dstraugh

Stroke Survivor - female
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Blog Entries posted by dstraugh

  1. dstraugh
    Yes, you read the heading correctly. That's what a banner showed today during the Steeler defeat of 49ers 37-16. Steeler fans bleed black n gold I do believe. We're now 3-0. Taking on AZ Cardinals next Sunday. My dear brother is going out to Phoenix with a huge group of guys ( they go away to a game each year). If we were still living there, he was going to have extra tickets and take Kristi and I. That's ok though...I would not want to go back in time to being there. I'll sit in my livingroom and swing my terrible towel while scaring Crystal with my whoops and whahooos .
     
    A post this week by a member got me thinking...am I a terrible daughter cos I left AZ with my child and maybe call there one time per week? There are times that I wish things could have been different between us not only post stroke but pre stroke. Of course that's my perspective and her ex-sister-in-law's perspective (my Auntie-dearest).
     
    We cannot change the past, we cannot undo the wrongs from our parents. I cannot create the loving parent my mother "thinks" she is and tells everyone she is and has been. Again, that's cos I can't change the past. It is sad that I have learned so much about the lies and deception that have prevailed over the years - things I would love to reveal that I know - but there would be massive denial.
     
    I am happy that I have stopped that cycle between my daughter and I that is for sure - but have I totally? What other ramifications of the stroke are waiting to strike out at me as the years go by. As I was writing this, Kristi came and was reading over my shoulder. She's told me not to worry. I had a mini-meltdown - I do not want to be my mother or even her mother. Kristi told me she will love me no matter what, but I'm still concerned. That's the future, which we have no control over.
     
    I can only continue my prayers that the cycle remains broken...or....if I do become her...I'm taken from this world so my daughter only has good memories of me.
  2. dstraugh

    Boo-Hoo!!!!!!!!

    By dstraugh,

    I know it's just a game, but I won't stand outside and shout that in my neighborhood as I might turn into a salad as tomatoes etc get thrown at me. The Black n Gold lost today by a touchdown to the Cardinals :crying: :taz: . I kept saying we'd win - my daughter didn't not share my confidence. There are still many games to go...so we look ahead.
     
    Anyhoo.....rest of the week was fine...my Bro has enjoyed his vacation in AZ - good weather - partying :beer: .
     
    Slowly, I'm seeing affected body functions returning to a more "normalcy" than they were since 1-1-05. I've noticed that mostly what is talked about on the boards is with regard to physical and mental deficits, relationship issues, etc. There is also discussion regarding bladder issues but rarely bowel issues. That latter is a bodily function that has been absolutely haywire for me since the beginning. This was never an issue pre and has driven me bonkers post. I've experienced a variety of issues - which I won't delve into in great detail. TMI in all probability. I have to say though, there has been a noted return to normalcy in the recent past 2 weeks :Clap-Hands: I learned the hard way to more or less let nature take its course and the results are favorable.
     
    Our ghostly being has been performing. In the mornings, while Kiddo is packing her lunch and eating breakfast, she hears our front door open and shut - the door and deadbolt are secure, honest. Plus, she comes downstairs in the mornings and frequently sees the dining room chairs moved away from the table. These things I just found out as dearest child forgot to tell me lol. Crystal does not weigh enough to move them plus we've got carpet throughout.
     
    Had some issues with my internet and phone service going wacky. Turns out the installer had placed a connector box on the outside of the house as we wanted to eventually extend services to the 2nd floor. Unfortunately, there were 2 unused connectors that were permitting weather conditions (rain, wind) to mess with the service. Tech was here on Friday - I keep my fingers crossed that problems are resolved. Now, if my friendly ghost starts messing with my internet, there will be war :swordfight:
     
    Well...that's about all to report from my part of the country. Take care...until I update again :peace:
  3. dstraugh
    Ok, another week has crept on by. Bro has had some tests done - results were negative - Doc is not done with him - she's very thorough.
     
    We've had cooler weather move in. Highs no greater than 65 for last few days - lows in 40's. After 13 years of AZ heat, I am quite chilled. My affected side is a bugger to get warmed up as well. Even under a blanket, my hand (or pudgy as it was nicknamed by Kristi a long time ago) takes forever to warm up.
    Temps are to rise each day this week to high of almost 80. Everyone will be complaining it's too hot - me??? I'll feel comfortable enough to not wear a sweatshirt.
     
