tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244416632024-03-13T13:14:11.646-07:00BASSakward TalesFor those of you who know me well, you will understand the title. For those of you who don't know me well, you will soon understand the title.BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-3947684162682204472012-05-15T10:32:00.002-07:002012-05-15T10:32:20.936-07:00Working was so much easier....Heaven help us! I realized yesterday that working outside the home is so much easier than managing the "human resources" of your home! I had a spurt of energy and decided that I would declutter my room...I use that term very loosely. (My daughter said she was tempted to call the producers of Hoarding: Buried Alive.) I had 12, count them, 12 piles of clothes seperated and ready to wash. Now this did not even count the picking up of trash, cleaning off the dresser, cleaning off my bedside table, cleaning out the bedside table, CLEANING OUT FROM UNDER MY BED! Oh did I mention that the kitchen had to be cleaned before I could cook, then I had to cook and hope I did not burn it. Then right in the middle of all this I find myself grabbing onto the side of the bed to keep from falling in the floor. (I have been suffering with vertigo.)I have friends who are AWESOME stay at home moms. I. AM. NOT. ONE. OF. THEM. But with the help of the good Lord, I will get better at this...Then I was convinced that I would sleep like a baby. WRONG! The sleep fairy did not come till around 3 am. Oh did I mention that because of the vertigo, I got so nauseated I threw up my supper? I know, TMI. I said all this to say, you moms out there who rock your house with several small children and still have your wits...you rock my world!BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-24508079005551267452012-04-25T11:41:00.001-07:002012-04-25T11:44:19.082-07:00Just muddling throughWell alot has gone on since we last talked. Some good, some bad. I continue to have health problems and scares. This one I am going through now feels like it the final straw. I feel like I am being whittled away slowly from the funloving, carefree, compassionate, spontaneous person I used to be. I can't discuss it at this time but I will good or bad when we get the results in. I have alot of stuff going on as far as medical tests go. I really just get tired of going to the doctor and being poked on like a pin cushion. It gets very old very quickly. Enough of that...
My mom is doing ok but we are very concerned about my dad. I feel so helpless. I have spent my career helping people get to the bottom of the problems they are having and it does not seem like I can help my own family. Isn't that weird how that works? I just have to stand by and watch.
My kids are growing WAY too fast. Jacob is getting ready to play football. He has been kicking field goals for over a year. They are anywhere from 25 to 30 yards with about 90% accuracy. Jamie has started her own Mary Kay business. The website is www.marykay.com/jamieleighbass. I am real proud of her for all the hardwork and dedication she has had despite some others who have tried to stand in her way.
Stephen is good as usual. He is like a work horse. I have never known a man who worked harder than him. He never complains. He is always here to take care of me or take me to the hospital. I know he loves me beyond words. I am so blessed to have been given him as my husband.
Although I am down and scared, my family brings me laughter and happiness. I hope your family does the same things for you.
Peace and love,
GinBASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-52989771971000160562012-03-28T18:14:00.002-07:002012-03-28T18:31:21.701-07:00randomnessI saw this A-Z thing making its way across the Blogosphere. So, due to my boredom, I'm jumping on the bandwagon. Yep, I'm bored on a Thursday night. It's 7:30 pm...Everybody is doing their own thing....<br /><br /><br /><br />A-age: 36..Bring on 40...looking forward to it!<br /> <br />B-breakfast: Special K bar and cup of coffee <br /><br />C-craving: McDonald's Sausage Burrito<br /><br />D-dinner: egg sandwich and sherbert<br /><br />E-exercise...been doing it for over a week...not seeing results yet but will keep going<br /> <br />F-fear: SNAKES<br /><br />G-gross: stale dishwater <br /><br />H-hometown: Lincoln, Alabama.<br /> <br />I-something important: several of my friends are getting married soon<br /> <br />J- current fav jam: Can you consider Jake Owen, Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean a jam?<br /><br />K- kids: 2 - Jamie is 20 and Jacob is 12<br /> <br />L- location: Lincoln, AL. <br /><br />M- money spent recently: way too much<br /> <br />N- need: to learn how to juggle all these responsibilities<br /><br />O- occupation: Mom. And, it's harder than anything I've done in my life...social worker<br />P- pet peeve: too many to list<br /><br />Q- fav quote: Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.<br /> <br />R- random fact: My uncle served in the Army with John Wayne.<br /> <br />S- fav snack: broccoli and honey mustard<br /><br />T- fav treat: Sugar free cookies and cream ice cream<br /> <br />U- something unique: I have a unique collectiono f quilts. <br />V- fav vegetable: most any<br /><br />W- workout today: walked on bum knee<br /><br />X- x-rays I've had: I should glow by now I have had so many.<br /> <br />Y- yesterday's highlight: My dad got relief from a painful condition.<br /> <br />Z- time zone: centralBASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-16885334933022541412012-03-11T20:55:00.002-07:002012-03-11T21:00:46.827-07:00ramblings....So as you have probably noticed I am not an everyday blogger. I think I live a pretty mundane life so I don't think I need to bother others with it. However, some pretty exciting things have been happening around here. Now don't get your hopes up - we did not win the lottery or some nonsense like that. Let's see - <br /><br />1. I have new front door steps with decorative handrails built by my husband and son.<br />2. I am getting the yard ready for its first trim of the season by Vinney.<br />3. My hubs bought me a computer so that when I go to Ft. Lauderdale, I will have full access to what is going on at my fingertips.<br />4. I am feeling better. I have a few things still going on but we are tackling them as they come.<br />5. I have a new pile of books to read. That always makes me feel happy.<br />6. Still struggling spiritually, but God is really working on that.<br />7.Had a family surprise that I can't talk about at this moment.<br />8. My grandmother's birthday just passed - she would have been 90 years old.<br />9. I found a used book store in Trussville and I am in heaven.<br />10. I am getting real excited bc I have a bunch of travel plans coming up for the summer - Auburn, Savannah, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Disney and possibly a cruise.