And so it goes . . .

It is June 5th and all the excitement is over.  Matt has officially graduated from high school.  The Party is over.  Family has come and gone.  I have driven across the country twice - a total of 44 hours on the road.  My nephew Brandon has graduated high school.  And I have recovered.  Yesterday I enjoyed having Trinity with me for a little while . . . watched as she created the beginning of a new booklet (her favorite thing to do), but this time on the computer.  We ate grapes together and watched Scooby Doo.  And finally, when all the hub-bub is over, I return to my quiet little oasis.  I exercised in the pool, all by myself.  I walked in the pool.  I skimmed leaves from the pool.  I swam in the pool.  And I bicycled in the pool (on my favorite float).  The ultimate then was reading on the pool deck.  Oh, yes, it's feelin' like summer.  After severe thunderstorms the day and night before, the clouds broke and there was nothing but blue skies and the warmth that temps in the 80's bring.  The pool officially was 82 degrees!!!!  So I soaked it all in . . . the quiet, the warmth, the end of ACT's, College applications, finals and a diploma.  I have thoroughly enjoyed having a Senior Year occur in the household.  But now . . . it's Summer.

Fall is in the air

It's hard to believe that the air is getting cooler, and our highs are in the 70's and 80's this week.  Every year I think I am going to be able to exercise and swim in the pool through the month of September, but every year once school starts I usually get two good weeks in the pool.  But I'm blessed for that.

The plants that have survived the terrible heat and drought of the summer are getting green with regrowth, and give the hope of beautiful plants this Fall!

So, I thought I would be able to work . . . and worked for my Dr. K. doing marketing and started getting into the insurance part of the business and just totally stressed out.  Well, I guess not having access to my own car kind might of had something to do with the stress.  If I needed to go in for networking events (which at a minimum was twice a week) I would have to go in with Cristyane when she would go in for school, and basically have to stay in town all day to save gas.  That meant either doing errands, or going somewhere that had wifii and get some work done.  But still, I couldn't throw a load of laundry in while I was working, and get dinner going, or whatever.  And before I knew it I was absolutely overwhelmed . . . so I quit.

So looking for something else to do, something that would help get some of the clutter out of this house, I listed a bunch of books that are around on Amazon.com.  I have had two orders already, and I just finished putting them in in the wee hours of this morning!  Way, cool.

Cris came home with her schedule for her last trimester of Massage Therapy school . . . it's going to be busy, and she's still trying to figure it all out.  But December can't come soon enough for her!   I'm so proud of her, and the grades she has been getting.  She will begin internships in October and is looking forward to working with cancer patients at an Oncology Clinic, and doing massages at a fitness center, as well.  She is looking forward to meeting with the person who helps with their job placements . . . this trimester will be one of looking forward to using the skills she has learned.

Matt is in school, and taking two college courses through our local community college.  It is his Senior Year, one that he is looking forward to enjoying to the fullest!  I think it is so funny, he has two choir classes, two band classes, too.  Hmmmm, I wonder where his interests lay!  The marching band had their premiere last night, and they are doing their version of "Phantom of the Opera".    What I've heard is REALLY good!  He is also involved in ACE (academic challenge in education - or something like that).  This will be his third year in ACE, and he is quite well-schooled in the process of it all now.

Karl has been working hard at work, and repairing our back deck.  I haven't been out there but once or twice all summer, because it always felt as if it could give way . . . and I'm not the tiniest . . . so it worried me.    
Anywho, he has been busy working on that this week, and perhaps tomorrow as well.

Our weekends seem to be made up of going to church.  If we get credit for that in heaven, we will have double the credits!  We usually go to my church (Springtown SDA Church) on Saturday, and to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Sunday for Karl and Mom.  We study the lessons for both Sabbath- and Sunday Schools.  And I'm exhausted by the end of the weekend.  But for 12 years Karl has attended my church with me, so it's the least I can do, to support him.  I may not be able to do that once Cris starts back to school in October, though, because she has clinicals on Sunday afternoons, and right now we are on the 1-4pm schedule at the LDS church.

It's late . . . and I must close.  I'll try to write here more often.  :0)

Since last posting . . .

Wow, no postings since October 24th.  Let's see, since then I have continued my treatment, but due to stress have not done well.  I had 5 days of 0 pain . . . then had a couple of bad falls on my knees . . . decreased my pain meds, overseen by my internal med dr . . . was in incredible pain again . . . went back on my full meds . . . and finished the daily treatments (because I'd used up all the money I'd pre-paid).  So here I am.

I am not one to make New Year's Resolutions.  I don't, because they always get broken.  But what I do have is a renewed sense of the need to take control of my physical life to the best of my abilities.  Fibromyalgia is so limiting because of the chronic pain.  It is a two-edged sword when it comes to exercise, especially when as large as I am.  You need exercise, but you have to start very small and build your way up, otherwise you are in so much pain you are down for the day. But I have a plan, and I began it last week, and so far so good.  Although my favorite exercise is in the water, I have been in so much pain and fatigue I have gone back to using my Gazelle, which I can do at home. 

