Saturday was pretty much a relaxing day. I did some work on the computer. I don’t think I will ever catch up on all the email accounts. I have my email filters adjusted so I don’t receive so much junk mail. Sometimes a few Nigerian emails do get through the Inbox. These spamming emails offer money to help some poor widow who has no children and is left supposedly lot of money in their bank accounts to get it back to the United States. I will never believe someone is going to give me millions of dollars and not know me. They just want your personal information and banking information to transfer the funds. I will not be a sucker to these scams.
I went to see Jane at the nursing home and spent time chatting with her so she would not be down in the dumps about missing the wedding that was taking place that Saturday. Different family members called to give Jane details of the day and the reception party the night before. She looked happy to have got the phone calls and to have my company for the part of the afternoon.
I had to hurry back home so the family member could take our vehicle to work. I had invited Betty as my guest to go as my substitute mom to the Mother Daughter Banquet. Her son brought her and dropped her off to the banquet. I had been calling around to see if one of our church ladies could take Betty home. I got a half dozen “I can’t do it” before the banquet. I asked several ladies at the banquet would they mind taking Betty home since Betty only lived the most 5 minutes away. I couldn’t get a commitment from any of the church ladies. I was truly disappointed that no one would help me in this situation. We had a guest speaker that was not from my church that came and knew Betty. She was more than glad to assist in taking Betty home. It is a shame when your own church ladies are not willing to be a good servant of Christ and assist another sister in Christ. I am still shaking my head even today about that. I have been praying about it since last night and asking for forgiveness of these ladies.
I had a hard time getting to sleep last night after helping a friend with her website after returning from the banquet. I was on the computer till 1 AM finishing my post as well. I had a lot on my mind when I lay down on my bed. First between two banquet/luncheons in two days, my diabetes had sky rocketed again. Both meals consisted of sugary sweet salads or mostly carbohydrates. The banquet was breaded chicken breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, bread stuffing, corn casserole and a large dinner roll with butter. For dessert, there was a 3 layer type cake with chocolate cake with a mocha filling on top and on top on that was chocolate icing. I tried not to eat the cake. Betty kept insisting that I eat the cake. People whom are not diabetics do not understand the consequences of too many carbohydrates, including sweets in one meal. I paid the price when I took my blood sugar when I returned home after the program in the main church. I was not feeling very well. My blood sugar was 267. I took a 6 unit shot of Novolog to decrease my blood sugar.
I thought I would get a post done before preparing for bed and taking my final blood sugar reading for the night and taking my Lantus shot and medications. My friend, Connie, was online. She wanted help with one of her websites, Shawnbidness. I have been working with her for a while in maintaining her website when she needs changes made. So we worked for 2 hours on her website making necessary changes. I still have a list to continue to work on for her. Connie is a wonderful friend who writes on her blogs about being an advocate of chronic and invisible illness. She recently posted on her My Chronic Life blog about helping Disabled Online Users Association (DOUA.org) raise money. Please stop by her blog and vote for DOUA. She and I are both mentors for this wonderful organization that helps disabled people has a “Hand Up, Not a Hand Out” through teaching students to sell online through eBay or through their own website or other selling venues. We both would appreciate a vote for DOUA. Thank you!
I will continue to work on controlling my blood sugar readings. I was so proud of myself for not having to take Novolog for 4 days, because I was keeping my blood sugar more manageable. I took my night shot of Lantus and took 42 units and my medications before going to bed. I finally fell asleep at 5 AM and had to get up at 8:30, but finally got out of bed at 9:10 AM. I skipped Sunday School, but made it to church. I am amazed at the energy I have right now and not getting a nap this afternoon. Going to Club Jesus with Betty and Garnet tonight. Praying the meal doesn’t have too many carbohydrates or else I will have to start packing a meal for myself.
Sherlock of Sherlock’s Stuff has awarded this blog, Sweet Resistance, with a Prémio Dardos Award, which apparently is Italian for “Prize Darts.” Thank you, Sherlock, for including my blog in your award list!