<br /><br />I know this is boring, but this is what is going on in my world. How about your world - is it busy too?BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-42917791395932848452012-02-28T09:57:00.002-08:002012-02-28T10:09:41.811-08:00I'm mad, confused and ticked....Any questions? Glad you asked! OK so I am settling into this new skin of staying at home and not running the rat race of life. It is getting easier, but some things are getting harder. For example, ashamedly, I have been the "career woman" for so long, I lose patience with people who don't do what I tell them to do, i.e. my son. It is a nightly battle with homework. That is all I am going to say about that.<br /><br />Confused...I don't know where to start in shoveling out this house. Yall I am perfectly serious when I say, I am about to get one of those big dumpsters and put in my yard and just start chunking stuff. I am totally disgusted. I want to rearrange my kitchen but I can't. I physically can't. I don't want anyone to help me cause I want to do it. Do you know how mad it makes me when I realize I CAN'T do something. Oh it is not pretty. I want to rip out the carpet in my son's bedroom and put down plywood if I had my way, but I will settle for cheap flooring. I promise you there is a Pulitzer prize winning science experiment and cure in his carpet.<br /><br />Ticked - at the whole healthcare system...I cannot even begin to explain why I am so mad. It is a LONG drawn out story, but it is about to work my last nerve. Whatever happened to taking care of your patient? Not, am I going to get paid for that, how much money will I charge to sign a paper, oh it will be two weeks before your blood work is back but I am going to give you medicine for seven days...need I go on? I have significant health problems that have to be dealt with on a DAILY sometimes minute by minute basis. If I knew all the answers and knew what to do I would not be coming or calling you now would I? I have some dear friends who work in all areas of medicine, doctors, nurses, social workers, medical records, etc. I hope I don't make you made by this rant bc I am not talking about YOU! I am talking about that other half a million out there.<br /><br />I am doing realitivly well but I am just aggravated beyond words right now...Maybe my next post will be inspiring...let's hope.BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-8797558820357937172012-01-17T18:21:00.000-08:002012-01-17T19:09:56.106-08:00Times are a changing'Well it has been a long time since I have posted, which means that alot has changed. From my last post, we all read that I quit, that is walked out, on a social work job that could have easily caused me my license. I have never done that before. Anyway, about a year ago, I told my momma and sister that if I ever had to leave another job because of my health I would throw my social work hat in for a while. Well, I am one to keep my word, and it has been officially thrown in for paid positions. I am Still involved in social work organizations and causes. I have just completed a record 17 day hospital stay because of my diabetes. However, in the process, I have found two awesome doctors- one endocrinologist and one internist. <br /><br />It has been very hard on me to adjust to the non working life. Many people would say oh I would love that! I have never NOT worked. From the time I was 14 I worked. I cut grass for a doctor who lived across the street, I babysat for a family of four and then I worked fast food all through high school. When I went to college the first time, I did telemarketing for satellite dishes while smelling dog food being made across the street and worked third shift in the ER and went to school in the day. When I got married, I worked a full time job, two part time jobs and went to school at night full time. Did I mention I had two kids? So as you see I am not accustomed to being still.<br /><br />Now the problem is that I can't get motivated. I think the reason is that I am being "told" by my doctors that I must "stop" working for my own health. I do not, I repeat, do no like pbeing told what to do. June was a year ago that I filed for disability. Again something I did not want to do, but I was instructed to do so. I was denied. So I sought out an attorney. I finally have my hearing the 31st of this month. I do not look down on people who are on disability. It is not my place to determine if they need it or not. But when it comes to me, I am not supposed to be on disability. This is not what God has planned out for me. I have spent my life helping people in various ways. I don't like asking people for help and I don't accept help very well.<br /><br />So with all that said, can you tell that times will be a changin? I am fighting severe depression, lack of self worth, moments where I just break down and cry and days where I don't get out of the bed. However, due to the fact that I have awesome friends and family, some that I have never met in person, I am going to get through this. I have a cousin I have never met before pray for me and with me over the phone. Can I tell you that I slept like a baby that night! I felt the weight of that day was gone.<br /><br />Today has been a better day. I am thankful for that. I pray for brighter and happier days. In closing, if you have ever experienced any of what I am going through, please share with me. It will definitely help me and it might just help you. I want to become that carefree, goofy, funny, fun loving person I used to be. My husband told me I needed to find "Ginny" before social work. He said that social work is not who I am, but what I did. Pretty smart fellow huh? <br /><br />Love to all.....BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-75161888225822463632011-11-16T22:39:00.000-08:002011-11-16T22:44:54.949-08:00so that didn't workwhat was i thinking....when a dozen people tell you that you should not take a job...please listen because they evidently know something that you don't know....i am unemployed by the grace of God right now...I am happy to be out of that hell hole that will remain anonymous....why did i ever think that a social worker...a lowly social worker could change anything...why did i go and put my heart into something that was already having a coronary itself....those of you who know me and where i have been are shaking your heads yes and probably laughing at me...so anyway....i have realized that i have done just about all that i want to do as a social worker...i have a few things on my bucket list to do, but being the highest paid lbsw is not one of them anymore...just saying....like a brick fell on my head and i realized it is not the money i need it is the satisfaction that i held someone's hand today, i wiped a tear, i made someone smile with some goofy thing i said, i held the hand of a daughter who was watching her mother die, i called the priest for a man that was having alot of problems....that is what i need....my reward will come later....if my mouth will just stay shut....