I am also being more "aware" of what I eat, and am making better choices of what I put into my body.  I am NOT ON A DIET.  I am having healthy food in the house, to eat raw or cook with, so the meals will be good, no matter what I and Cristyane make.  I'm busy doing research on fibro-specific foods that are better than others to help minimalize the pain.

What a wonderful trip we had back to Maryland for Christmas!  We left Christmas Eve and returned New Year's Eve.  Because of flight delays, it was actually 2am Christmas morning before we arrived in Maryland.  We all stayed the night with mom and dad Christmas Eve/Day until Matt, Cris, Don and Trinity decided to head for the beachhouse, for they received word that their Granddad Lamastra was in the hospital and in very grave condition.  They all spent a couple days at the beachhouse and spent time with their Dad, Cindy, Grandmom, and Uncle Mike.  When they returned to MD Cris, Don took a couple days to see their close friends, and Nana got some special Trinity time.  Trinity kept just going around hugging everyone, for she was so glad to see them!!!!  While everyone was away, Karl and I got some good time with Mom and Dad.  Some nice, relaxing, quiet time.  That was good for us all.

Now that we're all back, Don has gotten a job in Harrison, AR (about 2 hrs away) and has found a 1 br cabin he will stay in temporarily.  His employer has a 90 day temp to perm program, so Cris and Trinity are staying with us so Trinity can finish out her school year in West Fork, and Cris can still work her Home Health job.  After the 90 days, and the school year is over they will make more certain arrangements as a family.

I am keeping busy. . . I am the "webmaster" for our church website: http://www.springtownchurch.org/.  I am no longer on the church Steering Committee, but am on the Pastoral Team and in the midst of taking over the church clerk duties.  And, finally, I am the facilitator of the NWA Fibromyalgia Warriors, a new support group I have formed.   My God, my family, my church and my support group provide purpose, direction and meaning for my life.  Although none of these are paying positions, I know they are my highest priorities on this earth, and I thank my precious heavenly Father for these opportunities each day.

I love Thursdays

I love Thursdays.  Several months ago (maybe even a year now) Karl started working from home on Thursdays.  The reason he did this is because I was getting so heavily medicated that he was worried about me driving into town for doctor appointments.  So Thursday became the day for waking up to a husband fast at work in the office in his PJ's, and a day that I learned to "share my space" with someone else in the house.  Before long we got it down to a science.  I would have an early afternoon appointment, which would guarantee a quite lunch together while we were in town.

Now that I go for three treatments, two hours apart in a day, we have had to adjust our schedule somewhat.  I found that on other days, if I would take my laptop with me, I was guaranteed to get some things accomplished while I was out, using the library's wireless internet.  Or Atlanta Bread Company . . . or Schlotzky's Deli, or Village Inn . . . and the list goes on.  So NOW we go to my doctor's office, then to the library where we set up a desk  that we share - with our laptops backing up to each other's.  And Karl brings two laptops, one from home and one from work.  So he can multi-task.  I can leave my laptop all set up and go for my second and third treatments by myself . . . and Karl gets work done, and we are accomplishing much, and enjoying each other's company even more. 

So I love Thursdays.  Because I have my husband all to myself.  I don't have to share him with Matt or Don (son in law) or Cristyane (my dtr) or Trinity (granddaughter).  I'm selfish and I admit it.  I love my time with him . . . and that's all I have to say about that!  :0)

Am I really ready for this?

If I were to compare my journey through my new treatment to anything, it would be to "The Awakening".  My mind has begun to get much clearer, and I am remembering experiences with my young family, I am finding my sense of humor, I am remembering how to do things on the computer that I haven't done in forever. It is like I am slowly waking up to who I used to be.

Before I was led to my current treatment, I was asked to be part of the ministerial team at our church.  We began as a group who were hand-selected by our pastor to support him initially by prayer. 
We became prayer warriors for our pastor, our local church, our worldwide church, and for spreading the gospel.  It has been through this group that I have been blessed with prayer specifically for my health.  Not at my suggestion, but rather of the suggestion of one of the brothers in there.  One morning as we gathered before services, the Holy Spirit inspired one of the brothers to have an hour of prayer just for my health.  It was the most awesome experience . . . and it was later that day that I had scheduled to go to a seminar on this new treatment journey.  I started the next Monday in treatment, and it has been a true Godly experience, for I know it has been an answer to prayer.

Ok, so for just a bit more background information, we have done a 40-day study of prayers and devotions to prepare for the second coming.  We chose prayer partners, and prayed throughout the week together for the 40 days - and discussed each week what we had studied, and how it was impacting our lives.  It was such an impactful study that we decided to present it to the church as a "mini study", which begins this evening.

So . . . .more to the subject of this posting, I have prepared a Power Point presentation for the first night, tonight, when I and my partner Dan will be presenting on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  It truly has been a God-thing to be blessed with what to put in the slides, what points are the ones we need to bring to light.  So tonight is not really my debut of speaking again, but my Heavenly Father speaking through me.  I am excited, yet anxious, and also humbled to be used in this way again!  I think I'm ready . . .