Here’s the purpose of the award:
The Prémio Dardos is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web.
These are the rules:
1.Accept the award by posting on your blog along with the name of the person that has granted the award and a link to his/her blog.
2.Pass the award to another 10 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment, remembering to contact each of them to let them know they’ve been selected for this award.
Here are the ten blogs I’ve sent the award to (and it was hard to choose):
Connie Roberts of Brain Foggles
Tina of Mummified Times Five
Mandy of Texas Medical Freak
Spice of Spice World
Jen of Everyday Randomness
Daisy and Harley of Daisy the Curly Cat
Confessions of a Fitness Diva - make sure you click the Breast Cancer site on her post. Great cause!
E J Cooksey of Losing It - Getting Fit
Connie of My Chronic Life
I thought about Phyllis, Sandy and Joyce again yesterday. I came across something that Sandy’s husband, Doug, had given me about being an advocate for diabetes. I hadn’t even been diagnosed with diabetes at the time Doug gave me the pamphlet. I have joined the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in support through sending letters to our senators and congressmen.
I wish that Sandy, Phyllis and Joyce had been able to receive better Mesothelioma treatment to have lived longer. There is still has no cure for Mesothelioma after all this time since they died. It is a shame they all had to die with such a serious cancer.
While I was out shopping today, I went in Kmart for a few items. I happened to go by the women’s shoes. I quickly looked to see what had come in recently for the summer dress sandals. Since I wear an 8 ½ wide, I sometimes have a hard time finding shoes that fit my feet and feel comfortable. I normally wear a custom orthothodic special closed in shoe; I get so tired of wearing the same shoes most of the time. I love the pretty new colors of the fashion season and want some sandals to go with some new outfits I plan to buy. I want to wear them on the road trip with Amanda to see Christine and her family.
I spent the day working a lot around the house. I started steam cleaning the living room carpet. With 5 cats in the house, we do get a lot of cat hair. I have been vacuuming pretty regular but not pulling out the furniture from the wall. Since we have a huge sectional couch, it is hard for me to move it or part of it by myself. I was so nice to have extra help today.
Also, we went shopping today for an area rug for the spare bedroom. Since my youngest daughter moved out, I have wanted new carpet in the spare bedroom. I have not saved enough money to get all the carpet replaced in the house. We have been discussing whether to put new carpet in the living room or remove and refinish the wood flooring underneath. Anyway, we found an area rug on sale in the right color I needed. Then we proceeded to go look for a new comforter, because my youngest daughter whom works at that store told us about the great sales and clearance area. Found a comforter with the colors of the curtains in it and also the wall paint for $20 on clearance. It was originally $85.99.
While we were out in town, we decided to go to Lowe’s and get some new fencing for the dog’s kennel. One of our dogs is able to chew through galvanized chain link fencing. She has chewed in the last five years, seven different holes in the fencing and escaped along with our other female dog. We have patched the fence till we could not patch any more. While we were trying to figure out which kind of fencing to buy, an older man came up next to us. He heard us talking about the different fencing materials. He is a farmer and gave us some advice on what was the thickest and strongest fencing to get. He talked to us for a while about his farm. He also told us that a new cell tower was going to be installed on his property and that he had to buy a new gate and some fencing for another access. I congratulated him about the tower. We thanked him for his help on the fencing suggestion, which we ended up purchasing.
I stopped and talked to Jane for about 30 minutes. I promised her I would come and sit with her longer in a few days. She asked me to bring a few more things from her home to the nursing home. I am concerned about Jane. She seems depressed and admitted she has been weepy. I told her I understood about her being in pain and also about the cancellation of the California trip. I will have to go see her more as time allows.
I apologize for not being on lately. Since Jane broke her hip, I have been going to other functions. Saturday, I went to the Church Women United States Conference. I had a fun time there. I came home tired but very happy. I have noticed that my energy level is starting to get low again. Though I take vitamins and my regular medications, I need more rest. I keep going like an ever ready bunny.
