the first time. They won but my stomach "issues" didn't let me appreciate the game too much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yesterday I had another chance to go to rehearsal for the play that my classmate and I are interpreting. I think we are getting it! Slowly but surely!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Today I have to work on my "how-to" speech for class (due tomorrow) and finish up a paper for group project (also due tomorrow). Doesn't that sound like fun? I was supposed to meet my classmate to work on the script (for the play) but, I went to Wally World this morning and bought myself a webcam so we can Skype.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome to the new technology!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wally World is actually sort of peaceful at 7:15 in the morning. Not too many people roaming around. Of course, there aren't too many check-out lanes open either but you have to decide which is more important.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">On the way out of Wally World, I walked by this machine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hubby checked this machine out the other day (we go to Wally World a lot since it is the most convenient store for us!). Hubby thought it was great that there was a "can of Spam" in the machine. Can you see it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I thought it was a bit strange that there was a can of Spam in a machine so I took a closer look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Spam The Dice Game!?!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I had no clue there was such a thing. It almost makes me want to play the game to try to get the game. Just to see what it is all about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you ever seen the dice game?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Voice Update: Doing really well. </span></div>
Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-26758997667520814662011-09-24T09:10:00.000-05:002011-09-24T09:13:22.242-05:00Flowers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Honestly I am having problems getting Blogger to work with me this morning so . . . I think I will just let you see my lovely Moonflowers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Monday I will try to tackle Blogger again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have a super weekend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Voice Update: Doing extremely well at the moment.</span></div>
Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-18833861686586569272011-09-22T09:08:00.000-05:002011-09-22T09:08:18.303-05:00Ya Ain't Got A Thing If Ya Ain't Got That Swing!<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi All! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well, I am sad to say that I am still not feeling quite up to "par." </span><span style="font-size: small;">I have always wondered about that saying because, generally, par is pretty low. It I don't feel up to par does that mean I am below a 3 or 4? It seems like even if I WAS up to par, that still wouldn't be very high. Maybe it should be "I am not feeling up to cruising altitude." instead. What do you think?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My new meds are treating me to a "lovely" variety of side effects which include stomach "issues," sleeplessness and headaches. Of course, to be fair, the headaches are probably caused by the lack of sleep and not by the meds themselves. </span><span style="font-size: small;">I wouldn't want to be said to be unfair to medications!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This whole sleepy, headachy, grumpy thing is starting to get me down! It feels like I can't do everything I want to do since I am in a "fog" of sorts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Of course, I am not sure if the "fog" or "funk," which may be a better description of the phenomenon, is actually medically caused or if it is just the way I am. I have been in this "thing" since summer. Then again, I have been dealing with medicine "issues" since this summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So - which came first - the funk or the issues?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have I told you that as part of my ASL experiences this semester I am volunteering to interpret a play? Another student and I will be working as a team and will be interpreting the entire play in case a Deaf person shows up (we aren't sure that any will and are actually hoping that they don't so we don't feel as pressured!). The play is called "A Samurai Nosferatu" and is about . . . . Samurai warriors and vampires.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">To be perfectly honest, I had never heard of Nosferatu before this play and was woefully behind in my vampire and monster "lore." Apparently, my education in lacking in that very important genre of movies - the B monster flick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">At rehearsal last night, everyone was talking about the various monster flicks they grew up watching and me . . . I had nothing to share (can I blame my parents for this???). I am a quick learner though and I do have internet access so I am trying to catch up. I won't be watching the movies though - monster films (good or not) freak me out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Actually, the play must be freaking me out as well. Last night I dreamt about vampires!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I think I need a break. Or something!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Voice Update: Still doing really well. My neck hurts from Susan's "work" on Monday but it is still loose and working well.</span><br />
<br />Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367462055863346506.post-75451587231521368972011-09-20T09:57:00.001-05:002011-09-20T09:59:19.523-05:00Glasses and Tree Shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Okay - I am using Blogger's new "interface" and it is just a bit . . . weird! I am not certain how the pictures I am posting will turn out (size and position wise!) but . . . I guess there is a first time for everything, right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So - here we go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I recently got glasses. And they are bifocals! I feel so old! I think they look okay though. I had the woman at the eye doctor help me pick them out since I am pretty much clueless about that kind of thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">About the picture - Hubby took it and he isn't too good at working the angles to make sure that my double chins don't take center stage. Oh well!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In other news, Hubby and I took a trip up north in Texas to a tree farm to pick out a new tree for out front. That will get the home owners' association off our backs! The tree farm was huge (I didn't actually get pictures of the farm) and we had fun walking around looking at the trees. Next to the farm's outdoor office was this wonderful pond. There was a nice flock of ducks and this visitor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A beautiful heron! This is as good as my purse camera would zoom. A bit later - when we were ready to leave - there were two more herons but I didn't get their picture. So fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">After buying a tree (an October Glory Maple to be delivered in October), Hubby and I decided to do a bit of exploring since we were out of our normal neighborhood. We ended up eating at Lucy's Diner in Celina, Texas. It was a nice little restaurant in a historic building. After a lunch of BLT (for Hubby) and Beef Dip (for me), we heading to Pilot Point for a Dairy Queen Blizzard. It was a nice little road trip for us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yesterday, I had speech. Susan was happy with my voice and not too happy that my neck - especially up under my chin where I simply can NOT get to on my own- was a bit tight. She also told me that she plans to retire in January! What in the world am I going to do then?????</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trisha</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Voice Update: Doing well and have a sore neck from Susan working on it for me!</span></div>
Trishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01460029556086016004noreply@blogger.com2