<br /><br />love to all....BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-17927381290343694932011-09-25T17:31:00.001-07:002011-09-25T17:43:49.678-07:00The Run Down...It seems like ages since I updated my blog. So much has gone on. Let's see if I can break it down.<br /><br />*fellow social worker quit 2 weeks after I started - am I really that hard to work with?<br />*had the whole building to myself<br />*daughter has started second semester of college<br />*son is in 7th grade<br />*busier than a one armed paper hanger<br />*Stephen's mom passed away<br />*I ended up in ICU...<br />*got new social worker<br />*company has been sold....that was a surprise<br />*attended my husband's 25th high school class reunion<br /><br />That is all I can think of right now!<br /><br />It has been a busy time in my life, but I am very blessed. This is the biggest learning curve, at work, that I have ever had. It has been some stressful times, and I have thought about giving up. But, those that know me, know that I don't give up easily. A friend of mine told me that in the Catholic religion, that if you name the person who you are praying for it gives the prayer more power. I don't know, but I will tell you since my melt down last week, I have been naming names in my prayers. You see, I had to come to realize that God is BIGGER than any company I work for, any supervisor or anybody. So that may sound silly that I had to realize that, but maybe it was just that I needed a reminder.<br /><br />I have a beautiful view out of my window at work. The building I work at is on top of a mountain. So the day I had the meltdown, I opened the window and just let the fresh air blow in my face. I looked down the mountain at God's creation. I literally prayed for God to put His hand a little tighter over my mouth! No joke...true story!<br /><br />I have prayed everyday since then, and my oh my how that changes things. I have always struggled with my prayer life, but I still work on it. I fail miserably everyday at being the Christian that God wants me to be. But I can tell you, that I try very hard. <br /><br />My job is very stressful. There is no set routine. Things change from minute to minute, but I still feel that I do what God called me to do. A friend of mine told me not long ago that not only does God open a door when another one closes, He is on both sides of the door to start with. I really had to think about that one!<br /><br />So that is what life has dealt me in the last few weeks...I do have some funny stories to post, but that will have to come at a later time. <br /><br />Love to all,BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-31728721024710431612011-08-12T22:29:00.000-07:002011-08-12T22:38:12.710-07:00who wants to catch up?We have been so busy it is unreal. If my kids played sports or such I think I would crazy. We have all of Jacob's stuff bought for school - supplies and clothes. This is all thanks to my sister...Lib. She did an awesome job. This took alot off of me.
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<br />I started a new job. It has been wild. Their paperwork is so totally different than anything I have ever seen, but I am learning. Everybody is helpful witht he exception of a few. We did have the other SW quit...long story. It was an event in the making. I really like my office - it has a bathroom in it!
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<br />Jamie is about to start her second semester of her Freshman year. She had a gotten a job at the local grocery store. That did not go well. That is another story. Anyway, Stephen and I have employed her as our "maid." We had to have a re education in what deep cleaning meant, but she is doing great. Jacob has chores of his own. They both get an allowance for their chores. I am very proud of both of them.
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<br />Had a wonderful church service Sunday? He asked 10 questions about being a Christian. Some of them I looked at him like he was crazy, but it all made sense in the end. When I get the outline, I plan to post it on here. I had wanted to go to each night of the revival, but work had another plan for me.
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<br />I have reconnected with an old friend that I grew up with - Rebecca Bradley. I am sooooo excited. I have missed her over the years, and I am so glad she is back in my life.
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<br />That is about all that has happened this week. I plan to have a busy weekend. So I will have another post later. What have you done this week? Love to all....BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-86449398264095346212011-08-06T15:01:00.000-07:002011-08-06T15:05:58.775-07:00have you ever....have you ever just felt lost...i really can't pinpoint why, but i am right now. it makes me very sad. i am not depressed, i love my job, things are good at home for the most part...<br /><br />i guess i am feeling more unappreciated than anything. i have done some pretty enormous things lately for some people in my family and got not even a thank you. now before you say it, i did not do these things for praise, but is it me or is thank you just common sense....<br /><br />i feel detached from something and i am not going to mention what it is...i will tell you it is NOT God...because without HIM i would be at the bar drunk....:) i am missing some friends that live far away...i want to book a hotel room, wiggle my nose and they all be there....i feel like no one ever calls me...i have to call them to chat and then i feel like i am interrupting their day...am i being obnoxious and pms - ing even though i don't do that anymore...<br /><br />i am seriously just lost...why can't it be like it used to be...BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-61657996547152268232011-07-30T20:14:00.001-07:002011-07-30T20:18:36.230-07:00Have you ever....Have you ever felt so bad physically and emotionally but then feel guility because you know there are others who are worse off than you? That is where I have been lately. I am one of the most blessed women on the face of the Earth. Some people don't understand how our family works but we do. We are all healthy and happy for the most part. But sometimes I just get to feeling sad and all I want to do is cry. I miss people. I get disgusted at work. I get tired of the corporate latter. But yet I want to work. I want to be that parent that is at church with clean little children and husband in tow. I want to be that person who always remembers everyone's birthdays and baby showers. I want to be that mom that that teachers don't dread see coming. I want all of this but don't know how to get it. I want to host parties, I want a pretty yard. Is this all too much to want? Is this what they call a Gold Digger?BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-48152554707757401772011-07-22T01:42:00.000-07:002011-07-22T02:28:40.404-07:00It's a wrap.....It has been a while since we last spoke. I am not one of those gifted writers who can just type out some hilarious, thought provoking, inspirational post,i.e. Becky, Karen, Dana.....just sayin....