Sunday, I talked to Jane on the phone before going to church. I asked her how she was feeling, she said okay. I could hear in her voice she was trying to hide that she was feeling sad. I tried to reassure her that hopefully when her son, Tim, came in June for his class reunion that she could possibly go back with him to California for a visit. I hope that Jane can still use her airline tickets then.
I went to listen to my friend, Rev. Garnet, preach on Sunday afternoon. We went to Club Jesus. On the way there, my friend, Betty, talked to me about the situation of Helen. As we arrived at Club Jesus, Betty was walking toward the building with another lady that rode with us; I started to cry. Garnet saw that something was wrong and came back across the street by me and we talked for a few minutes and she prayed over me. I felt better after the prayer. I went to the ladies room and washed my face so hopefully Betty would not see how upset I had gotten. I put my “best face” on and tried to enjoy the evening. During the time there, Betty kept calling me a name which I am not going to type here because of the negativity it implies. Garnet looked at me every time Betty called me the name. I was trying to keep my composure. I finally told Betty I was going to pray for Helen and leave the situation to God to handle.
Jane called the next morning, Monday, to let me know she had been moved. She was to be moved by ambulance to a local nursing home for care and rehab late Sunday evening. This facility is a different one than the previous one she was in with her wrist. I explained to Jane that I didn’t want to interfere with her time with Helen. I would call before coming to see if Jane felt like company or needed me to bring anything to her from her condo.
I received a phone call a little while later from Helen. She was so polite and nice in her conversation with me. My mouth was hanging open while she was speaking to me and even complimenting me. I could tell that Jane had spoken to Helen about me and all the work I had done for Jane. The tone and attitude was a major difference from the previous conversation with her. She gave me a list of things that Jane needed brought to the nursing home that Helen could not fit in her small car. I assured her I would get the items to Jane. There was not TV in Jane’s room. Jane had mentioned about a small TV in the spare bedroom. Too bad the Circuit City closed or we could have gotten her at least a bigger one that would be easier on a person’s eyes.
Tuesday, I had an appointment with Rev. Garnet to go to talk to a funeral director to get her affairs in order. Her POA is elderly and not in good health, she invited me to go with her. Garnet made some wise decision and I learned a lot after listening to the agent speak about our local state laws and what is allowed and not allowed. The pre-need plan is a smart thing investing in your end time. It will lock in the price of today’s funeral cost and no increase at the time of passing away. Their prices were very reasonable compared to other funeral homes.
By the time I got home with Garnet, I was not feeling well. I took my blood sugar and it was very low. It was 54 and I was very shaky. I am concerned about these hypoglycemic episodes. I have not taken Novolog for now 3 days. I have decreased the amount of the Lantus I take at night by 2 units to 41 from 43. So keep me in prayer. Crossing fingers hopefully I can continue to decrease these medications.
Counting the days till my oldest daughter gets here. Working on cleaning house and keeping up with laundry.
I received a phone call from Jane’s best friend, Helen. The news that I received was bad news that the night before Jane was to fly out to California, that she fell again in the living room and broke her hip. I asked Helen how it happened and she said she did not know. She informed me of the hospital Jane was in and when she was expected to have surgery. When Helen told me the surgeon’s name, I was pleased because he had been my surgeon when I broke my leg. I thanked Helen. Then I sat on my bed and cried. I knew how much going to California to her grandson’s wedding meant to Jane and I felt overwhelming sad for her.
I called another long time friend of Jane’s, my friend Betty, and told her. By the time I arrived at the hospital, Betty had ordered flowers and they had been delivered. Jane had already been taken back to surgery and Helen informed me that it would be about 45 minutes. As soon as Helen heard that Jane was out of surgery, she left to get something to eat. I could tell that Helen really didn’t like me by her attitude. I have no idea why she acts the way she does. I hardly know her.