    NFL in full swing - this diehard Steeler fan is in her glory getting to see each game. I was even glued to the pre-season games. Living in AZ meant not seeing them that frequently...being gone 13 years equaled a lot of games missed. We're now 2-0; I await each game wearing the Black n Gold, Terrible Towel ready to swing. I heard this week on the news that females make up 34% of the Steeler fan base - highest ranking in the NFL. I'm proud to be one of them.
     
    To all Kristi's Aunties, I'm pushing her to update her blog - honestly. She had time today while I was glued to the tv but she was busy on myspace taking surveys posted by friends. She has made some friends - one being Dillon, who just transferred in from another school. He plays the violin as well and is in her Chemistry class. Is there a romance brewing you ask? Don't believe so - she says he's a good friend. That's important right now.
     
    Till next week, :cold:
  4. dstraugh
    Hello Hello....this has been a much more positive week - sorta. Have concerns over my Bro's health. Last weekend he was at a Labor Day party and took a spell where he was unfocused, slurred speech, spiked sugar levels and unable to drive himself home (you're probably thinking the same thing I was). He did not go to ER but went to regularly scheduled doc appt. on Tuesday. Doc yelled at him (as I did) about not going to ER. He's to have oodles of tests done. It is possible this was caused by meds he's taking for bronchitis (at least the spiked sugar levels are a side affect). Other things are also possible, but he just shrugged and joked about my concerns.
     
    The remainder of the week was more positive as only once did I speak to my mother. That's cos she called here and the dummy I am :Whistle: I did not check the caller id first. My darling daughter had called her from her cell phone while walking home from school (said she was bored)...mother wasn't home...returned and called back. Lucky Me!!!! Fortunately, the conversation was short as the battery in the phone was pooping out (I was lucky there :thumbs up: ). Kristi has talked to her since but has not offered for me to talk. Kristi was bugging me last evening to "call my mother" to which I responded "no thank you". Me thinks my "Drama Queen" likes to stir up the pot a wee bit.
     
    Kristi is now officially a sophomore, instead of freshman. I had given the counselor until Wednesday morning to respond to my email. When she didn't I cslled. I promptly advised her that I am a stay-at-home medically retired Mom and can be a pest if necessary to get things resolved. Ironically, the school had just received Kristi's official transcripts from Arizona.
    So, problem resolved - YEAH for Pesty Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
    Kristi is being better received at school during this past week. She's actually being acknowledged by fellow students. She is still getting adjusted to the surroundings; but...she's coming home in a better mood at least. My niece had graduated from the same school and told Kristi that it took awhile to adjust when she transferred there at the start of her sophomore year.
     
    As for me.....well.....I've had some more movement in the bad ankle and foot - nothing functional yet...but am able to move it around when I don't have the AFO on. I'm also using bad arm (not hand though) to brace bottles as in juice and soda for first time opening. Not pretty, but slowly coming back.
     
    I was rather dumb this past week and had a royal mess to clean up. For lunch one day I decided to heat up a can of chicken soup. The container I was using was a taller one that the whole can would fit into and there was a lid to have for the leftovers (thought it was going to be less fuss lol) As me and "pull-tab" cans sometimes have issues, I used my handy dandy one-touch can opener. It jammed and took me forever to get the can open (had broth to clean up) I had the microwave going and suddenly heard a "thud" as the container fell over. I had one royal mess of broth, chicken, and wild rice to clean up :yikes: . I still had some to eat though I don't know how. And...one-handedly, I got it cleaned up...only trace left behind was that the glass tray and track from in the microwave were still in the drain rack after being washed. I didn't get them put back in the microwave before Kristi got home from school - Busted!!! She also commented lol that the microwave still smelled a bit like chicken soup. Wonder why? :uhm: And my dear sweet child wonders why :Ask: I don't like to cook as I did prestroke. Heck, I'm an accident waiting to happen lol.
     