<br /><br />Anyway, thing have been pretty quiet around here, but I expect that to chane since I said the Q word. Jamie is still working at the grocery store and getting good hours. She got registered for her 2nd semester - survey of the New Testament, Intro to Sociology, English 101 (again b/c she had a psychotic teacher) and ie intermediate Algebra, which she totally rocked Algebra 100 last semester. She has changed her major to Computer Information Systems with an emphasis in graphic design. Very proud of her. Oh and did I mention she bought her brother a birthday present out of her own money without being reminded.<br /><br />Jacob is growing way too fast. He is about to be 12 years old and starting the 7th grade. I don't know if I am ready for that, but I really don't have a say in that either. He has played so much this summer. What is it about boys and that smell they put off? We call it "male smell". He smells like a locker toom everyday. He has really slimmed down a lot. His reading is coming along very nicely. I don't think his teachers will think so, but what do they know. We are having a pool party for him on Saturday at my aunt's house.<br /><br />I have started my new job. The jury is still out on that one. I have been doing this for 15 years and have never seen quite the arrangement that is going on. Folks don't know how to talk to each other - like almost screaming. They are very immature. Now if they start that with me, well yall know where that is headed - south - quickly. They are very unorganized. I knew going into the job there were problems, but it looks like to me that most of it is the employees. If you have employees who know how to act and will do their job then you don't have probkems. On another note, we had a health scare. To make a very long story short, I went to work Monday and just did not feel good. I had not felt good since Friday. Anyway, my heart was beating at 145 and my blood pressure was 145/110. Nobody asked me any questions, she called the ambulance and off to Gadsden Regional I went. Come to find out I was septic from pyelonephritis, had a bladder infection and slight pnemonia. They wheeled me right on up to MICU where I stayed for 4 days there on a dopamine drip and 3 days in a regular room. You all know I am not a good patient, but I must have behaved bc they were still talking to me when I left. I only had one problem while there and it was with a doctor. When he was putting my central line in, he kept telling me how fat I was. I had just bout had enough of this and d rei politely told him that I have a mirror and am quite aware of my size. You all know there was some colorful conversation that followed. Anyway, other tanat.<br /><br />Daughter has just told me her car is "scrubbin and it did not steer well". This is a big old sad face. I guess that will be vacation money or a great portion of it. But I would rather have my dauhter a safe car than laying on the beach, although that sounds more applelaing<br /><br />Stephen is doing well.He just work like trojan horse. He has been there 14 years come September. I am very proud of him.He gets to work from home 2 days a week, for putting up with me which is a full time job.<br /><br />Well that is a wrap for the lfe and times of the Bassakward family. If you finished reading this, then you a true fried! Love to allBASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-22592696867820050582011-07-03T05:46:00.001-07:002011-07-03T05:54:11.237-07:00It's been a while...we have been so busy in this season called summer where you are supposed to relax. ha...that's for the birds. Work is going good and I am about to go to work at a nursing home in Bham. They pay a whole bunch more than this part time consulting work i am doing. <br /><br />very excited - i got $590 worth of clothes yesterday for $254 and that included tax. I will be a sharp dressed lady at work. Now just to go buy shoes and jewelry.<br /><br />Jamie got a job! Thank you to Man upstairs. She is working at a loca grocery store. She has done really well about setting her alarm clock and getting up. You know she is the princess. She finished the first semester with an A - Algebra, B - Biology, B Speech and B Pyschology. I was very proud of her. She has changed her major to CIS and will focus on web desing and graphics. <br /><br /><br />I am working on an article that I will submit to "Social Work Today" about skilled nursing facilities. I don't have a title yet. When I finish it and it is ready to be submitted I will post it. I know not everyone gets "Social Work Today" so there you will have it<br /><br />I am still doing great. If I could only sleep I would be perfect. It escapes every night. NO health problems here.<br /><br />I have bought a new car - not new but new to me. It is a 2006 Chevy Cobalt. It is really cute and gets great gas mileage.<br /><br />If you are still reading this you must be a real friend, cause this is really boring. I just wanted to let everyone know I am still alive.<br /><br />Hugs to all!BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-87726436813920649062011-06-26T08:05:00.000-07:002011-06-26T08:08:35.660-07:00the blessings continue to flow*my daughter got a job<br /><br />* i am still doing well<br /><br />* decreased my meds by half<br /><br />* no more surgeries scheduled<br /><br />* looking for a full time job<br /><br />*back to working part time<br /><br />* spending time with old friends<br /><br />* date nights with hubby<br /><br />*air conditioner fixed<br /><br />*a new car<br /><br />*my son's reading is ROCKING right now<br /><br />* summer reading lists - David Baldacci rocks<br /><br />*too many more to mentionBASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-54133721699209417892011-06-07T16:30:00.001-07:002011-06-07T16:41:37.345-07:00miracles still happeni have been waiting a few days to post this...i want to share the healing that God has given me...as many of you know I have been sick for 14 months...severe stomach issues...i have been to brookwood hospital several times and have had several procedures done to try to correct the issues...nothing seemed to work so they sent me to the university of south carolina for further more in depth tests...i was told in sc that i needed to have a gastric