I continued to sit there till the recovery room nurse came and told me it would be a while longer, because Jane was having trouble waking up. Later, the nurse came out and said they would be taking Jane to her room. Helen had not returned and figured she left the building or was up in Jane’s room. As we arrived upstairs, Helen was in the room. She came out and I explained to her what the recovery room nurse had told me about Jane being slow to wake up. She didn’t reply. I stayed in the hall till the staff got Jane all situated. I got to go see Jane for just a few minutes. She smiled when she saw me and told me she was glad to see me. I knew the smile was genuine for me, but I also knew that she was trying to cover up her true feeling about what happened to her. She started to tell me to go to her condo and put all the clothes away and put the suitcases in the garage. I told her not to worry about that right then, to concentrate on getting well. I gave Jane a kiss on the cheek and told her I loved her and would call the next day. Jane started to talk to me more when Helen spoke up and said in a not very kind way, “Don’t you think you should leave.” Jane became quiet and I could see she was fighting back the tears. I turned around and faced Helen and said I was leaving so Jane could get her rest, not because she told me too. As I walked down the hall, I thought about Helen’s bad attitude and her being a retired pastor’s wife. She definitely doesn’t show Christ’s love towards other people.
When I arrived home, a family member asked me how Jane was and why I looked so upset. I explained the whole event that just happened. He reminded me that maybe that Helen had been with Jane since last night after she fell and was just overtired. I promised to try hard to have a better attitude about Helen. He then informed that Betty had called and needed me to call as soon as possible.
I called Betty and she asked me what I was doing on Saturday. I told her just housework and laundry. She invited me to go to the Church Womens United State Conference. She informed me that her friend, Betty N, needed a driver for them to get to the conference. I told her no problem that I have driven in big cities before. The conference was being held in our state capital city. So I checked on Mapquest for the address she provided. Was an easy route to the conference. Betty asked about Jane and how she was doing. I explained Jane’s surgery was successful. Betty asked if Helen was there and I told her yes. Betty then proceeded to tell me about a situation in which she had a problem with Helen acting like Helen was better than Betty. I told her we need to pray for Helen, maybe all the different responsibilities she has is overwhelming her. Betty said no that is just the way Helen is, because she had known her for many years. Again, I reminded her we have to pray for Helen and leave it at Jesus’ feet. I was starting to feel drained from all the talk about the negativity about Helen and didn’t want to talk anymore about it. I told Betty I would see her in the morning to go to the conference.
I know stress is not good for me mentally nor for my diabetes. My blood sugar was elevated that night to 328. I had not even ate dinner yet. I took 6 units of Novolog and ate a salad with low carb salad dressing and a small bowl of cottage cheese. Then I prepared myself for bed knowing I had to get up early again the next morning.
I helped Jane pack for her trip to California on Wednesday. She is going to be a proud dowager grandmother at her grandson, David and bride, Ningy’s wedding. Jane has everything planned from getting a lady to drive her to the airport, unload her luggage and making sure she gets a wheelchair. Walking through the airport is too much for Jane due to her back problems and her age. I am so proud of her though getting around like she does. She is so happy to be going to this wedding finally after breaking her wrist and recovering just in time. She insisted I take her car home that evening and return it the next day. I told her it would be after Garnet’s surgery.
My youngest daughter called to tell me she had some coupons for me at 11 PM. She and I have been starting to use more coupons to save money on our grocery bill. I have plans to doing more of a facelift to my faucets. I am tired of repairing the drippy faucet in the bathroom. This last time is the third time in two years. It would be better to replace it while Hansgrohe faucet sale is going on. I will have to make a choice on the right look of the faucet.