    Well, today is Sunday - NFL football regular season in motion. Streelers are playing the Browns in Cleveland. Got my Steeler shirt on and my Terrible Towel is ready for swinging It's Goooooo Steelers and off I go till next week's update.
  5. dstraugh
    Another week is chocked up and gone by the wayside. I honestly thought that when we left Arizona we left the problems we were experiencing with my mother 2,400 miles away. So wrong was I. You would think out of site, out of mind....but no....I have not been that fortunate. Since July 16th, when we left AZ, I have tried and basically succeeded in blocking out the crap she has tried to start. We have unlimited long distance. I am rarely the one making the phone calls; Kiddo wishes to talk to her grandmother (but at times is sorry she did).
    The latest phone call (Friday evening (8-31) I did not hear about until yesterday, Sunday (9-2).
     
    Kiddo finally discussed it with me, but first making me promise not to get angry at grandma (first sign of trouble to come). She then talked to me about the phone call. Grandma wanted to know how school was going....Kiddo was honest and explained the problems she was having (mind you...they can be resolved and are not life threatening :giljotiini: ) My daughter then heard a tirade of chatter from the other end of the connection :yadayada: consisting of what a horrible person I was for taking her out of AZ where she was content, had friends, and was well adjusted to her surroundings. To add further ammunition, Kiddo was also told that grandmother and her friends want to find a way to take her back to AZ.
    Now, I have a teenager girl - they are good at playing sides. My fear is that down the road, when daughter is angry about rules and regulations, will this be used? (not to say it will, but she is a teen)
     
    Kiddo was told all this instead of being encouraged in the adjustment process. (change is hard for anyone) Rationally and realistically I know there is not a chance in He** that they are going to take Kiddo back to AZ. HOWEVER, I became quite livid and wanted to call AZ instantly and tell her off. I was not permitted near the phone. Last evening though I was told "Call your Mother, be nice." I did not want to call her...and I especially did not want to be nice. As my loving child begged me, I called.
     
    And ohhhhhhh how the story changed. I was told quite the opposite of what was told to Kiddo...so if I had said anything, I woulda been told my kid was lying (it's happened before). So.....I bit my tongue (dang it's sore today) and was civil.
     
    Ok...I feel better...I've unloaded this source of anguish - ready to move on to the next challenge.
  6. dstraugh
    Yes, it is happening...summer vacation coming to an end for my kiddo. School starts on Aug 30th. Seems strange (just like AZ, to start school on a Thursday rather than a Monday). Crystal and I will be on our own. It's not like I haven't been in this position before but I think it's different as we're in the house. Since we've moved, I've gotten used to having her here with me. But, all will be fine - I'll continue to use caution on the steps.
     
    Bro dearest took kiddo clothes shopping for school clothes on Friday (8-24) After shopping they went to lunch and brought me home a nacho salad (quite yummy)
     
    We had elevated temps, dew point, and humidity this week - it felt like 97 on Friday. I was grumpy to say the least.
     
    On the plus side, and definitely plus side, we received our bedroom furniture on Tuesday. I have a king size bed and Kiddo has a queen. We each received nightstands and chest o drawers. The furniture is blonde wood - all drawers are on wheeled tracks - easy for me to access. Kiddo was concerned the queen would not fit in her room - there is plenty of room for all the furniture. My room is definitely a master bedroom - I still have oodles of open space in there. The guys also brought a sofa, loveseat, and chair for the family room. Later she carried the chair to her room to sit at her desk.
     
    Today Kristi and Bro are off doing a good dead - his closest and dearest friends are getting new carpeting and kiddo and Bro are part of the preparation crew. As for me...I'm loving the cooler weather today and looking forward to Steeler Preseason Football.
  7. dstraugh
    This past week contained Kristi's 15th Birthday. Seems hard to believe my baby is a year closer to being an adult. As planned, we went to Aunt Char's for surprise birthday party. Darlene (cousin) picked us up and her sister (Lisa) took us home at the end of the evening.
     
    It was great getting to see Aunt Char. We had not been together face-to-face for 14 years. Hugs and happy tears abounded. Darlene couldn't get to the camera to catch it on film. We were an interesting site - 2 women, in wheelchairs hugging and crying. I was able to "park" my chair and walk in and out of the house as well as inside. Just had to be careful not to get caught up in oxygen tubing as Auntie is on O2 24 x 7. She did remove the tubing for pics though.
     
    Once Lisa and her crew arrived (hubby and daughters), the fun really started. We had never met Chuck, Lisa's hubby. He is definitely the life of a party. For about the first 15 minutes he was shy - then heck broke loose. He loves to tease and Kristi was appointed as #1 she was Birthday Girl and #2 he had a new "victim". At first, Kristi was unsure of him but soon "dished" it back to her cousin's stepdad LOL.
     