Wow - has it really been 4 months since I've blogged????

I am the first to admit that my life has been put on hold, literally, for longer than I care to remember.  Fibromyalgia has taken over my life for the past 6 years since I have had a "name" to put with all my symptoms. 

I am here to tell you that I have had the first pain-free weekend  in forEVER (in fact I've been totally pain free for the past 5 days in a row)!  This is a first, and I though I'd blog about what my new miracle treatment is for myself, and the many other patients that have found Dr. Katinka. 

For the past 7 weeks I have been in treatment four days a week, 3 times a day.  The treatment I have had is called "menengeal decompression", and it is something that my Dr. has been specially trained in by the Neurologic Relief Centers.  The treatment is done in the area where your central nervous system starts, near your brain stem.  As it turns out, my vertebrae and cluster of nerves are twisted, which explains the blockage of my nerves, which creates the pain I experience.  I have had xrays done, and an EMG scan, and it is amazing to see where I have started, with SO many significant abnormalities, and now to having only a couple abnormalities.  Dr. Katinka is a Chiropracter, but the procedure that is being done on me is not one that is taught at chiropractic college.  It is something that certain doctors of chiropractic are hand selected to receive the training in.

Okay, so for 7 weeks I have basically lived in Fayetteville all day Monday - Thursday.  The intensive treatment will continue through week 10 - then I'll cut down fast, going once a day for 4 days, then once a day 3 days a week, then once a day 2 days a week, then once a week, then once every other week, for the remainder of a year.  This basically will be something that I will continue to go in for treatment for every other week for life probably, but I will GLADLY do that to feel this good - and even better as I work my strength back up, I hope!

From the time I met Dr. K at the seminar she gave, through today, you just feel that there is something very special about her.  She is always upbeat and smiling, no matter how busy her day becomes.  She attributes much of that to the fact that for years she was frustrated with fibromyalgia patients, not knowing what to do with them, because mainstream chiropractic doesn't help.  Now she has had success in 90% of all her fibromyalgia patients, and says it is so it is exciting to be able to offer this treatment to patients, and see their progress. 

I have had a very good friend who moved to Oklahoma, and we're about 2 hrs away from each other, and her fibromyalgia had gotten so bad that she was on morphine at home and waiting to die. She is now through two weeks of treatment, and the brightness is back in her eyes, in her smile, and in her voice.  After one treatment she felt significantly better, as I did.  It is so exciting to see her getting "herself" back, and having the hope now of leading a life again! 

God is good . . . he has blessed. . . and I take it one day at a time.  I am begining to get my energy back, and look forward to being able to start exercising again!

In the meantime I have begun a fibromyalgia support group for Northwest Arkansas, since there wasn't any, and it gives me a sense of something to do that has a viable purpose.  It is a loving, caring, UPBEAT group (no complainers) - but a place where people can tell their experiences, and their feelings, and others truly understand them.  We're called the NWA Fibromyalgia Warriors.  And yes, I felt I've fought the good fight! :0)

The end of OUR school year is nearing

3You can always tell when the end of a school year is approaching, mainly because of the assorted programs that you have to attend, or the increased level of responsibility of one's child as they are hurriedly trying to get all make-up work turned in.  This has been a year much different than others in the past.  Matthew has been 15, which in my children has always been THE year that they must be "becoming of age" or "feeling their oats", for it is when the grades slack off. 

For Matthew, his favorite classes are choir and band.  He has been in the choir since 7th grade, and is in his first year of band.  Music has been an incredible influence in his life.  I marvel at the fact that the public schools here have absolutely no problem singing spiritual songs in choir.  In fact, their best performances are of spiritual songs.  It has done my soul so much good to attend their concerts!! 

Something worth saying here, is that Matthew began his school years in  private Christian schools.  Because of the small size of the private schools, there was always a family atmosphere, and an air of familiarity with all the students.  Similarly, Matthew has found this sense of "family" in the music department of his High School.  Between band and choir, 120 of the 400 (more or less) that make up the student body, are part of the music program there.  Much of the positive environment is due to two wonderful, Christian men ... who love music, and love young people, and it shows!

So now we've had the Spring Choir concert . . . and the Spring Band concert . . . Matt has attended training this week, and tried out for Drum Major, and Memorial Day Weekend is here, and next week will be final exams.  Here we are ending the year . . . and Matt has brought all of his grades back up . . . and all is good with the world.  As of next Friday, my buddy will be home with me.  I like that.  We have good conversations . . . and he helps with tasks around the house more. 

But I can feel the summer coming and going in almost an instant.  Last day of school June 3, to Alaska June 12-22, Matt to Maryland for a couple weeks around July 4 . . . pre-weeks start August 2nd, which is intensive Marching Band practice for three weeks, Ron & Julie (my brother and sister-in-law) and family will come visit us for the first time for a few days in the first couple weeks of August, and first day of school August 23.

Hmmmm . . . hope we can find him a summer job! :0) Hope someone can be ultra flexible with him being there!!! :0)