pacemaker in my stomach...i came home to get prepared for the trip to the university of mississippi...well i had a nerve block done last friday that sent my blood sugar through the roof...sent me into DKA...called my endocrinologist at Brookwood and found out that he was out of the country so they sent me to st vincent's where his parnter was working...while there a GI doc that i know came by and told me that we needed to put a tube down my nose to bypass my stomach and in my side to by pass my stomach but in the meantime he wanted to perform the next test to prepare me to go to mississippi...so we go for the 2 hour gastric emptying study....later that day he came back and said, "you are not going to like what i have to say." i said, "what, my stomach is rotten, i could have told you this..." he said, "no dear you do not have gastroparesis anymore" obviously this confused me...we talked for a little bit...he told me, "your test is 100% normal...you are healed my child." i was discharged from the hospital...i have not had any of my stomach medicines in almost a week, i have eaten anything i wanted to eat, went out to dinner with my hubs at olive garden on friday...i have not vomited in over a week....<br /><br />over the past year and a half...i have had so many people praying for me...from coast to coast - north south east to west...i truly believe that God has healed me...even my blood sugars are normal....<br /><br />don't ever give up on God bc although He may not answer your prayers in your time He will answer them in His timeBASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-15159090751443389162011-05-16T12:51:00.000-07:002011-05-16T12:56:51.363-07:00not much has changed....but yet so much hasnot much has changed here in lincoln, al. i am still battling the stomach issues...no need to go into that cause it is really gross. but one thing has changed...my thankfulness...for all the people that have gone out and helped the tornado victims, that have raised money through very creative ways...for alot of things. i am not physically able to go out and do what i want to do...this really makes me mad...but i will get back to that point...it is just amazing to me that as divided as our state is - UA vs AU - that we have all pulled together and started the recovery process. it makes me so proud to be from Alabama....that's all folks....BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-65342225297169444582011-05-07T23:04:00.000-07:002011-05-07T23:28:18.188-07:00the good, the bad, the ugly and the rest of the story...so if you have been following this saga...you can tell i have had technical difficulties with posting pictures...i have come to the conclusion that if you use pics from your i phone then it does not transmit like your camera...anyway...on to the real reason for this post....<br /><br />so we left on saturday, april 30, and spent the night in augusta, ga. it was cool...got to go by the masters...even though barney fife would not even let us put our feet on the ground...had to take the pics from the window...oh well....<br /><br />got to charleston on sunday...the place we stayed was absolutely awesome...well i should say where stephen got to stay cause i had an extended hospital stay....so here we go...<br /><br />we get to the hospital on monday, met with the doctor, discussed what we were going to do and on to pre op did i skip...yes i said skip...they looked at my veins and asked where my port was...i just kind of laughed...they took me on back to the anestheologist (i don't think i spelled that right) anyway...yours truly ended up with an iv in her left foot...let it be known that i did not cuss nor take the Lord's name in vain....i did call on Him, His mother and any other saint i could think of....the doc looked at the nurse said...you know she has a fever...i think she needs to stay overnight...nurse says no she does not have a fever...doc says she will in a minute cause i am not going through this again tomorrow....i loved this doctor...had my first procedure...nothing noteworthy...stayed the night...so on tuesday we had the big test...the ERCP...it showed that my pancreas was working beautifully...we were very scared that it was not working...it seems the problem is my stomach...you know that big thing i carry around....anyway when i eat food it stays in my stomach anywhere from 24 to 48 hours after it is supposed to have you know gone down the toilet...look i told you this was ugly....therefore, it rots, makes me sick, puts me in pain, yeast grows which is even worse...then when i am so sick that i go to the ER the pain meds they give me make it worse...it just makes my stomach slower...so i am in a pickle...what do you do....<br /><br />there are some meds out there...i am taking one, but it has some side effects that i am scared to death of but have not had any of them - yet...there is another drug that is approved in canada and europe but of course our fda won't approve cause there is no money to be made it it...but i digress...<br /><br />so our next step is to go to the university of missississippi...there is a doctor there, Dr. Thomas Abelle....he invented the gastric pacemaker...it is a modified heart pacemaker but it is surgically placed in the stomach to stimulate those nerves to make that nasty food move on...<br /><br />so we have some answers and that is what we prayed for...so we journey on...<br /><br /><strong>Journey On - Ty Herndon</strong><br /><br />Sometimes the mountains tower high above you <br />Sometimes the currents just too fast to swim <br />Life can carry you all kind of places. <br />Journey On. <br /><br />Sometimes in the moment of your weakness <br />When you're on the edge of giving in <br />You hold your heart before it falls to pieces. <br />Journey On. <br /><br />Journey On - hold your head above the water <br />Journey On - you can weather out this storm <br />Journey On - there's a better day coming <br />A better world than you have ever known <br /><br />Journey On - someone's waiting by the river <br />Waiting there to take you by the hand <br />So make the most of all that you've been given <br />Journey On. <br /><br />Anybody's ship can take on water <br />You gotta make the choice to sink or swim <br />Just grab a piece of rubble from the wreckage <br />Journey On. <br /><br />Too many times your heart will leave you stranded <br />You bear the scars of where you've been <br />Don't be afraid to ask for new direction <br />And Journey On. <br /><br />Journey On - hold your head above the water <br />Journey On - you can weather out this storm <br />Journey On - there's a better day a coming <br />Oh, a better world than you have ever known. <br /><br />Journey On - someone's waiting by the river <br />Waiting there to take you by the hand <br />So make the most of all that you've been given <br />Journey On. <br /><br />Journey On - <br />Journey On.BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-42154451120484314182011-05-01T20:04:00.000-07:002011-05-01T20:06:28.736-07:00Roll Away Your Stone...This song is by The Mumford Sons - I think I spelled it right...I borrowed this from someone else, but after all that our state has been through I just think it is perfect....you can google it and hear the song....