    We ate dinner that Darlene fixed - spaghetti - yummy - then later had cake and ice cream after presents.
     
    Kristi received a compact stereo system, headphones, walkman, cd case, photo frames among other things. I was able to get her a necklace and cd from Amazon.com.
     
    At the end of the evening, I was definitely pooped.
     
    When we returned home, there was a gift from my niece and her daughters (a stuffed turtle) from Build-a-Bear Workshop dressed as a Doctor in scrubs and a medical kit (for the future vet). My Brother had left her a birthday voice message.
     
    We were to receive our designated bedroom furniture on Friday (17th); however, plans got messed up - now it is to be Tuesday. My Bro called today on his way back from his trip and was not happy that the furniture did not get delivered as was planned.
     
    Kristi got registered for school - school starts on the 30th of August. She's registered for all accelerated classes based on her AZ transcript. As of now, it looks like she may have to walk or take public transportation as we live within 2 miles of the school.
     
    The remainder of the week was fairly quiet.
  8. dstraugh
    Another week has cruised by in our world. Fairly uneventful until Saturday afternoon, that is. Kristi decided to bake a cake (her first one) outside of the childhood Easy Bake Oven varieties. I was asked to assist and thought ok, this will be easier - less mess than if I tackled it myself (I normally wear batter very nicely).
     
    After she had the mix in the bowl, she realized we had no vegetable oil (one item we forgot as we were setting up new kitchen). She covered the bowl and walked to the local convenience store to purchase the oil.
     
    As she placed all in the bowl, I felt it was a good idea to try out my handy dandy kitchen tool my Aunt had sent over - battery operated one beater (or wisk) hand held mixer (same concept as the one-handed can opener we both love. It worked ok but tended to get bogged down in the batter a bit. The problem came when trying to release the beater.
     
    What was the problem you ask :Ask: There ain't no release button, just the on/off switch. My dear daughter switched it on while holding the unit out of the batter. You're already laughing :roflmao: I can tell :silly: . We were both covered in chocolate splatters. After a good laugh and quick clean up, Kristi proceeded to pour the batter into the baking dish. This is where I always experience the most difficulty so I thought good, this willl be a cinch for her to do. No sooner did I think that and plop, the mixing bowl was in the batter in the baking dish. Again, chocolate everywhere.
     
    Amazingly enough, there WAS enough batter remaining and the cake turned out pretty darn good and all chocolate splatters were removed from us and the kitchen counter, floor, etc.
     
    Crystal was smart and watched the experience from the diningroom chair so she didn't wear any batter.
     
    This week will bring Kristi's 15th birthday; Auntie and cousins are planniing a surprise birthday party for her. She registers for school this week as well. I got her a backpack from ebags.com. They carry Jansports and had one make on sale for a great price. With a click of a few buttons, also got her birthday presents from Amazon.com. One gift has arrived - not sure if others will before her birthday or not.
     
    Nothing else to report from the wacky world of chocolate alias my kitchen.
  9. dstraugh

    Doing well

    By dstraugh,

    Another week has cruised by. Finally got pics uploaded to my computer and site that my Cousin took the day after we arrived in Pittsburgh. Once all is said and done we'll do "final" pics.
     
    Yesterday, Sat, we went to a grad party with my Brother. It was great fun. We met many people who are dear and close friends of Joe's. I was overwhelmed, at times, with meeting everyone and trying to remember names. The party was an outdoor affair with tents, fantastic food, and desserts as well. I was fun 2-fold for me - being with everyone plus getting out of the house - getting me and the w/c off the property has not been mastered but has improved from when we first arrived.
     