I had to get up at 5 AM after being up till 11:15 PM the night before. I was so sleepy when I awoke. I was so glad I had my clothes laid out and the coffee maker setup and my breakfast already lay out. I took my blood sugar and it was 72. I ate a bowl of Jumbo Rice Krispies and added a few of the frozen strawberry slices. I keep several bags of fresh fruits I bought, sliced strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, in my freezer. I drank a cup of coffee and made one to go with me. I packed a granola bar in my purse in case I could not get to a place to eat properly for a while. I met my friend, Rev. Garnet, at the day surgery center at 6:30 AM. Her surgery was scheduled for 7:30. We went back at 6:45 to the small partition area to prepare Garnet for her small surgery. Nurses have a hard time starting an IV on Garnet most times. I warned the RN about this problem and Garnet’s fear of needles when Garnet went to the restroom. The RN went and got a very warm towel to wrap Garnet’s hand to make the blood veins raise. The RN was able to get the IV in Garnet’s vein the very first try. Garnet hugged the RN she was so thrilled not being poked 3 to 4 times like in the past surgeries. As they wheeled Garnet to the surgery doors, I was instructed to wait in the main waiting room for the doctor to come out and give me the results of her surgery. I got a fresh cup of coffee from the surgery center’s free machine and went in the main waiting room. Within 10 minutes, I was paged that the doctor needed to talk to me. I got concerned while waiting. I knew Garnet has a bad heart and has a pacemaker and thought that was the problem. When the doctor called me in the consulting room, he was smiling. I felt instant relief. He told me the surgery was over and that Garnet came through with flying colors. He informed me that she MUST drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day to protect her kidneys. He explained about that Garnet being a diabetic and having a stent put in every 6 months, that crystals build up from the diabetes and that is what is causing her more pain than necessary and blood in her urine. I am glad the surgeon explained about this in detail. It made me do some thinking about my diabetes and how I do not drink as much water as I should to protect my kidneys.
After Garnet was in the recovery area, I was allowed to go back to see her. She was wide awake and wanted to know what the surgeon said, I told her. She was not pleased to hear she had to drink so much water a day. I asked her if she wanted to be on dialysis. She stated no. So I told her then start drinking water instead of drinking so much diet soda pop. I told her I needed to drive Jane’s car back to Jane and I would be back shortly. I had called a family member to assist me in picking me up from Jane’s and bringing me back to the day surgery center. I wished Jane happy traveling and good luck on the trip.
I got Garnet home after getting her prescriptions filled quickly. After getting her comfortable, she took a nap and so did I for an hour. When my ride home called about picking me up, I asked Garnet if she would be okay and she said she was; so I went on home. I ended up going back to sleep after I ate lunch and not waking till after 9 PM last night. I checked my blood sugar when I woke up because I could tell it was lower. It was 109 which is in the normal range, however I had not ate dinner. So I ate a salad and a roast beef sandwich and went right back to bed.
My youngest daughter and son in law have been creating an office and study room out of one of the bedrooms in their new house. The other spare bedroom is going to be a game room. They will need proper home theater seating for this room to be able to sit and play video games or watch DVDs in there on that TV, The living room is still a work in progress. They have a large couch, a few small stands for books or plants and the new TV stand that was recently put together and the 50 inch TV is now on.
The dining room is setup with a nice size dining table, 2 chairs and a bench seat. When my oldest daughter comes to visit next month, my youngest daughter wants to have a belated “surprise” birthday party for her on the day she arrives. With the seating she has at her dining room table, we should be all able to sit around it comfortably.
I can hardly wait to see my oldest daughter. She called last night and we are planning a trip to Pennsylvania also to see her cousin, my niece and my great-niece and great-nephew. I am counting the days till she comes here, 18 days.
Today when we were in the grocery store, it was very crowded. The store was under a major reset of all their aisles and had carts full of merchandise near the front of the store. Then at the back of the store, there were cardboard displays lined up in a long row. Customers were having a problem maneuvering through the store like an obstacle course. The store aisles as I knew them were totally changed. We went back and forth across the store hunting for items that we needed to purchase for dinner. I will so glad when that grocery store finishes with their remodeling. I couldn’t wait to get home to start dinner as we had planned to eat about an hour earlier and I was starting to feel shaky with my diabetes.