<br /><br /><br /><br />Roll away your stone, I’ll roll away mine<br />Together we can see what we can find<br />Don’t leave me alone at this time,<br />For I am afraid of what I will discover inside<br />You told me that I would find a home,<br />Within the fragile substance of my soul<br />And I have filled this void with things unreal,<br />And all the while my character it steals<br />But darkness is a harsh term don’t you think?<br />And yet it dominates the things I seek<br />It seems as if all my bridges have been burned,<br />You say that’s exactly how this grace thing works<br />It’s not the long walk home that will change this heart,<br />But the welcome I receive at the restart<br />Darkness is a harsh term don’t you think?<br />And yet it dominates the things I seek<br />Darkness is a harsh term don’t you think?<br />And yet it dominates the things I seek<br />But darkness is a harsh term don’t you think?<br />And yet it dominates the things I seek<br />Stars hide your fires,<br />And these are my desires<br />And I will give them up to you this time around<br />And so, I’ll be found with my stake stuck in this ground<br />Marking the territory of this newly impassioned soul<br />But you, you’ve come too far this time<br />You have neither reason nor rhyme<br />With which to take this soul that is so rightfully mineBASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-13184074711995189332011-05-01T15:35:00.000-07:002011-05-01T15:42:47.601-07:00Charleston Part IWell we have made it to Charleston, SC, and we are staying at this quaint little place called Shem Creek Inn. It is on Shem Creek which is a major shrimping area. Very interesting place. We have eaten at some pretty cool places. We stopped in Columbia and toured the campus of The University of South Carolina. Let me tell you...it is pretty but it is NOTHING like The University of Alabama. The stadium is like 5 miles from campus. We could not get there because of construction. People have been very nice, and we hope to make another trip up here for a real vacaation. Here are some pics....sorry they are so small...I am having camera issues....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBASBf6mFa6RAyrb3i0RBMSlpMH4gA8fbLVKXnYpw4sRjA-PQTkJrDKw1-1b3PiifdkqwhhERfmfFqPg1FVI3mJM3rVemFEO8wLYQznUGbjpeBETyAY2cw3YcC-emBjnXV-kFN/s1600/tn%255B6%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 113px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBASBf6mFa6RAyrb3i0RBMSlpMH4gA8fbLVKXnYpw4sRjA-PQTkJrDKw1-1b3PiifdkqwhhERfmfFqPg1FVI3mJM3rVemFEO8wLYQznUGbjpeBETyAY2cw3YcC-emBjnXV-kFN/s320/tn%255B6%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601880947862569490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJ-zDDdjafZtIfBR1AzPf7Fi7_fTrSjcofeSoMPDYkD9hpC7NUEgAuL81gh9ow63o5mMr0GIbyQdiR79w_0NoIdjjx1T8XK2MTq0rlDybCQVeWy0MMPtMXY0dkHTxGAWsVYlh/s1600/tn%255B5%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 113px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJ-zDDdjafZtIfBR1AzPf7Fi7_fTrSjcofeSoMPDYkD9hpC7NUEgAuL81gh9ow63o5mMr0GIbyQdiR79w_0NoIdjjx1T8XK2MTq0rlDybCQVeWy0MMPtMXY0dkHTxGAWsVYlh/s320/tn%255B5%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601880887893852034" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdyPKjXIzHJSvFRR0rF7NnNoBYTu12bhN85cxGy2zGMLUzQcCEBBdFz8XtsSMzQ657BF-YhL5Bb9oM254JNhrERdH8nQEI3plsI0ktWznJfCXVvvExzgIrRqmwaYAaBJsJKLF/s1600/tn%255B5%255D+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 113px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdyPKjXIzHJSvFRR0rF7NnNoBYTu12bhN85cxGy2zGMLUzQcCEBBdFz8XtsSMzQ657BF-YhL5Bb9oM254JNhrERdH8nQEI3plsI0ktWznJfCXVvvExzgIrRqmwaYAaBJsJKLF/s320/tn%255B5%255D+%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601880825003546050" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbx_QEEEgYJZoUG4MC_MpjxFqfGBSQN83sEam7pPwu5mPbwli1xMuTFU1Z2TnqDu5GL_Mn4zQjF_Mr2LJ9bNVZOaZDXv1LCi35qF20kZyARgONhH4EQep3Rp3t4fsmzB54SM2I/s1600/tn%255B4%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 113px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbx_QEEEgYJZoUG4MC_MpjxFqfGBSQN83sEam7pPwu5mPbwli1xMuTFU1Z2TnqDu5GL_Mn4zQjF_Mr2LJ9bNVZOaZDXv1LCi35qF20kZyARgONhH4EQep3Rp3t4fsmzB54SM2I/s320/tn%255B4%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601880770879560018" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0WK6hoOucMoOntU4g09oSQKRswHZWbbeTy5eMFH_zzJNqNsodOgIY0G6CZzMIXqKHJClDlX-71iVJUuKTZ8rT0vQr8G4cMPCI6_4CRALaPJBiHd2Vk6GFTZbSelQWOt2bhLW/s1600/tn%255B3%255D+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 113px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0WK6hoOucMoOntU4g09oSQKRswHZWbbeTy5eMFH_zzJNqNsodOgIY0G6CZzMIXqKHJClDlX-71iVJUuKTZ8rT0vQr8G4cMPCI6_4CRALaPJBiHd2Vk6GFTZbSelQWOt2bhLW/s320/tn%255B3%255D+%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601880690295928082" /></a>BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-83889419162277629642011-05-01T04:44:00.000-07:002011-05-01T05:03:00.428-07:00A week in review...This is a southerner that just learned to love Yankees - THE Yankees - for their contributions to the recovery efforts. Considering how many folks from bama have gone to the NFL, MLB, NBA, even American Idol - I hope that those organizations step up as well. Also Beth Moore, one of my spiritual eartly heroes, has sent $10,000 to the relief efforts. Our state has been desimated. My family was so very blessed that we did not even have a branch in our yard. Yes we did not know where some family members in Tuscaloosa were for a while, but we found them. God is so good.<br /><br />My uncle's cabin in Shoal Creek got damaged pretty bad. I could not get those pictures to upload. That little community was hit hard. There was an assisted living out there that I worked with alot. It is completely gone. The owners and all the Residents were killed. It has been a very stressful, sad, awakening week for us. But the sun is shining today, and God said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." For those who have lost everything and family members just know that God is still there. He has not left your side. <br /><br />Peace and blessings....