    The other night in chat, I had mentioned a belief of mine and Kristi's. We are firmly of the belief there is a ghostly presence in the house. The lady (Mary Ann) who owned the house prior to my nephew buying it, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 67. Kristi told me she had been told that Mary Ann passed away in my room. After I heard this, I began to tell Kristi what I had experienced several times since moving in (seeing an image pass by a doorway) plus seeing "someone" glowing-like at the bottom of the steps at night. Mary Ann loved cats and at one time had a dark-colored cat. One evening, after I was in bed, Kristi was on the computer and saw a cat walking under diningroom table. Our Crystal was sleeping in the livingroom at the same time. For the most part, Crystal will NOT go upstairs at night. If Kristi carries her up, she will stay a moment or two and retreat back downstairs. One night this past week, I went into my room at bedtime to discover absolutely no power in my room. Yet the rest of the house was fine. Kristi ventured to the circuit box - every switch was still on - nothing tripped. Only the Kitchen and basement switches are marked (go figure), so she experimented and fortunately found the one for my room. We have spoken to others about what has happened. We were assured that Mary Ann would have liked us and that we have nothing to be worried about. Kristi was spooked (pardon the pun) at first but has relaxed. I'm even more curious now.
     
    Today (Sunday) Kristi is attending her first Pirate baseball game with her cousins. I do hope the forecasted rain holds off until the game is over. They have tickets right behind homeplate. As the game is televised here, I'll be "looking" for them.
     
    Adjusting is still going well - Kristi saw a young fella at the party yesterday. Come to find out his dad's work supervisor is my Bro and that Tye is a football player. Kristi is looking forward to seeing him at future parties. This was a good perc after she encountered a few days ago a group of young ladies who will be at same High School. They were rude and obnoxious towards Kristi - so her belief system is that ALL the girls will be like this. I've comforted and assured till I'm blue in the face - she'll learn better on Aug 27th (first day of school).
  10. dstraugh
    Yes, seems hard to believe but we'll have been in Pittsburgh 2 weeks tomorrow (7-30). We're basically unpacked, except for bedrooms and things to be hung on the walls. We're to use special hangers so as not to damage the walls with nail holes - we need more of them. The bedrooms are still a work in progress awaiting the bedroom furniture. Kristi is presently using an airmattress while I have a twin bed that is a wooden frame with storage below. I'm so short and the bed is so high that my feet don't touch the floor when I sit on the side of the bed lol.
     
    The railing on the right side of the stairs was installed so I can now navigate independently up and down the steps - Yeah!!! :Clap-Hands: :happydance:
     
    Kristi is learning to cook on a gas stove - all we've ever had was electric. We make a good team in the kitchen - it helps the kitchen is big enough for both of us to manuever. Yesterday, we collaborated in brunch - ham and cheese omlets - yummy. My brother bought us a Magic Bullet - great fun planning what we're going to create.
     
    Temp wise, big difference from Arizona. Feels good not to break into a sweat just by breathing. I don't feel cooked anymore :microwave: . Mid 80's is quite a bit more comfortable for us versus 100+ temps.
     
    Kristi did ask if she could go back to Arizona - stating she's learned her lesson and will be good. She speaks to her friends back there on a daily basis. She does ask me frequently if I'm happy here and if there's anything about Arizona I miss. There is NOTHING or NO ONE that I miss enough to want to go back there. Once school starts here (Aug 27th), she'll be busier with new friends and homework to pass her time. She's gotten to spend fun time with her cousins as well. My Bro has a boat and has taken the kids out for rides as well as lunch.
     
    Crystal is doing great though she has a scar on her nose from the boo-boo she inflicted on herself trying to escape the carrier on the plane. She remains petrified of storms and here has all kinds of places to hide out when the thunder and lightening arrive.
     
    Our neighbors appear friendly - some have already welcomed us and introduced themselves.
  11. dstraugh
    :Wave: We're now in Pittsburgh. If this blog entry is toooo long, I apologize but there's alot to tell - there are many here (you know who you are) who have oodles of questions. To email or pm each of you individually would take me until Kristi graduates from High School (3 years) lol. So.....here's a run down (unless my brain decides to f"art in the middle somewhere):
     
    The flight and things leading up to it were eventful. We obtained new shots and health certificate for Crystal as required by USAirways (though no one EVER asked to see them). The vet gave us some tranquilzers for her as well. We never slept the night before, not even Crystal - we were all wired. At 4:30 am we gave her 1/4 of pill as
    prescribed by the vet. It was sad but also funny to watch the pill take affect. However, it totally did not work on her. We had to give her another 1/4 at 5:30 which never knocked her out either. Kristi's best friends Elizabeth and Alina and Elizabeth's Mom, Colleen, drove us to the airport and went as far as the security checkpoint with us. There were tears and we were off to get scanned. I had my wheelchair. They wanted me to remove my shoes and AFO to walk through - as that was not an option for me, I walked through and then was permitted to sit in my wc and be "swabbed". Kristi and Crystal were not permitted near me until I was "cleared". Kristi had to carry Crystal through as her carrier had to be cleared.
     
    During the flight we had to give Crystal 2 more 1/4's of the meds and they still didn't zonk her out. Twice she got the zipper open and popped her head up. Kristi had to fight her back in.
     
    In Pittsburgh, my Bro met us outside the airport after we got our luggage then he drove us HOME. We love the house. My Bro and his friends worked very hard to create a homey atmosphere. As we get settled in, there will be pics added to the gallery.
     
    Only draw back is that I was not provided with the entire truth on the layout of the house. The bedrooms and new bath are on the 2nd floor - 15 steps for me to climb. Right now there is only one railing on the left side. I'm able to manuever the first 13 then Kristi has to help me up last 2 as railing is not long enough. A special railing as been ordered and will be installed Monday on the right side. Coming down is not a problem; I'm just sore as I have not had to climb steps since we sold our townhouse right after the stroke.
     
    Crystal is adjusting so well - she's eating, playing, and being very social with everyone.
     
    As my brain and body are getting tired, must close this out. :out_of_here:
  12. dstraugh

    4 more days

    By dstraugh,

    I had hoped to write a blog closer to actual flying date of 7/16; however, due to cable company requirements, we need to get the digital cable box returned to their office. Of course they can pick it up for a charge. So.....service will be disconnected for cable/phone/internet sometime tomorrow - Friday the 13th. Granted, I've never been an overly superstitiious person but I don't normally like to push my luck.
     
    All our boxes have been shipped and we're still trying to sell things that couldn't be shipped. Family members and friends we don't even know yet are so excited and are rallying together in setting up everything.
     
    So...how am I doing as it gets closer? Well, it is with mixed emotions that I face everything. I'm taking my daughter away from the only state and city she remembers and plopping her in an area where people she don't remember will be welcoming her home. AZ is her home. I know she's going along with this for me as she knows how unhappy I have been here post - especially when it comes to my Mother and the lack of support she provides. I've experienced some meltdowns and Kristi has turned the tables and giving me the same pep talks I have given her.
     
    I must continue to "Let Go, Let God" handle things and squelch my Type A personality - there are things out of my control. Also, things are falling into place - housing, furnishings, etc - Divine Intervention has taken over and "things WILL be ok".
     
    I'll be going through internet withdrawal as well as Strokenet withdrawal. I love my job here and can't wait to get back up and running from my new home. I'll actually be living in a house with a front and back door. No townhouse or apartment like we've had since Kristi was born. A mailbox right outside the door - won't have to wait for Kristi to walk to centralized mailbox area.
     
    Talk to all of you soon. :out_of_here:
  13. dstraugh
    Countdown is 8 days till heading to Pittsburgh. 2nd batch of boxes gets picked up tomorrow (Monday). We'll call to have the last batch of boxes picked up on Tuesday.
     
    Kristi, bless her, is packing away feverishly as well as doing the downsizing of taking things to dumpster. It is comical as we've seen so much of our stuff being carried to apartments. They say that a person's trash may be another's treasure. Bless them. We're also trying to sell items like furniture and electronics that we can't take but need $$$ to help getting restarted (ie security deposits for utilities etc).
     
    Kristi has wanted to blog :throw: but there has been a technicial glitch with her accessing her blog or even reading other blogs. ((CORRECTION: After writing this, I was advised that Kristi is able to blog and read blogs while using Strokenet Custom skin :Clap-Hands: )
     
    We got the new carrier for Crystal but she has not gone inside it - she's sniffed the entire outside though so far. Next we're going to put inside her crunchy treats to entice.
     
    My dear Auntie is on a mission to help us set up the new house. She emailed me yesterday questions about what type of products we use as well as what we like to eat. She and my cousins are so thrilled that we're coming home although Kristi doesn't remember living there as she was so little when we left. After reading her emails. I had a melt-down and cried my eyes out - Kristi was out for the afternoon so she couldn't make fun of me for crying and tell me I look like a monkey when I cry. :crying:
     
    This was 2nd melt-down I've experienced - the first one she told my Brother about - I was told to chill out....I'm trying.....I'm making progress and getting things accomplished that I can do. Today I updated magazine subscriptions on-line :Readpaper:
     
    So.....we're getting there.....this week also need to contact utilities here to disconnect service.
  14. dstraugh
    Well......................it's official........flight arrangements have been made and confirmed. We leave Arizona on July 16th at 8:50 am :plane: . My dear Brother called today and we 3-wayed the airlines and made the reservations.
     