<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY12FPj9dclfczdjuwvwQDOfzn9eEQJwvmcrCdDI-QjkaNi5HBlhYsh6utBor5W5EKwbSdmBT3MHBAwaRqIhwPysJqQ4BwWXU5VbDyPAeO_hjaWUdZCIg_LxKH_HiuHZYBIYIw/s1600/safe_image%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY12FPj9dclfczdjuwvwQDOfzn9eEQJwvmcrCdDI-QjkaNi5HBlhYsh6utBor5W5EKwbSdmBT3MHBAwaRqIhwPysJqQ4BwWXU5VbDyPAeO_hjaWUdZCIg_LxKH_HiuHZYBIYIw/s320/safe_image%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601714839293875074" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaKHuA60qroIW7tajlQQvwya3TKSxtM3sY3DsLhp9NnvQdTNHu99BbFteailwYAC3YKBJfJdERGQHwM48fHKGCP_n4wnuocntSiMkUjx2oDh2rS2yi77pJVb8T3p4sOZDVeqW/s1600/IMG_7714%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaKHuA60qroIW7tajlQQvwya3TKSxtM3sY3DsLhp9NnvQdTNHu99BbFteailwYAC3YKBJfJdERGQHwM48fHKGCP_n4wnuocntSiMkUjx2oDh2rS2yi77pJVb8T3p4sOZDVeqW/s320/IMG_7714%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601714778187953730" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFNTiIU_rEUUnXWfEUBxagCsxDkFYQvgS7mnA8blmcqSvM0877AazudXAVhfyZohVnPRft0L8tW4DIXwqwgeoHvlIP-YP5S6QxsALNf2_dJ2AHj0zvqeLSQlnF10_lemsmi_i/s1600/IMG_7710%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFNTiIU_rEUUnXWfEUBxagCsxDkFYQvgS7mnA8blmcqSvM0877AazudXAVhfyZohVnPRft0L8tW4DIXwqwgeoHvlIP-YP5S6QxsALNf2_dJ2AHj0zvqeLSQlnF10_lemsmi_i/s320/IMG_7710%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601714710867412882" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3aqd0FgDYCiwQkZaq5JqV8s7AvQ_pCossiGOnD1BlQvpc5cA6kmXXhQtT5vA7DduYrBzhbC8ijsYfKv1m85k5Zle3c2_nlZO-f2xJefqMpcGPQHHPVkE-rBjZUqCviXCjE1Q/s1600/IMG_7709%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3aqd0FgDYCiwQkZaq5JqV8s7AvQ_pCossiGOnD1BlQvpc5cA6kmXXhQtT5vA7DduYrBzhbC8ijsYfKv1m85k5Zle3c2_nlZO-f2xJefqMpcGPQHHPVkE-rBjZUqCviXCjE1Q/s320/IMG_7709%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601714632717997618" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AEZj8tmlBFJW3N8RmVrhlEo2qQaNg6nsG-5kDlq5Herf4xeKglNPqyD9D7RlUH7fHz5H-unRnQ_-Fus6NjQTRCZ6AEgc4UlDm3D1t28S7kyrrICr1-6evT7-NEH8AX73wUfh/s1600/IMG_7707%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AEZj8tmlBFJW3N8RmVrhlEo2qQaNg6nsG-5kDlq5Herf4xeKglNPqyD9D7RlUH7fHz5H-unRnQ_-Fus6NjQTRCZ6AEgc4UlDm3D1t28S7kyrrICr1-6evT7-NEH8AX73wUfh/s320/IMG_7707%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601714548661487490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4CxRddRkd1vIyh2h6nDwUQMOMNCcKZby3wRn24g7Ou5YrvlKX383Z5DCUR1J-djyafxyJUNKKcms2wlCoD5_Yxi6UsGrKrGFpcDIIvbPBQz433r-rs_sbo-vcYTtMxr4_l0l/s1600/187125_1013708139_3391493_q%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 50px; height: 50px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4CxRddRkd1vIyh2h6nDwUQMOMNCcKZby3wRn24g7Ou5YrvlKX383Z5DCUR1J-djyafxyJUNKKcms2wlCoD5_Yxi6UsGrKrGFpcDIIvbPBQz433r-rs_sbo-vcYTtMxr4_l0l/s320/187125_1013708139_3391493_q%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601714482689381138" /></a><br /><br />I borrowed these pictures from my friend Rebekah Gilbert whose husband grew up in this town.BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-63293454393975216552011-04-30T17:14:00.001-07:002011-04-30T17:20:34.520-07:00The Masters...Ok so I am kind of a dork! It never crossed my mind when Stephen told me we were going to stay in Augusta, GA, on Saturday night that that is where The Masters is played. Yes I am kind of slow. We drove by it and could not see alot. We pulled into the main gate and Barney Fife came around to Stephen's window. He would not even talk to me and he was closest to me. Anyway, I digress. He told us "you cannot exit the car but you can pull down here and take some pictures." What are we going to do if we "exit" the car? Have you seen the size of us? Do we look like we are going to play golf or that we are dangerous? Anyway, here is a picture of the trees that line the road going to The Masters.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkME9Oz9skr884OZ3Otl1czr8m4xIzU3xhDyodjDqu97LGyctqVPKCtEdUsHqrHOVCYmErp4k7q7HBFCZzJ0c2Zis-3M_WmY_uLed23Wftzi7HYfJ0jB_L0CVc2OtdEbEiXNr/s1600/photo%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601535387717430834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkME9Oz9skr884OZ3Otl1czr8m4xIzU3xhDyodjDqu97LGyctqVPKCtEdUsHqrHOVCYmErp4k7q7HBFCZzJ0c2Zis-3M_WmY_uLed23Wftzi7HYfJ0jB_L0CVc2OtdEbEiXNr/s320/photo%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-85447480070115492992011-04-27T01:48:00.000-07:002011-04-27T02:06:58.176-07:00reflections...Yes it is 4am and I am writing another post. God has laid something on my heart that is overwhelming. The lessons he is teaching me right now are so clear to me. I have never been one to say, "Oh Jesus spoke to me and told me to do....." Well Jesus did not audibly speak to me but He sure showed me where I needed to go study my Bible.<br /><br />After yesterday's post, I really began reflecting on what I had written. Never in my life have I ever been so honest and raw for the whole world to see. But then I began to think, how many blogs I have "stumbled"upon that I read everyday for inspiration. I can only pray that someone does the same for my blog.<br /><br />As I was studying my Bible last night, I came across a verse in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hebews</span> 4: 14 - 16 that says, "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Therefores</span>, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as are - yet he was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us our time of need."<br /><br />Yes this verse say "to help us in our time of need", but isn't every second of the day a time of need for us. This world is so cruel, mean, corrupt, etc. I have been the queen of praying when I needed something. My goal now is to be the Christian who leans on my Lord ALL the time not just in those "times of need."<br /><br />I hope many of you don't think I have gone off the deep end, and maybe you do. I have been a Christian for the better part of 20 years. My faith has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">waivered</span> just like yours has too. But my faith is renewed, and I just want to share it. Someone may be able to relate what I am going through.<br /><br />Peace and blessings....BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-26419406412861143922011-04-26T08:13:00.000-07:002011-04-26T08:34:48.374-07:00An Explaination...So as I lay here in my bed, sick, hurting, nauseated and just purely miserable...I am counting the days to Sunday when we leave for SC. Yes we finally have our our appointment at The University of SC Medical Center. I will be there three days and will have 2 surgeries while there to hopefully correct this problem. The doctors there are the best in the nation for GI issues. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">UAB</span> even sends their patients there. <br /><br />I feel like I need to explain what has been going on for the past 14 months. I am a Juvenile Diabetic, that means my pancreas produces little if any insulin. Your pancreas also creates other juices and enzymes to help digest your food. Well I have something called pancreatic hypertension. This means that my pancreas blows up like a balloon, closes off and does not let those juices and enzymes come out to help in digestion. This causes pain, nausea and vomiting and all other sorts of wonderful things. In addition to that, I have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">gastroparesis</span>. This means that my stomach is very slow to empty, and as gross as it may sound, sometimes food sits there for a very long time. This causes pain, nausea and vomiting. I also have sphincter of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Oddi</span> dysfunction. This is a little valve that comes off the pancreas that opens and closes to let those <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">afore</span> said juices and enzymes out. Well when my pancreas is swollen or in a hypertensive state, then that valve can't open. I have had to have it cut open to let pressure off. Then of course I deal with high blood pressure and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">fibromyalgia</span>. <br /><br />Guys and gals, this is very painful and it has debilitated me. I can hardly eat any foods. Yogurt has been my best friend. I hate eating and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">yall</span> know how much I used to love that....<br /><br />During this time, I have had my faith tested. I have been angry at God, I have questioned God, have had severe depression and many other things. But over the past couple of months, my doctor that I have been with for over 10 years has opened up to me about his walk with Jesus and some of his struggles. I have realized I am not the only one in a boat like this. My hope has come back. Yes there are still days that I am <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">wretching</span> in pain. But over the past few weeks, I have renewed my faith in God, I have asked Him to forgive me of my wrongful thoughts about all this. I figured out that He is teaching me to lean on Him ALL the time, not just when I need Him. My best friend reminded me last night that when Jesus hung on that cruel cross and said, "My God My God why have you forsaken me?" He felt all alone, no one understood His pain. But he NEVER gave up His hope nor did He quit praying.<br /><br />I just want to encourage anyone who is going through any kind of troubles, physical, emotional, spiritual, Your Jesus has been there. He is still there for you just like He has been there for me. I truly believe that all of this has been a lesson to me to lean on Him ALL the time. This is something that I have been guilty of not doing.<br /><br /><br />Just as God's timing is perfect, last Friday, I got the phone call from South Carolina for my appointment. I will be leaving Sunday, May 1, and be there for a few days to undergo some tests and surgeries. I am fully confident in God that I am going to get some answers. Yes my doctors here in Birmingham are awesome, but sometimes you have to go somewhere else.<br /><br />As I end this note, I do want to share that although I feel very bad today, I have had two wonderful days. Easter was wonderful and yesterday was great too. I was able to walk 1/2 mile, do some pretty intense house cleaning, run errands, have some time with my best friend and cooked a great supper for my family. God is good!<br /><br />No one may read this, but if one person does and it helps them through their pain, then it was worth me writing. Peace to all....BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-20705637823324914092011-04-10T00:24:00.000-07:002011-04-10T00:37:22.455-07:00so what have I been doing...Well, funny you should ask. I don't really know why I bother writing these blogs, because only a very few take the time to read them much less make a comment. But I am going to use a bullet style format to keep myself from being wordy.<br /><br />*well I went back to work for a very short period of time - 7 weeks of which I was in the hospital for 3, which makes a total of 4...that is pushing it<br /><br />*continue to have enormous GI issues<br /><br />* have decided that although I am not a stay at home mom kind of person that is what God has demanded, comanded and insisted that I be right now<br /><br />*been to the doctor more times than I can count<br /><br />*decided that "we tend to identify ourselves and each other primarily by what we look like....or what we do"...ok this would be me...<br /><br />*"Is who you are determined by what you do, or is what we determined by who you are?"<br /><br />* "that good appearance plus the admiration of others equal a whole person or that we feel that star performance plus accomplishments equal a whole person"<br /><br />* "I am already a whole person and possess a life of infinite meaning and purpose because I am a child of God"<br /><br />* "Being a child of God who is alive and free in Christ shoudl determine what we do"<br /><br />Let me insert here that I am reading a book called, " Victory Over The Darkness".<br /><br />* I have decided to be a stay at home mom and MAKE IT WORK."<br /><br />* I have discovered an awesome website called....www.onceamonthmom.com<br /><br />*It gives recipes, printable recipes and printable grocery lists...it also gives you the quantities to make for a whole month so that you can have it twice!<br /><br />*I have decided to break my house into sections to clean...that is another post<br /><br />* I have decided to do something one day a week for myself...that does not include getting a mani or pedi each week...I am a helping person...so I am going to volunteer once a week at an area hospice company and if I so feel like it visit with a friend who is a shut in, fellow stay at home mom or just a friend who I miss...<br /><br />*I have decided to continue my walking routine...I had gotten up to a mile a day...I have only been doing this since Feb 15....<br /><br />*and anything else that might cross my simple little mind....<br /><br />What are you doing this week? I will need some new ideas....BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24441663.post-48182384366052957662011-03-21T15:23:00.000-07:002011-03-21T15:28:38.767-07:00since we last spoke...since we last spoke alot has happened<br /><br />*went to a conference in huntsville for my social work license<br /><br />* it was great - learned alot<br /><br />*got sick with an URI that turned into a hospitalizationv-vdoesn't that sound like fun....<br /><br />*halfway through the first semester of college with my daughter<br /><br />*spring has sprung :)<br /><br />*got to spend several hours with one of my besties over dinner and at the bookstore<br /><br />*got to spend the afternoon with my very best friend and her girls celebrating their birthday...<br /><br />what have you been up to?BASSakward Taleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08600944249708206304noreply@blogger.com3