    And, Tinkerbell is in her new home. The family picked her up yesterday. She now has a 9 year old girl to play with. The family had had another guinea pig who passed away. I received an email from the Mother and she said Tinkerbell was doing great and the loved her. It was hard. Kristi broke down crying before they arrived. I broke down after. But we're ok since we know she has a loving home.
     
    Had to order a new carrier for Crystal-kitty that would meet airline regulations. It will arrive this week. The carrier we had was too large plus Crystal absolutely hated it and us for putting her in it. Kristi decided to put her in it in hopes of an adjustment - NO WAY - she hissed and gurgled at us for 2 days if she even made eye contact with
     
    We've been busy packing and downsizing more. It's all coming together.
     
    My Bro gave me utility information so I can make contacts. Services are turned on in the house right now but will need switched to my name.
     
    As busy as we are on this end, my Bro is busy on his end too making final arrangements. My nightly dreams can now have an additional segment - officially becoming a resident of Pittsburgh again. :Zzzz: :Neeeedsleeep:
  15. dstraugh
    My last entry discussed Plan B - the actual getting to our destination - 2,400 miles from here. My Brother called yesterday (Sat) and we discussed the travel arrangements. I was put on a mission (he's so good at delegating) to check with airlines on prices. Well, I had a volunteer who offered to check the prices. We then emailed Bro and are awaiting his response. Driving is not feasible especially as he suffers from critter allergies. One drawback is that Tinkerbell cannot relocate with us. Crystal can, but not Tink. Crystal will be considered carry-on and her carrrier will go under one of our seats.
     
    Today, we put an ad on Craigslist for Tinkerbell :crying: .
     
    As to our belongings...they will be shipped so we are now faced with downsizing immensely. We're compiling a list which we will email to Brother and other family letting them know what we'll be needing. Will be listing apartment moving sale on Craigslist also.
     
    The next several weeks shall be interesting in my household to say the least. Tentative date to leave AZ is July 17th via USAirways.
  16. dstraugh
    Ok...just rejoined the blogging world and have 2 blogs in 1 day.
     
    God has answered prayers and we are moving to Pennsylvaniia. My nephew will be my landlord as he decided to rent us the home he was planning on selling.
     
    Just have to iron out getting us and critters there. So Plan A completed, Plan B is in the formatting stage. :bouncing_off_wall:
     
    Kiddo has shed several tears and wouldn't talk to her Uncle when he called tonight. Over past few hours she's done better.
  17. dstraugh

    I have returned

    By dstraugh,

    I kinda sorta ranaway for the past week and a half. I was (and still am kinda) in a royal funk. I was in a worse funk at first which resulted in me deleting all my prior blog entries. In addition, I've somewhat posted on the message board - not my usual self.
     
    I can't explain all what I've been going through as it would take up way to much space and bore everyone to tears, including ME. As an end result, I have adopted a song as my theme song - Martina McBride's "Anyway". I'm trying to live by the words of the song:
     
    You can spend your whole life building,
    Something from nothing
    One storm can come and blow it all away, (The storm for me was the stroke)
    Build it anyway
    You can chase a dream (The dream is my recovery)
    That seems so out of reach
    And you know it might not ever come your way
    Dream it anyway
     
    Chorus
    God is great, but sometimes life ain't good
    And when I pray
    It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
    But I do it anyway,
    I do it anyway
     
    This world's gone crazy
    And it's hard to believe
    That tomorrow will be better than today
    Believe it anyway
    You can love someone with all your heart,
    For all the right reasons,
    And in a moment they can choose to walk away
    Love 'em anyway
     
    (Repeat Chorus)
     
    God is great, but sometimes life ain't good (God does things in HIS time, HIS way and says NO at times)
    And when I pray
    It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
    But I do it anyway,
    I do it anyway
     
    You can pour your soul out singing
    A song you believe in
    That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
    Sing it anyway,
    Yeah sing it anyway
     
    I sing, I dream, I love
    Anyway